1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
1985 Began internship at Somerville & Company PLLC; Son, Blake, was born; Graduated from Marshall University; Became staff accountant at Somerville & Company
1988 Obtained CPA designation; Daughter, Lindsey, was born
1992 Married wife, Rena
1993 Joined Developmental Therapy Center, Inc. Board of Directors
1994 Became Huntington Chapter of West Virginia Society of CPAs( WVSCPA) president
1995 Named partner at Somerville & Company; Daughter, Brooke, was born
2005 Became WVSCPA president
2011 Appointed by Governor to West Virginia Board of Accountancy
2018 Received WVSCPA Public Service Award
2019 Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award
2020 Received WVSCPA Life Membership Award
2021 Appointed by the Governor for the second time to the WV Board of Accountancy
2023 Elected Chair of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Became member of Suttle & Stalnaker PLLC with merger
“ West Virginians are kind, caring and just good people. Life is so much about relationships, and good people make good relationships.”
through the firm, becoming partner in 1995 and later serving as managing partner. In August 2023, the firm merged with Suttle & Stalnaker, where Burgess now serves as an equity member specializing in tax services for businesses, individuals, nonprofits, trusts and estates.
“ There have been many challenges, obstacles and changes, but I can honestly say I have never dreaded coming to work a single day in my career,” Burgess says.
After 41 years, Burgess admits that balancing professional responsibilities with family life has presented its share of challenges. However, rather than striving for perfect balance, he prefers the concept of work and life integration.
“ Sometimes the demand tilts to the profession and sometimes to the family,” he says.“ The key is recognizing where the tilt lies and making the commitment to be present where you are needed.”
He credits much of his success to the support of his family. Married to his wife, Rena, for 34 years, Burgess is the father of three adult children and grandfather to six. Their encouragement has allowed him to pursue his career while maintaining a strong family foundation.
“ My family has always been supportive of my career and personal growth, allowing me to work toward the work and life integration mentioned earlier,” Burgess says.“ From the beginning, they recognized my commitment to my career and have always allowed me to pursue it without jealousy or feeling like less of a priority.”
Early in his career, Burgess was deeply involved in professional leadership, serving in numerous roles with the American Institute of CPAs and the West Virginia Society of CPAs, including a term as president for the 2005-2006 year. He later broadened his focus to community organizations, serving on multiple local boards and currently holding leadership roles with Developmental Therapy Center, Marshall University Foundation and Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also serves by gubernatorial appointment on the West Virginia Board of Accountancy.
Burgess’ s long-standing involvement with the Developmental Therapy Center is particularly meaningful to him. The organization provides therapy services to individuals who have disabilities regardless of their ability to pay. For more than 30 years, Burgess has supported its mission, even taking the stage at its annual Valentine’ s Day fundraiser as Gene Simmons in a KISS tribute performance to help raise funds.
“ I believe in service to others, whether it be my time, talent or treasure,” he says.
Burgess’ heart and aspirations have remained firmly rooted at home. While many sought opportunities elsewhere, Burgess recognized that everything he valued could be found right where he started.
“ West Virginians are kind, caring and just good people,” he says.“ Life is so much about relationships, and good people make good relationships.” •
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