FirstKey Homes Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

FirstKey Homes has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, information technology, staff coordination, human resources, and legal affairs.

Focused on providing high-quality single-family rental housing, FirstKey Homes prioritizes operational excellence and resident satisfaction to drive sustainable growth across the competitive real estate market.

Leadership Roles at FirstKey Homes

  • Chief Operating Officer - Matt James
  • Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer - Anthony Wong
  • Chief Information Officer - Robert Burkart
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Alanna Mahone
  • Chief Legal Officer - Thomas DeRue
  • Matt James - Chief Operating Officer

    Matt James, the Chief Operating Officer at FirstKey Homes, directs all property management and maintenance operations across the national portfolio. Overseeing the daily performance of thousands of single-family rental units, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that property standards remain high while optimizing cost-efficiency. This leadership role involves managing large-scale vendor relationships and streamlining the resident experience from move-in to move-out. By implementing data-driven maintenance protocols, Matt James directly impacts the operational health of the company. Furthermore, the Chief Operating Officer collaborates with regional directors to scale property services in alignment with corporate expansion goals. Through rigorous oversight of field operations, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the integrity of the rental assets. This focus on operational precision supports the broader mission of providing reliable housing solutions while maximizing asset value for stakeholders in the competitive real estate sector.

    Anthony Wong - Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer

    Anthony Wong, the Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer at FirstKey Homes, manages the strategic execution of operational priorities and cross-departmental initiatives. Facilitating communication between the Chief Operating Officer and various business units, the Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer ensures that organizational goals remain synchronized. This leadership role involves analyzing operational performance metrics and identifying opportunities for process improvement across the rental portfolio. By coordinating high-priority projects, Anthony Wong directly supports the implementation of the company's core operational strategy. The Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer also prepares executive briefings and manages the flow of information to ensure the leadership team maintains focus on critical business outcomes. Through the management of complex workflows, the Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer drives organizational alignment and efficiency. This role remains essential for maintaining the pace of growth and operational excellence within the company.

    Robert Burkart - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Burkart, the Chief Information Officer at FirstKey Homes, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the entire single-family rental platform. Managing the enterprise technology stack, the Chief Information Officer drives the integration of property management software and data analytics tools to enhance decision-making. This leadership role involves securing sensitive resident data and ensuring the scalability of digital systems during periods of rapid portfolio growth. By modernizing the technological framework, Robert Burkart directly improves the efficiency of leasing and maintenance workflows. The Chief Information Officer also coordinates with the executive team to align digital transformation initiatives with long-term business objectives. Through the deployment of advanced cybersecurity measures, the Chief Information Officer protects the company against emerging digital threats. This commitment to technological innovation ensures that the company remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the rental market.
    Robert Burkart

    Alanna Mahone - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Alanna Mahone, the Chief Human Resources Officer at FirstKey Homes, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture strategies. Overseeing the workforce requirements for a geographically dispersed team, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company attracts and retains top-tier talent capable of managing single-family rental assets. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures and performance management systems that incentivize excellence across all departments. By fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth, Alanna Mahone directly impacts the productivity and engagement of the entire organization. The Chief Human Resources Officer also collaborates with the executive team to align human capital strategies with the company's broader business objectives. Through the implementation of comprehensive training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer prepares the workforce for the challenges of the real estate industry. This focus on human capital ensures the company maintains a competitive advantage in the labor market.
    Thomas DeRue, the Chief Legal Officer at FirstKey Homes, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies for the single-family rental portfolio. Overseeing complex real estate transactions and property law matters, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company operates within the bounds of federal and state regulations. This leadership role involves managing litigation, drafting corporate contracts, and advising the board on governance issues. By proactively addressing legal risks, Thomas DeRue directly protects the company's assets and reputation. The Chief Legal Officer also coordinates with external counsel to navigate the intricacies of property management law across various jurisdictions. Through the development of robust compliance frameworks, the Chief Legal Officer supports the company's expansion efforts while minimizing exposure to liability. This dedication to legal integrity provides the foundation for the company's stable growth and long-term success in the real estate sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding FirstKey Homes Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads FirstKey Homes?
    FirstKey Homes is led by Matt James (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Anthony Wong (Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer) and Robert Burkart (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of FirstKey Homes’s executive team?
    The executive team of FirstKey Homes includes leaders such as Matt James (Chief Operating Officer), Anthony Wong (Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer), Robert Burkart (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does FirstKey Homes have?
    FirstKey Homes has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in FirstKey Homes’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of FirstKey Homes includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Legal Officer.