FirstKey Homes Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on providing high-quality rental experiences, FirstKey Homes maintains a commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth within the single-family residential real estate market across the United States.

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 lifecycle of thousands of single-family rental units, the Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent service delivery and asset performance. This leadership role involves optimizing maintenance workflows and property turnover processes to maximize resident satisfaction and portfolio efficiency. By implementing data-driven operational strategies, Matt James directly impacts the company's ability to scale effectively in competitive housing markets. James coordinates closely with regional teams to maintain high occupancy rates and property standards. Through rigorous oversight of field operations, the Chief Operating Officer secures long-term value for the organization while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence in every aspect of the rental business.

    Anthony Wong - Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer

    Anthony Wong, the Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer at FirstKey Homes, manages strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects that support the operational leadership team. Coordinating complex workflows between departments, the Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer ensures that executive priorities receive consistent focus and resources. This leadership role involves analyzing operational data to identify process improvements and facilitating communication across the organization to drive alignment. By streamlining the decision-making process, Anthony Wong directly impacts the speed and effectiveness of the company's response to market demands. Wong monitors key performance indicators to track progress on major corporate goals. Through the management of high-priority projects, the Chief of Staff To Chief Operating Officer ensures that the operational vision remains cohesive, ultimately contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the single-family rental business model.

    Robert Burkart - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Burkart, the Chief Information Officer at FirstKey Homes, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the entire real estate platform. Managing enterprise software systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer drives technological innovation to streamline property leasing and resident communication. This leadership role involves integrating advanced analytics to monitor market trends and portfolio health across diverse geographic regions. By modernizing the technology stack, Robert Burkart enhances the efficiency of internal business processes and improves the overall digital experience for residents. Burkart collaborates with executive leadership to align IT investments with long-term corporate objectives. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer ensures robust data integrity and system reliability, ultimately supporting the company's mission to provide seamless rental housing solutions through cutting-edge digital tools.
    Robert Burkart

    Alanna Mahone - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Alanna Mahone, the Chief Human Resources Officer at FirstKey Homes, directs all talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement initiatives. Overseeing the human capital strategy, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the company attracts and retains top-tier professionals capable of managing a large-scale single-family rental portfolio. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs and performance management systems that align with the company's core values. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance workplace culture, Alanna Mahone directly impacts the organization's ability to execute its business strategy across multiple states. Mahone works with the executive team to cultivate leadership pipelines and ensure organizational agility. Through the implementation of modern HR policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures a motivated workforce, which remains essential for maintaining the high service standards expected in the residential real estate sector.
    Thomas DeRue, the Chief Legal Officer at FirstKey Homes, directs all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk management strategies. Overseeing the legal framework for property acquisitions and leasing operations, the Chief Legal Officer ensures the company adheres to all local and national housing regulations. This leadership role involves managing complex litigation, contract negotiations, and corporate governance matters to protect the organization's assets. By providing strategic legal counsel, Thomas DeRue directly impacts the company's ability to navigate the regulatory landscape of the single-family rental industry. DeRue collaborates with the executive team to mitigate operational risks and ensure ethical business practices across all regional markets. Through the proactive management of legal challenges, the Chief Legal Officer secures the company's reputation and financial stability, providing a solid foundation for continued growth and expansion 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.