The leadership team at The Chesapeake

At The Chesapeake, every member of our staff exhibits a personal commitment to caring, a genuine sense of purpose, and a steadfast dedication to service. As a nonprofit organization, our primary concern is always doing what’s best for residents and the community we serve. A familial relationship is both seen and felt in the sense of happiness and well-being that permeates our retirement community, giving The Chesapeake a homelike setting that’s second to none.

To learn more about our exceptional Continuing Care Retirement Community in Newport News, VA, please fill out our request form.

David Loop

David Loop

Executive Director

David assumed the position of executive director of The Chesapeake in June 2017. Entering the field of senior living administration in 1984, his career parallels the development and growth of the senior living industry.

David’s service as a senior living community executive includes prestigious retirement communities in Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan as well as in Hawaii. David’s experience includes expansion and renovation projects, hospitality program development, strategic planning and fiscal management. In his service to different organizations, he’s experienced over $500 million of development and program growth. He’s also served on numerous professional committees, state association boards and the LeadingAge House of Delegates.

Originally from Ohio, David holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University of Ohio and received a certificate in nursing home administration from The Ohio State University. He has a passion for excellent customer service and has received training from Disney, Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons.

Barbara Jackson-Ingram

Barbara Jackson-Ingram

Licensed Nursing Home Administrator

A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, Barbara Jackson-Ingram joined The Chesapeake in September 2018 as our Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. In this position, she oversees all licensed areas including the health care center, assisted living and memory support as well as the clinic. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Science degree in Administration with a concentration in Health Services from Central Michigan University. Prior to joining The Chesapeake, Barbara led the assisted living team at Lakewood in Richmond as their Administrator of Assisted Living. She has extensive experience in the senior living field and truly enjoys serving her ‘extended family’ of seniors and sharing in their wisdom. She has two children and enjoys reading, landscape photography, and writing.

Courtney Small

Courtney Small

Director of Sales & Marketing

Courtney joined the LifeSpire family in 2016 at our sister community in Richmond and came into her role as Marketing Director at The Chesapeake in 2023. She studied business at Thomas Nelson Community College and strives to combine creative vision with analytical prowess.  She hopes to deliver impactful results in today’s ever-evolving senior living landscape. Outside of her professional endeavors, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, her beloved Labrador, and enjoying many outdoor activities.

Candace Montgomery

Candace Montgomery

Director of Life Enrichment

After much success as the Fitness Director in our community, Candace was promoted to Director of Life Enrichment in 2022. A graduate of Old Dominion University, she has a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Saint Leo University. Candace is passionate about the active aging community and helping older adults foster a vibrant lifestyle. Candace and her husband enjoy spending time with their young son and golden retriever.

Rev. Dr. Uwe Scharf

Rev. Dr. Uwe Scharf

Chaplain

Rev. Dr. Uwe Scharf joined The Chesapeake in July 2020 as the community’s chaplain. Prior to beginning this position, for 20 years Scharf served as health care chaplain and clinical pastoral educator in five major teaching hospitals: The University of Virginia, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Duke University Hospital, The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. At Johns Hopkins, he was the Director of the Chaplaincy department for close to five years. Scharf continues to teach part-time at the School of Divinity at Regent University.

Scharf is from Cologne, Germany. He received his Bachelor of Divinity from the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Switzerland, Master of Sacred Theology from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and his Ph.D. in Philosophical Theology from the University of Virginia.

As chaplain, he provides faith-based education and support to the entire Chesapeake family.

Donna Yatsko

Donna Yatsko

Assisted Living Administrator

A native of New Jersey, Donna Yatsko joined The Chesapeake in July 2019 as the Director of Social Services before moving into the role of Assisted Living Administrator in November 2024. Donna received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Social Work from Rutgers University with a concentration in health, mental health and aging. Donna joined the team with many years of experience working in a Life Plan Community in New Jersey and has a passion for assisting residents and their family members during what can be a difficult time of transition and change. Donna and her husband live in Williamsburg and have three children.