Leadership Team

Joe Funkhouser
President, Principal Broker, CRB, DSA, REALTOR®

Joe Funkhouser is a real estate industry leader. He has been recognized at the highest level of the National Association of REALTORS as a Distinguished Service Award recipient. Joe is currently serving his tenth year on the Virginia Real Estate Board and has served as chairman during six years. He was Virginia's REALTOR of the Year in 1989 and was inducted into the Virginia Association of REALTORS Hall of Fame as a charter member in 2007.

Within the Shenandoah Valley community, Joe is currently serving James Madison University Foundation Board and Chairman of the Rockingham Healthcare Corporation. He has previously served in various roles throughout the Valley including campaigns to benefit United Way, Multiple Sclerosis, Red Cross, Blue Ridge Community College, and JMU Athletics. 

Joe brings to the Funkhouser Real Estate Group a wealth of real estate knowledge from his experience as a salesperson, broker and REALTOR® Association volunteer at all levels. His lengthy resume includes service to the Virginia Association of REALTORS as President in 1986, member of its Strategic Planning Committee, Board of Directors, RPAC Trustee, and Past President Advisory Council.  His service to the National Association of REALTORS® includes member of the Enlarged Leadership Team, Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Internet Strategy Task Force.  

Within Funkhouser Real Estate Group, Joe serves the associates as a leader, educator and problem solver. He commits himself to being available around the clock for all associates to assist with client’s needs.


Kemper Funkhouser 
Chief Operating Officer, Supervising Broker, MBA, REALTOR®

Kemper has over 20 years of experience in real estate marketing and brokerage, which includes a portfolio of residential and commercial properties throughout the Shenandoah Valley. As Chief Operating Officer and Supervising Broker of Funkhouser Real Estate Group, Kemper oversees all the company’s daily operational functions.

He is currently the Chair of the Commonwealth of Virginia Real Estate Board, the state's real estate licensing authority.  He also serves on the National Association of REALTORS Board of Directors and the Virginia REALTORS RPAC Disbursements Committee.  In 2021 he was recognized as the Virginia REALTORS - REALTOR of the Year. In 2020 he was the President of the Virginia REALTORS and served on its Board of Directors from 2011 to 2021.  He is a Past President of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS and the 2009 recipient of its REALTOR of the Year award.  In 2014, he was the recipient of the Virginia REALTORS Code of Ethics Award.

Kemper has served the National Association of REALTORS as its 2013 Chair of the Professional Standards Committee and a member of the strategic planning, business issues,  real property valuation, and professional standard interpretations committees.  He is also a graduate of the 2008 National Association of REALTORS Leadership Academy.

Kemper has a Master of Business Administration degree from James Madison University and Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from James Madison University. He is also a certified instructor of REALTOR® Ethics and an adjunct professor of real estate at James Madison University.


Elizabeth Kistler
Relocation Director & Property Management Advisor, REALTOR®

Elizabeth has been licensed with the company for over 12 years and has worked in real estate for 17 years. She has an extensive background in property management and has managed both single detached homes and large multi-family developments. Today, Elizabeth serves Funkhouser Real Estate Group as the Relocation Director and Property Management Advisor. 

Elizabeth is currently serving on the Virginia Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors. She is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® Communications Committee where she has served for over 4 years. She is a past Chair of the Virginia Property Management Coalition and past member of the Virginia Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy.

Elizabeth is a graduate of James Madison University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.

 


Pete Laver
Director of Business Development, Associate Broker, REALTOR®

Pete Laver is the Director of Business Development.  He assists associates with increasing the productivity of their business with a focus on providing an enhanced level of service to clients. Pete's work with associates includes business planning, implementation and marketing.  He also assists associates with risk management, contract review, transaction advisement, and education.  New associates work closely with Pete to implement proven systems in order to build a solid business foundation.

Pete has a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Science and Technology with a minor in Human Resources Development from James Madison University.  Pete has operated a successful real estate sales business spanning two decades and is a top producer in the Shenandoah Valley. As an active member of two Multiple Listing Services, he has experience listing and selling property in Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Augusta counties, and Northern Virginia.  

Pete is an Associate Broker in the Harrisonburg office and is a licensed contractor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He and his wife Kyle, live in Rockingham County and have four kids; Brooks, Owen, Leigha & Derek. 

 


Allie Coffey
Woodstock Office Sales Manager, Associate Broker, REALTOR®

Born and raised in Shenandoah County, VA, Allie is a proud alumna of Central High School and James Madison University, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in 2011.  Inspired by her grandmother and mother, both successful in real estate, Allie developed a passion for the industry early on, which continues to drive her today.

In 2021, Allie obtained her Associate Broker’s license and followed it with her GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) in 2023. Her dedication, professionalism, and expertise were recognized when she was honored as the REALTOR OF THE YEAR by the Massanutten Association of REALTORS® in Shenandoah County for 2023.

Supported by her husband, Brandon, Allie cherishes her role as a devoted mother to two lively boys and a precious girl. In her free time, she enjoys the serenity of the Shenandoah River, cherishing family moments, and providing exceptional service to her real estate clients.

Connect with Allie today and experience the difference!

 


Angie Grogg 
Director of Marketing and Support Services

Angie Grogg, originally from the Augusta County area, is a native of the Shenandoah Valley.  She holds an AAS Degree in Office Administration from Blue Ridge Community College and has successfully completed the Principles of Real Estate course. Currently, Angie is dedicated to pursuing an extensive certification program in Digital Marketing and eCommerce.

With a tenure of nearly 30 years, Angie has been a valuable member of the Funkhouser Real Estate Group team.  Throughout her time here, she has gained experience and expertise in various aspects of the company.

Angie, together with her husband and two children, currently resides in eastern Rockingham County. During her leisure time, she finds joy in crafting, camping, and spending quality time with her dogs and family. Whenever possible, Angie cherishes the opportunity to create lasting memories in destinations like the Outer Banks or Buggs Island.

 


Jen Chapman
Director of Client ServicesAssociate Broker, REALTOR® 

Jen Chapman was born in Northern Virginia and moved to the Shenandoah Valley as a child.  She feels fortunate to have grown up in such a beautiful area of Virginia.

Jen has over 16 years of experience in real estate including residential sales and property management.  She currently serves as Director of Client Services. Her knowledge and understanding of the real estate market play an important part in helping implement initiatives within the company to ensure client satisfaction.  Jen has also served on Virginia REALTORS® Risk Management Committee and Standard Forms Committee.

Jen resides in Rockingham County with her husband where they raised two children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, being outdoors and reading a good book.

 

 


Katie Kidd-Johnson - Director of Property Management, REALTOR®

As a fifth generation Rockingham County native with over 15 years of experience in the property management industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in optimizing property performance and delivering exceptional service. My journey in property management has equipped me with the skills and insights needed to effectively navigate the ever-changing landscape of this dynamic industry.

What sets me apart as a property management professional is my commitment to building strong relationships. I believe in fostering open lines of communication, collaborating with property owners, tenants, and stakeholders to create an environment of trust and transparency. By understanding their unique needs and goals.

I take pride in staying ahead of industry trends and have served at the state level on the Virginia Association of REALTORS Property Management Council since 2022. When I am not serving our clients, I enjoy spending time with family and friends taking in live music at many of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County’s lively venues.

Our team of Property Management professionals strive to provide you with peace of mind and exceptional service. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and exceed your expectations.


Zilda Baker - Assistant Property Manager, REALTOR®

Zilda Baker graduated from James Madison University in 2009 with her Bachelor of Art in Dance. She has taught dance and cheerleading in several studios throughout Harrisonburg and Bridgewater.  In 2015 she transitioned her career to working in Home Owner Association Management & Property Management. She obtained her Real Estate License in 2016 and has worked extensively with property management with Students and Residents of Harrisonburg.  In her current position as Assistant Property Manager with Funkhouser Real Estate Group she coordinates maintenance requests, lease renewals, and general tenant inquires. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, working out, and spending time with her family and pets.

 

 


Stephanie Sherfey-Barnes - Luray Office Administrator 

Stephanie Sherfey-Barnes, a proud native of Page County serves as an Office Administrator of Funkhouser Real Estate Group in the Luray office.  Stephanie brings a caring, compassionate nature and a willingness to lend a hand and a warm smile.

Stephanie graduated from Page County High School in 1997 and dedicated 20 years of her career to Wrangler Jeans Co. before transitioning into a new career path with Funkhouser Real Estate Group.  She currently resides in Stanley with her husband Tim and their three children, Justin, Kylee, and Carlee.  

Stephanie enjoys spending her free time with her family, especially her new grandson, and her dogs. 

 


Sue Emswiler - Woodstock Administrative Assistant

Sue was originally born in Montgomery County Maryland and moved to Virginia in 1961 as both her parents were from the Shenandoah Valley.  Sue began her career in real estate in 2002, starting out as Association Executive (AE) of the Massanutten Association of Realtors before becoming an Administrative Assistant with Funkhouser Real Estate Group in the Woodstock office in 2012.

Sue is married to David Emswiler who is also an associate with Funkhouser Real Estate Group, Woodstock.  She has a son and daughter, 2 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, and is a great grandmother to 4 energetic grandsons ranging in ages from 4 to 8 years old.

In her spare time, Sue enjoys sewing crafty projects and sharing them with her friends and fellow co-workers, participating with church functions and enjoying the peace and serenity of the Shenandoah Valley.

 


Emma Chapman - Elkton Administrative Assistant

Emma grew up in Rockingham County and is a graduate of Spotswood High School.  She developed a strong background in property management while serving as a property management assistant specializing in off campus housing.  Emma also has experience in HOA management that she gained during her time living in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

After moving back to the area, Emma was eager to expand on her previous experiences and is excited to have joined Funkhouser Real Estate Group as the Administrative Assistant for the Elkton office.

In her free time, Emma enjoys creating art and music, cooking, as well as spending time with her friends and family.