Our Team

Ross is the president and owner of Mountain State Insurance Agency. He is a 1985 graduate of Marshall University with a degree in Finance and Business Law concentrating in insurance. He attended the National Association of Surety Bond Producers William J. Angel Surety School in 1990 and earned the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation from the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors in 2013.

Ross entered the insurance industry in 1985 as a sales executive for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and entered the ranks of independent insurance agents in 1986 with the Robert F. Silverstein Agency in Charleston. He then moved to the Carson Insurance Agency in 1988 specializing in Contract Surety and Construction Insurance. In 2000, he bought a controlling interest in Mountain State Insurance Agency.

In 2014 and 2015 Ross served as the president of the Independent Insurance Agents of WV. During Ross’ service to the IIAWV, the association was completely reinvented and stabilized. At the conclusion of his presidency, the IIAWV board named Ross the 2015 Earle S. Dillard Agent of the Year, an honor that was also received in 2002. Ross is the only two time recipient of this award.

Ross has served as a member of the Agents Advisory Council for State Auto Insurance Company located in Columbus, Ohio, and BrickStreet Insurance located in Charleston. In addition to his professional service, Mr. Johnson as served several terms on the Board of Trustees for Christ Church United Methodist, where he has been a member for 28 years.

Ross and his wife, Dee, have two sons, Taylor and Will, and reside in Charleston. Ross welcomed Taylor to the agency as Corporate Treasurer and Account Executive in 2014, and in 2016, Taylor accepted the role of Vice President.

Designations:

• Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

Pat is the vice president of Mountain State Insurance Agency.

Pat began his insurance career in 1998 selling personal lines for a small insurance agency in his hometown of Clendenin, WV. He joined MSIA in 2001 and managed the personal lines office in Clendenin until 2004 when he moved into commercial lines production with a focus on the oil and gas industry. Pat has built and formed a large number of valued, trusted and dynamic relationships with leaders of that industry.

In his own words, “Pat is a 2020 candidate for President of the United States and a lifelong Rock Star." He and his wife Jennifer have four beautiful, opinionated and passionate children.

Taylor began his insurance career in 2014. He earned an accounting degree from Marshall University in 2011 and a law degree from West Virginia University in 2014. He is licensed to practice law in West Virginia.

In 2016, Taylor became vice president at Mountain State Insurance.

Taylor enjoys helping agency clients with construction contracts and complex coverage issues. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, going to sporting events and traveling.

Designations:

• Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

Jenny joined Mountain State Insurance as the Controller and Agency Administrator in 2021 after spending time in public accounting and the non-profit industry. She completed her undergraduate degree at Ohio University and master’s degree at the University of Charleston. Jenny is a CPA/ABV and recently completed her NcIA certification.

Jenny lives in Charleston with her husband, Brian, and their three children, Jackson, Blakely, and Maddie.

Maria joined the MSIA team in 2024 to lead the agency's marketing efforts, serve as the new business project manager, and nurture relationships with clients and partners. After ten years of working in the arts and nonprofit management, Maria brings a creative approach to strategizing agency growth.

She lives in Charleston with her husband, Cory, and their two pups, Forrest and Tito. On evenings and weekends, you can find Maria in the pottery studio or out in the garden.

Hank joined the team in 2021 and has one of the most important jobs here at MSIA: Chief Morale Officer! He loves zooming around the office first thing on Monday mornings, showing off his rope bone, and making rounds when his dad isn't paying attention to beg for treats.

Occasionally, one of Hank's siblings joins us in the office for a day or two, but his dedication and commitment to his work brings him into the office nearly every single day.

Brady is a graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wood Science, a Master of Science from the College of Engineering in Safety Management, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the WVU College of Law. Brady practiced law in Charleston for several years in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, and family law before transitioning to the commercial insurance industry.

Brady began his insurance career in 2015 as a Commercial Property & Casualty producer for a national insurance agency specializing in construction, manufacturing, emergency services, timber products, and trucking. In 2018, he came to Mountain State, where he currently leads the General Commercial Division.

Brady is a diehard Mountaineer fan and served WVU as the Mountaineer Mascot from 2006 – 2008. He is active in several civic organizations including: Big I WV Board of Directors, Big I WV Young Professionals Chairman, Kanawha County Humane Association Board of Directors (Board President), West Virginia Truckers Association Board of Directors (First Vice-Chairman), YMCA of Kanawha Valley Board of Directors, and the Fairmont State Foundation Board of Directors. Brady is also a former Charleston City Councilman.

Designations:

• Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS)
• Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

Pat is the vice president of Mountain State Insurance Agency.

Pat began his insurance career in 1998 selling personal lines for a small insurance agency in his hometown of Clendenin, WV. He joined MSIA in 2001 and managed the personal lines office in Clendenin until 2004 when he moved into commercial lines production with a focus on the oil and gas industry. Pat has built and formed a large number of valued, trusted and dynamic relationships with leaders of that industry.

He and his wife Jennifer have four beautiful, opinionated, and passionate children.

Zachary joined Mountain State Insurance Agency as a Producer for the Commercial Construction Team in 2023. He is a graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. He has been in the insurance industry since 2020 focusing on general commercial and personal lines insurance.

Zachary resides in Huntington with his wife, Bretlyn, and their two dogs. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, watching sports, and traveling.

Designations:

• Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS)
• Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

Matt joined the Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2014. He has more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. He started his insurance career in 2003 working with a State Farm Agency and then moved to Western & Southern Life here in Charleston. Matt joined MSIA as a member of our Commercial Line team in November 2014. In 2017, MSIA established a Small Business Unit to better serve our small business customers. Matt was chosen to oversee and lead the unit. Since the beginning of 2019 when MSIA acquired the Ted Kluemper Agency in Huntington, Matt spends time in both our Charleston and Huntington Offices to better serve our small business clients.

He is a graduate of West Virginia State College and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In March 2019, Matt successfully obtain the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor designation. By earning and maintaining the CIC designation, he has demonstrated professional competence through a series of rigorous written examinations focusing on all major fields of insurance, agency operations, and insurance management. This achievement signifies a commitment to continuing education, required of all those who have earned the CIC designation.

Matt resides in Elkview with his wife Melody and their twin daughters, Sophie and Macee, where he is an active member of Mt Pleasant Baptist Church. In his free time he enjoys cheering on his favorite sports teams, WVU, Marshall and the Cincinnati Reds and playing golf.

Designations:

• Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
• Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR)
• Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS)

David attended Marshall University and began his business career at Standard Food Service as Sales Manager in 1961. He began his insurance career in 1972, producing life and health insurance, as well as property and casualty insurance. In 1985, he started his own agency, RMI, Ltd. and built the agency to $1.8 million in annual revenue. In 1997, he sold the agency and continued working for City Insurance Professionals until he retired in 2003. David joined MSIA as a broker in 2009 and continues to produce life and health and medical malpractice insurance.

David has served on various boards, including City Holding Company, Charleston Rotary Club, Edgewood Country Club, Big Green Scholarship Foundation, Marshall University Board of Governors, CAMC Foundation, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Access WV and the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, and as trustee of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia.

David was inducted into the Marshall Business School Hall of Fame in 2006.

David is an avid Marshall Thundering Herd supporter. He lives in Charleston and enjoys traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.

Kyle is with Mountain State Insurance Agency’s Energy Team. He is a graduate of Marshall University.

Kyle entered the insurance industry in 2019 as a claims adjuster for a national insurance carrier. Following that, he was a producer with McGriff where he worked with customers in the construction, oil and gas and trucking industries. His success and efforts with McGriff were recognized with his invitation to the McGriff Young Performers Conference.

Kyle lives in Scott Depot with his wife, Cassidy, and their two sons, Brooks and Baylor. When he is not strengthening current relationships, building new relationships or listening to one of Pat Kee’s hour long soliloquies, you can find him chasing his kids around in the yard or mountain biking at Meeks Mountain.

Jennifer started her insurance career with Mountain State Insurance in 2012. She is a graduate of the University of Charleston with a Masters in Business Administration and West Virginia State University with a Bachelor's in English.

Jennifer has developed an expertise at MSIA in workers compensation including classifications, specialist coverage needs, experience modifications, and premium audits.

Jennifer lives in the Charleston area with her family and enjoys reading, knitting, and geekery.

Designations:

• Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding (AFSB)
• Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
• Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
• Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS)
• Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS)
• Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU)
• Certified Leadership Professional (CLP)
• Accredited Advisor in Insurance-Management (AAI-M)

Beverly is a graduate of West Virginia University with a BS degree in Business Administration. She began her insurance career in 1987 with the Robert F. Silverstein Agency. After spending 15 years with BB&T/Carson Insurance Agency, she joined the Mountain State team in 2004. Beverly has experience in personal lines, medical malpractice, worker’s compensation and claims.

Beverly lives in South Charleston with her husband, Rob. She enjoys spending her spare time with her children and grandchildren.

Designations:

• Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)

Agusta grew up in South Charleston, WV, and graduated from West Virginia University with a BS in Psychology. She began her insurance career with Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2020, previously working in healthcare. Her favorite thing about the insurance industry is getting to learn something new every day. She resides with her husband and two golden retrievers in Teays Valley

Designations:

• Accredited Customer Service Rep (ASCR)
• Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS)
• Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS)
• Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS)
• Energy Risk and Insurance Specialist (ERIS)
• Transportation Risk and Insurance Specialist (TRIP)
• Manufacturing Risk Insurance Specialist (MRIS)

Hannah entered the insurance industry and joined the Mountain State Insurance team in early 2015. She is now a Commercial Lines Account Manager with the Energy Team. Hannah assists our clients with their third-party safety needs with services like ISNetworld and Veriforce.

Hannah is an Appalachian State University graduate with a BSBA in Management.

Montana entered the insurance industry in 2020 and started with Mountain State in 2023. She was raised in Monroe County, WV, and moved to Hamlin, WV just before starting with MSIA. She lives with her boyfriend, Blaine, and their 3 pups. Montana graduated from New River Community College with an Associates Degree in Business Administration. she has her CLCS designation and is currently working towards her ACSR.

Macie started her career at MSIA in 2024. She has multiple years of customer service under her belt and strives to exceed customer expectations. She works on our General Commercial team and is working towards her ACSR designation.

Macie lives on her family farm in Newton, with the cattle and her cat, Hank.

After working in the mental healthcare field and as a legal assistant at a law firm, Pam entered the insurance industry and joined Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2021. she is a member of our Energy Team and looks forward to delivering great service to their clients.

Pam lives in Charleston with her husband, Bill. She enjoys spending time with family, her fur babies, traveling, and sports.

Pam is currently working towards her ASCR

Rachel started her career at MSIA in 2022. She is a Marshall University Alumna with a BS in Marketing. Rachel is a Charleston native but now resides in Huntington with her husband, Garrett, and dogs IndyAnna and Darla. Rachel plans on slaying hard and playing hard every day

Matt joined the Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2014. He has more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. He started his insurance career in 2003 working with a State Farm Agency and then moved to Western & Southern Life here in Charleston. Matt joined MSIA as a member of our Commercial Line team in November 2014. In 2021, MSIA established the Community Client Team to better serve our small business and personal lines customers. Matt was chosen to oversee and lead the unit. Since the beginning of 2019 when MSIA acquired the Ted Kluemper Agency in Huntington, Matt spends time in both our Charleston and Huntington Offices to better serve our clients.

He is a graduate of West Virginia State College and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In March 2019, Matt successfully obtain the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor designation. By earning and maintaining the CIC designation, he has demonstrated professional competence through a series of rigorous written examinations focusing on all major fields of insurance, agency operations, and insurance management. This achievement signifies a commitment to continuing education, required of all those who have earned the CIC designation.

Matt resides in Elkview with his wife Melody and their twin daughters, Sophie and Macee where he is an active member of Mt Pleasant Baptist Church. In his free time he enjoys cheering on his favorite sports teams, WVU, Marshall and the Cincinnati Reds and playing golf.

Designations:

• Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
• Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR)
• Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS)

Kim began her career in the insurance industry in 1980 handling automobile liability claims. In 1990, she changed directions and went into the agency side of the business. She worked for the Kluemper Insurance Agency for 22 years until it was acquired by Mountain State Insurance Agency in early 2019. Kim writes and services personal insurance, where she is able to build relationships with her customers with her priority being exceptional customer service. Kim has been a member of River Cities Community Church since 1998. She enjoys running, reading and spending time with her family and four dogs.

Designations:

• Personal Lines Coverage Specialist (PLCS)

Cassie rejoined Mountain State Insurance Agency in late 2018. She has worked in the insurance industry since 1995, working with both commercial lines and personal lines of insurance.

Cassie lives in Elkview with her husband Stephen. They are active members of Heritage Baptist Church and enjoy traveling. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her free time, she can be found watching a movie, cooking, or baking.

Designations:

• Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)

Susan joined MSIA 2023 as part of the General Commercial Team, which is a new challenge for her. Susan has been an agent for 28 years working in the industry as a producer, office manager, and claims manager in personal lines. Susan has an associate degree in biblical arts and is a wife of 35 years and has two daughters Lacy Jayne and Linsy Rae.

Susan lives in Nitro with her husband John. Together, they are active members and deacons of Grace Life Church in Culloden. Susan was involved in youth ministry for 15 years and attended several mission trips and leadership training in Washington DC. Susan and her husband love to travel and look forward to their next adventure. Susan grew up as a foster child and has overcome many obstacles in life.

Susan is the President of “The Linsy Company LLC” in honor of her deceased daughter Linsy Rae, because everyone needs a little TLC. Susan has been a caterer for 15 years in her spare time.

Janna began her career in insurance at Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2022 and now works in our Community Clients Team with Personal Lines. She graduated from West Virginia State University with a BA in History and a minor in Art History. She enjoys photography, movies, and videogames. She lives on her family farm near Liberty.

Designations:

• Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS)

Carrie began her career with Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2022. She has an insurance background, having worked as a claims adjuster for a national insurance carrier and as a case manager/assistant at a law firm. Carrie is a graduate of Marshall University with a BA in Secondary Education.

Carrie lives in South Charleston, WV, with her family. She enjoys spending time with her family, crocheting and reading.

Jo Ann is a graduate of the University of Charleston with a BS in Business Administration. She has 17 years’ experience working in accounting and administration. Jo Ann came to MSIA in 2021 as the Accounting/Administrative Specialist for the Charleston office and became a licensed Agent in 2022. Since October 2022, she has served as our Accounting Specialist & Surety Bonds Client Representative.

Amanda joined the MSIA team in 2024 as the Administrative Specialist with 4 years of experience in office management. she is currently studying for her Property & Casualty licensure exam.