Meet Zach Melder

Zach Melder is a Christian, husband, father, churchman, businessman, and community leader dedicated to serving Lynchburg.

After growing up in Minnesota, Zach left his contracting business to move to Lynchburg and attend Liberty University. Following graduation, he continued his education by attending seminary in North Carolina while remaining rooted in the Lynchburg community

Zach has been married to his wife, Lia, for eight years, and together they have two daughters, Isabel and Sophia. Isabel is a student at New Covenant Schools, and Sophia keeps the family on their toes with her diaper changes and endless curiosity.

Zach has been deeply involved in local church leadership, teaching Sunday School, preaching, and even helping train pastors overseas. While he values that work, he ultimately felt called to serve through business, where his skills and leadership could make a broader impact.

Today, Zach serves as Branch Manager at Alcova Mortgage, where he has led consistent year-over-year growth in closed volume. Through his daily interactions with residents, he has gained firsthand insight into the challenges facing Lynchburg families—rising housing costs, concerns about the education system, increasing crime, and a city government that often feels disconnected from its people. As a leading business leader in Lynchburg, Zach understand the demands and pressures that come with running a business and leading employees.

After watching Lynchburg City Council become increasingly divided by personality conflicts and unproductive disputes over the past several years, Zach felt called to step up and serve. He is not running for recognition or political advancement, but to restore focus, civility, and effective leadership to the council and to put the needs of Lynchburg’s citizens first.