Freedom To Serve

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Damian joined The Chesapeake’s team as director of wellness home care in early 2020. Prior to joining the team, he served seniors in a primary care physician group in the Tidewater area for more than six years. He has more than 25 years of hospitality experience working for hotels such as Marriott, Best Western and Choice Hotels.

He retired from the military after 31 years of service including two deployments to Iraq. Damian graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master in Business Administration from Strayer University.

Damian and his wife reside in Newport News with their two children.