Zach has a long history of involvement at First Lutheran. He was baptized by Pastor Peel in 1988 when he was two years old. He attended Sunday School and was later confirmed by me in 2001. Following confirmation Zach was very involved in the youth program at First. He also was involved in the handbell program beginning in second grade and continuing through high school.

With a talent for music, Zach was also involved in the music program at Pine Creek High School playing guitar, viola, stand-up bass and electric bass. He participated in the marching band, concert band, wind ensemble, symphonic and jazz bands. Outside of school he participated in the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony and Pikes Peak Regional High School All-Star Jazz Band.

Upon graduation from high school, Zach was awarded a music scholarship for handbells at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. There he was assistant director of the Hastings College handbell choir and helped organize the first annual Hastings College Handbell Festival. He majored in low bass instruments and participated in the marching band, concert band, wind ensemble, brass, string quartets and jazz band.

Upon graduation from college he became the full-time Director of Youth Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Nebraska. His position at the church involved him in all aspects of youth ministry as well as handbell director, senior high Sunday School teacher and confirmation coordinator. In addition, he was the district youth coordinator for the United Methodist Conference of Nebraska.

Zach has experience working as a camp counselor and trainer at Camp Fontanelle in Fontanelle, Nebraska. He is certified as a trainer in Safe Sanctuaries, a program for child-youth protection policies and practices. He currently works in special education at Fountain Ft. Carson High School.