Melissa Herke.

№01

The role.

Melissa supports PLDR's Trusts & Estates practice in a two-fold capacity. When the firm serves as executor of an estate, she helps carry out all necessary executor duties — managing and completing the full administration process. When the client is acting as executor, she assists by drafting required documents, guiding them through the process, and helping ensure all steps are completed correctly. The level of involvement depends on the complexity of the estate, and she provides ongoing support by answering questions and helping navigate each stage along the way.

Her approach is a client-tailored experience — adjusting the level of guidance to fit the family in front of her.

Before joining PLDR, Melissa worked in the wealth management department at Atlantic Union Bank — doing the same kind of work, with a little more emphasis on the "after" side.

Melissa holds a B.A. in Psychology from Houghton University ('96), Associate Degrees in Accounting and Psychology from Genesee Community College ('02 and '94), and a Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance from SUNY Brockport ('07). She also earned the Virginia Bankers Association Bankers Certificate at UVA (2013).

Originally from Western New York, Melissa spends time outside the firm with horses — she has volunteered as a 4-H leader for 30+ years.

"I help families honor their loved ones' wishes, protect their legacies, and navigate life's transitions with clarity, compassion, and confidence." — Melissa Herke

№02

Reach Melissa.

Direct line to the Lynchburg office — and she’ll get the ball rolling!