Homes for Heroes has named Amit Kulkarni CEO, making permanent a leadership transition that began earlier this year as founder Ruth Johnson moves into the role of executive chairman.
Kulkarni has served as interim CEO since April and joined the organization's advisory board in November 2025. Johnson, who founded Homes for Heroes in 2002 and has led the organization since its inception, will remain involved in its mission, strategic direction, and growth.
The transition comes as Homes for Heroes approaches its 25th anniversary in 2027 and looks to expand a network that now includes roughly 2,900 real estate and mortgage professionals nationwide. The organization says it has helped more than 81,000 firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, military members, healthcare professionals, and teachers save more than $166 million through its programs.
Kulkarni brings more than 20 years of real estate industry experience spanning brokerage, proptech, online real estate portals, and multiple listing services. Most recently, he was chief marketing officer at Bright MLS, where his responsibilities included the organization's marketing strategy and work surrounding its Nestfully real estate platform.
Before joining Bright, Kulkarni spent roughly a decade at Realtor.com. Homes for Heroes says he helped grow the portal's audience from 55 million to 110 million monthly unique users during his tenure. The organization also credits him with experience leading growth initiatives across several corners of the real estate industry.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Ruth for the opportunity to lead Homes for Heroes and for entrusting me to carry on what she has built,” Kulkarni said. “She created an organization that has made a meaningful difference for tens of thousands of heroes, and I’m honored to build on that foundation.”
Founder Moves To Executive Chairman
Johnson started Homes for Heroes within her Minnesota real estate brokerage following the Sept. 11 attacks as a way for real estate professionals to give back to people serving their communities.
The organization has since grown into a national network connecting eligible homebuyers and sellers with participating real estate and mortgage professionals. Its affiliated foundation also provides grants supporting community heroes.
Homes for Heroes reported last month that its network had helped more than 80,000 people and returned $166 million in savings, while its foundation had awarded more than $2 million in grants.
Johnson said Kulkarni's combination of real estate experience and commitment to the organization's mission helped drive the decision to put him in the permanent role.
“Amit has the operational experience and real estate expertise to lead Homes for Heroes, but just as important, he shares my passion for helping the people who serve and strengthen our communities,” Johnson said.
Kulkarni had already been running the organization for several months. When he announced his interim appointment in April, he said he would oversee Homes for Heroes while Johnson took a sabbatical.
