One of the greatest benefits of Rotary membership is getting to know the remarkable people who make up our diverse club. Every member brings a unique background, career, life experience and set of interests, and learning those stories strengthens the friendships and connections that make Rotary special.
Some people spend their careers searching for the right opportunity. For Zac Lemons, that opportunity came through the power of relationships—a reminder that networking often opens doors in unexpected ways.
A lifelong East Tennessean, Zac was born at the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville and spent most of his childhood in the Karns community. After graduating from Karns High School, he continued his education at Roane State Community College before earning his accounting degree, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
His appreciation for creativity and hard work began at home. Zac’s father managed retail stores throughout the area, while his mother pursued her passion as an artist. Those influences helped shape both his work ethic and his appreciation for the talents of others.
Professionally, Zac has built an impressive accounting career across several well-known East Tennessee companies, including Clayton Homes, Vanderbilt Mortgage, Power Systems, Malibu Boats and Ministry Brands. His current role as chief financial officer for Royal Brass and Hose, headquartered in Knoxville, came about through a personal connection. A banker who knew both Zac and company president Drew McDonald suggested he would be an excellent fit for an open position—a recommendation that proved to be exactly right.
Away from the office, family remains a priority. Zac and his wife, Lisa, who is a registered nurse and spent a decade working at Parkwest Medical Center, are raising three children, ages 19, 17 and 13.
Although he’s been a member of the Rotary Club for just one year, Zac has already become a valued part of the organization. His professional accomplishments, commitment to family and willingness to build meaningful relationships reflect many of the qualities Rotary celebrates: integrity, service and community.
Please join us in getting to know Zac a little better—and see if you can spot the one statement below that isn’t true.
Three Truths and a Lie
- His mother is a talented sculptor who belonged to the Southern Highlands Craft Guild and has displayed her work at the Knoxville Museum of Art.
- He was selected to join a small group of spelunkers exploring eight miles of newly discovered caves connected to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.
- He once climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia.
- He owns a rare, brand-new original Nintendo gaming system in its original box.
If you guessed No. 2 as the lie, congratulations—you got it right! While Zac’s mother really is an accomplished sculptor whose work has been displayed at the Knoxville Museum of Art, and he has climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, he is also the proud owner of a rare, brand-new original Nintendo gaming system still in its original box. As adventurous as he is, Zac has never explored newly discovered caves connected to Mammoth Cave. Thanks for playing along, and be sure to look for another edition of Know Your Rotarian as we continue introducing the interesting people who make our Rotary Club such a diverse and engaging organization.
The Rotary Club of Bearden welcomes professionals, business leaders, and community members who are interested in fellowship, networking, and service.
The Rotary Club of Bearden meets every Friday, 12:15 p.m. for a luncheon meeting/program at Bearden Banquet Hall, 5806 Kingston Pike, 37919. All guests are welcome. Contact Joseph Pace with membership questions: here.
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