Born in Lexington, Van Zandt currently resides in Kansas City. A 1981 graduate of Lexington High School, he completed a B.S.E. in accounting and political science from Central Missouri State University in 1985 and received his M.P.A. in health care administration from The Bloch School in 1999.

Tim Van Zandt, an openly gay Democrat, represents part of Jackson County (District 38), Kansas City County, in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his fourth two-year term in 2000. In addition to his legislative duties, he is an accountant. Van Zandt is a member of the several organizations, and is active in Trinity United Methodist Church.