About Us

R. Sterling Kelly III - CEO

Co-founded Burkely in 1990, 40 years in the industry

• Shapes Burkely as a people-centered, learning organization that strives continually to excel in meeting customers’ needs and to create value.

• Integrates the best in broad organizational and business solutions into a differentiated model of building great apartment communities

• Chair, Steering Committee for Building the Best Guilford Initiative

• Past Chair, Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition (TREBIC)

• Past President, Piedmont Triad Apartment Association Board of Directors (PTAA)

Jody C. Longwill - VP of Operations

24 years with Burkely and 37 years in the industry; CAM,CAPS

• Knows the organization deeply, having joined Burkely at the genesis of the current Burkely business model, and plays an integral part in its evolution.

• Instills in team members the principles that constitute the Burkely model, leading and training by example.

• Proficient in operationalizing the brand—that is, managing and living it.

• Past President, Apartment Association of North Carolina (AANC).

• Past President, Piedmont Triad Apartment Association (PTAA).

Stafford Kelly - Vice President of Development & Acquisition

Joins Burkely as a New Partner; following 13 years in commercial and real estate lending

• Leads Burkely’s business development efforts in acquisition and development opportunities

• Responsible for identifying, underwriting and securing optimal capital for new investments

• Member of Burkely’s executive leadership team

Paul E. Zechinati - Director- Accounting, HR

14 years with Burkely and 15 years in the industry

• Oversees and helps manage financial resources for the company
• Supports clients through timely, accurate financial reporting and community managers through stewardship of financial resources (i.e., cash flow)
• Promotes responsible, ethical accounting standards and practices
• Manages Human Resources administration and payroll
• Ensures compliance with NC Real Estate Commission rules as Broker-in-Charge

Donna P. Broyhill - Sr. Management

22 years with Burkely and 26 years in the industry; CAM.

• Has been integral in building the Burkely model from its earliest days and knows the organization deeply.

• Helps others understand the link between effort and results; analyzes results to identify where improvement is needed.

• Knows the tools and systems that help an organization understand how to use them to perform at ever-higher levels.

Suzanne Gray - Sr. Management

12 years with Burkely; 26 years in the industry.

• Thrives in—and sees clearly where and how to apply basic, solutions-oriented management practices to—varied property management challenges.

• Perceptively links performance and results and helps others see the connection.

• Leads Burkely’s rental homes/commercial management division
  Real Estate Broker- (In Charge Eligible).

Tim Litchfield - Director of Innovation/Regional

9 years with Burkely; 17 years in the Industry

• Thrives when he is generating and executing ideas and takes pride in leading a team that exceeds expectations

• Believes leadership is best when built upon integrity and in service to the team

• In his spare time, you’ll find him hanging out with his wife and son at the beach or at a fiddle festival

• Piedmont Triad Apartment Association Diamond Award winner: 2008 & 2013

Michelle Jordan - Director of Marketing

16 years with Burkely and 17 years in the industry; NALP

• Deep knowledge of the apartment and student rental markets in Boone and the Piedmont Triad NC

• Comprehensive experience in apartment/rental advertising.

• Brings a strong understanding of effective apartment marketing (i.e. what works for residents)

• Piedmont Triad Apartment Association Diamond Award Winner: 2005, 2010, 2018

Brian Williams - Director of Maintenance

19 years with Burkely; CAMT

• Sets the Burkely standard in delivering a high-quality, physical environment

• Serves as the organization’s point-person in engaging vendors, contractors and suppliers who can help extend the brand

• Piedmont Triad Apartment Association Diamond Award winner: 2004, 2008, 2014

Mark Everhart - Regional Manager

9 years with Burkely

• Is an integral and trusted leader in Burkely’s Student Housing division

• Leads and supports Burkely in areas of Risk Management

• Has knowledge and expertise in the tools and systems that help Universities manage and oversee their off-campus housing

Carrie Langley - Operations Coordinator

13 years with Burkely and 24 years in the industry; CALP, CAM

• Thorough knowledge of apartment management operations, employee engagement, and building long term partnerships

• Supports corporate team in ensuring objectives are met and operations run efficiently

• Vice Chair of Education Committee, Apartment Association of North Carolina (AANC)

• Piedmont Triad Apartment Association Diamond Award Winner: 2004 and NAA Education Institute Advanced Facilitator Trainer

Jordan Davis - Human Resources & Accounting Manager

13+ years in the industry; CAM

• Assists all properties and homes with their accounting

• Responsible for auditing and financial reporting

• Collaborates with theneeds including in-depth knowledge of the management software, Appfolio and Entrata Training Director to create a successful employee onboarding experience

• Point of contact for employees with HR, payroll, and benefits questions

Dion Harris - Director of Learning and Development

*14+ years in the industry

• Organizes communications between Aggie Life and students of North Carolina A&T University.

• Assists, develops, and schedules training for all staff.

• Chair of the DEI committee for the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association along with membership of the National Apartment Association DEI committee and PTCREW.