David Melcher

Beginning his military career at West Point, Melcher completed his degree in 1976 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers. He later earned an M.B.A. degree from the Harvard Business School in 1983 and an M.P.A. degree from Shippensburg University.

During his 32 years of service, he commanded at the Battalion, Brigade, and Army Corps of Engineers Division level. As Commanding General of the Army Corps of Engineers, Southwestern Division, Melcher oversaw the construction, maintenance, and oversight of military infrastructure in six states in the American southwest. For his work in this position, he was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal.

Melcher's most prominent staff assignments included a White House Fellowship with the Office of Management and Budget under President Ronald Reagan and as the Army's Military Deputy for Budget, and Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs (G-8). As the Army G-8, Melcher was an advocate for the business transformation of the Army, promoting private sector solutions for Army management. Melcher spent 12 of his 32 years of service assigned to the Pentagon, which was his final assignment before retirement.

In 2008, Melcher retired from the Army at the rank of Lieutenant General.

Melcher was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1954. Growing up in a middle-class family, Melcher was a student athlete and band member. Upon graduation from High School, he was selected to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. There, Melcher continued his interest in intramural sports while studying Civil Engineering. Melcher married his wife Marla in 1976, with whom he has two children.