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.

Brad is 1995 graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education and a 1996 graduate of Marshall University Graduate School with a master of science in Safety Management. Brad began his career as a safety and risk manager in 1996 working for such companies as Trumbull Corporation, Baker Concrete, Kokosing Construction Company and most recently as the Safety and Risk Manager for Kanawha Stone Company.

Brad entered the insurance industry in 2004 with Wells Fargo Insurance Services where he worked as a producer in the construction industry group specializing in contract surety and contractor insurance.

Brad is an avid Marshall University supporter currently serving as the President Elect of the Big Green Scholarship Foundation Board, past President of the Marshall University Quarterback Club and served two terms on the Marshall Alumni Board of directors. Brad is a member of the Huntington St. Joseph Men’s Club and is a member of Guyan Golf and Country Club.

Brad is extremely proud of his two daughters Meredith and Julia. Brad resides in Huntington, WV.

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. Through the Hartford School of Insurance, Brady earned his Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) certification.

Brady began his insurance career in 2015 as a property & casualty producer in the general lines division specializing in emergency services, timber products, and trucking industries.

Brady is a diehard Mountaineer fan and served WVU as the Mountaineer Mascot from 2006 – 2008. He is active in several civic organizations such as the Kanawha County Humane Association Board of Directors, the Boone County Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association, the West Virginia Truckers Association Board of Directors, and the West Virginia Forestry Association. Brady also serves as a Councilman on the Charleston City Council. Brady lives in Charleston with his wife Rachel and their son, Jack.

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.

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)

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 an Account Executive with Mountain State Insurance Agency’s Energy Team. Kyle is a graduate of Marshall University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He entered the insurance industry in 2019 as a claims adjuster for a national insurance carrier. Following that, he worked as a producer for McGriff where he specialized in the construction, energy, and trucking industries.

Kyle lives in Scott Depot with his wife, Cassidy, and their son, Brooks Alexander. When he’s not servicing clients or reviewing policies, you can usually find Kyle in the woods on a mountain bike or at home playing the guitar.

Kathy joined Mountain State Insurance in 2004. She has been working in the insurance industry since 1986 in a variety of capacities, including claims, commercial service, commercial account rater and commercial accounts in the construction industry.

She holds the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation.

Kathy lives in Charleston with her husband David, rat terrier Newman and airdale Tessie. She enjoys walking and spending time with family and friends.

Designations:

• Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)

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 and premium audits. Jennifer also works extensively forecasting experience modification factors to help contractors better understand their work comp costs when estimating long-term projects.

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)

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)

Janna joined Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2022 as a member of their Energy Team.

She is working toward her CLCS designation and is looking forward to a career in insurance.

Janna graduated from West Virginia State University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Minor in Art. She enjoys photography and video games and has recently moved from the Charleston to her family farm and now lives life with critters, cats and a brush cutter in hand.

Sheila is Mountain State Insurance Agency’s Surety Bond and Medical Malpractice Specialist. She joined MSIA in 2006. 

Sheila studied Accounting and Business Management at WV State University and is currently attending classes at WVU. Sheila and her husband Rick, like to travel and ride their Harley. She also enjoys spending time with her sons and family. In her spare time, she likes to garden and be outdoors.

Designations:

• Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
• Associate in Insurance Account Management (AIAM)
• Certified Insurance Service Representative Elite (CISR Elite)
• Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI)
• Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding (AFSB)

Agusta is a graduate of West Virginia University with a BS in Psychology. Coming from healthcare previously, she began her insurance career with Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2020, hoping to integrate her prior experience with policy and serving others into the insurance business. She holds the ACSR, CLCS, and MLIS designations.

Laura entered the insurance industry and joined the Mountain State Insurance team in 2021. She is a Commercial Lines Account Manager with the General Commercial team and is currently working on her International Business degree. Laura has obtained her CLCS designation.

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.

Pam entered the insurance industry and joined Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2021. She is a part of the Energy Team. Pam is a Charleston native who enjoys spending time with family, traveling, movies, and sports.

Kayla entered the insurance industry and joined the Mountain State Insurance team in 2021. She has BS in Business Administration from Strayer University and is currently an Account Representative with our General Commercial team.

Emily has been in the insurance industry for two years as a producer in personal lines. She recently joined Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2023 as an Account Manager with the General Commercial Team. She has over eight years of combined sales and customer service experience. She is licensed in property and casualty, life and health, and is currently working on obtaining her CLCS designation. Emily is a Hurricane native, now residing in Huntington. She enjoys spending time with her family and pets, kayaking, and antiquing in her free time.

Rachel started her career at MSIA in 2022. She is a Marshall University Alumna with a bachelor's degree in marketing. Rachel is a Charleston native but now resides in Huntington with her husband, Garrett and puppy, Indy. Since being at MSIA, she has been working on the Construction Team and has received her CLCS designation.

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)

Jenny joined the insurance industry in 1986, obtained her life and health license in 1999 and earned her property and casualty license in 2003. She started her career as a life and health CSR with Golden Rule Insurance then eventually converted to property and casualty insurance at Garlow Insurance Agency. She was a CSR/Producer there for 10 years before working at MSAA as a Personal Lines Coordinator – and later becoming a Field Representative for AAA Insurance - The Auto Club Group. She joined Mountain State Insurance Agency in 2023 as part of the Community Client Team and is currently studying to obtain her CLCS designation. She feels fortunate to have held such a variation of positions and job duties where she gained valuable experience in the insurance industry.

Jenny lives in Elkview and has two wonderful children – Shayna and Garrett –and two amazing grandchildren – Olivia and Matthew. Out of all the positions she’s held, Mom and Mimi are by far her favorite.

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)

Lisa is a graduate of Mid America University. She joined Mountain State Insurance as a customer service representative in 2012, specializing in workers’ compensation, and then transitioned to agency claims coordinator. She is now the Agency Claims Lead.

Lisa was born in Tennessee and grew up in Charleston and Pinch, W.Va. She graduated from Herbert Hoover High School and served in the US Air Force, receiving accommodations for outstanding service and a special award for her service during Hurricane Andrew.

She has lived in Charlotte, N.C, Valdosta, Ga., and Houston, Tx. and currently resides in St. Albans. Lisa has two children, two dogs – Clare and Hope – and one cat – Sally Cat. She enjoys travel, movies and nature. She plans to retire to St. Simon’s Island, GA.

Designations:

• Associate in Claims Management (ACM)
• Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR)
• 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 14 years’ experience working in accounting and administration. Jo Ann came to MSIA in 2021 as the Accounting/Administrative Specialist for the Charleston office.