BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Reverend Rodney “Rod” Ronneberg is a semi-retired Lutheran clergyman residing in Staunton, Virginia. He currently serves as pastor to Faith Lutheran Church in Staunton, Virginia and part-time pastor for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Churchville, Virginia. For 25 years he was senior pastor of St Paul's Lutheran Church in Fulton, Maryland.  

Reverend Ronneberg has been a part of the ministry of National Lutheran Communities & Services for over 18 years, having started his tenure on the board of The Village at Rockville as secretary. He became a member of the board for The Legacy at North Augusta in 2016 and rejoined the The Legacy board in 2022. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University and a Master of
Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He has
completed additional post graduate education in ecumenical, theology and worship studies at Gettysburg Seminary, St. Thomas Seminary and the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University.  

He is the author of “A Little Book of Canons,” a book of Eucharistic prayers, first published in 1997; and published again in 2011 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau. He is a member of the Society of the Holy Trinity and was the founding dean of its Chesapeake-Potomac Chapter. 

He is married with three grown children and three grandchildren. Pastor Rod was at one time a long-distance runner, but now enjoys as much bicycling as he can.

Lisa Donegan Shoaf, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D. is the dean of Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences and a professor of physical therapy at Mary Baldwin University.  Dr. Shoaf joined Mary Baldwin University in 2012 after 20 years on faculty at the department of physical therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she served as the director of clinical education. She served as the founding program director for the doctor of physical therapy program at Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences from 2012 – 2020, stepping into the role as dean in January 2021.  

Dr. Shoaf graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and from James Madison University in 1990 with a Master of Science degree in health science and sports. She completed her doctorate in education at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2002. 

Dr. Shoaf’s practice area is in orthopedics with a specialty in performing arts medicine. Her teaching areas include ethics, leadership, professional issues and more recently, developing skills in interprofessional collaboration. Dr. Shoaf’s research areas include clinical education, performing arts and interprofessional education development. 

Dr. William C. Bigelow is an oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist in Staunton, VA. He completed his dental education at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, graduating with distinction in 1978. Dr. Bigelow completed the residency program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, graduating in 1986.

Dr. Bigelow's contributions to the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery extend beyond the confines of his practice. He is a respected member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Diane Bryant's journey is a tapestry woven with diverse experiences and a profound commitment to serving others. Growing up in a Navy family, she attended schools in Australia, Italy, Japan, and the United States. Her educational pursuits led her to earn a Bachelor of Science degree, with teaching endorsements in special education and deaf/hearing impaired.

Diane's career path has been marked by a passion for making a difference in the lives of those with special needs. She commenced her professional journey as a classroom teacher at esteemed institutions such as the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind and the Texas School for the Deaf. For two decades, both in Virginia and the United Kingdom, she served as a traveling parent/infant specialist, offering invaluable support to families with infants or toddlers identified as having special needs.

In 2009, Diane's connection with The Legacy at North Augusta began, spurred by her advocacy for an elderly friend who became a resident at then-named Bentley Commons. Acting as a surrogate family member, Diane collaborated closely with various professionals, including medical, financial, social work, dietary, and ConnectiveLiving staff, to ensure her friend's well-being and comfort.

Over the years, Diane's involvement with The Legacy deepened and diversified. With the arrival of the first deaf resident in 2016, she stepped forward to bridge communication gaps by providing sign language interpreting services. Her dedication extended beyond interpretation, as she initiated sign language classes for both team members and residents, fostering inclusivity and understanding within the community.

Cyndi Walters was named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of National Lutheran Communities and Services (NLCS) in May 2021, assuming the position full time in August 2021. Prior to this role, she served as chief operating officer (COO) since 2016.

Cyndi has served at NLCS in varying capacities for nine years; first as a consultant before joining as chief operating officer in 2016. Cumulatively, Walters has over 30 years of experience in the senior living industry including a strong background in strategically growing and diversifying the organization and an enhanced focus on operating as a senior-living system and leveraging its benefits and efficiencies. Prior to joining NLCS, she provided project management and advisory services to senior living organizations through Walters Advisors, LLC. She has also served in a leadership role at Presbyterian Senior Living in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and during her 19 years at KPMG (a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services), spent significant time as a partner and leader of their National Senior Living Advisory Practice.

As president and CEO, Cyndi’s focus is strategically growing and furthering NLCS’ mission to honor, inspire and support choice and opportunity in partnership with older adults. Cyndi is an advocate for “aging with choice,” which means supporting older adults in making their own choices in aging, whether it means moving to a senior living community or bringing in supportive services to their home. She is also an advocate for team members across the organization and leads a team dedicated to ensuring NLCS remains a Great Place to Work® and an employer of choice for those who have a heart to serve older adults.

Cyndi is a native of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from York College of Pennsylvania.