Jason Staats
“ If it wasn ’ t for their push , I may have never taken the exam and gotten to where I am today .”
Jason Staats , partner at Rollins , Cleavenger and Rollins ( RCR ), was born and raised in the Mountain State and can ’ t imagine living anywhere else .
Growing up in Pinch , WV , as the oldest of four children , Staats had a normal childhood . When thinking about what he wanted to do when he grew up , working for an accounting firm wasn ’ t at the top of his list .
“ Nobody guided me to the accounting field ,” he says . “ Once I started college , I realized I did not enjoy the science courses required for a pre-med major . I knew I enjoyed numbers , so accounting it was .”
He received his bachelor ’ s degree in business administration with a focus on accounting from West Virginia State University in 2005 and his master ’ s degree from American Intercontinental University in 2007 . Staats began his career at RCR shortly after receiving his undergraduate degree .
One of Staats ’ most significant achievements is passing the CPA exam in 2012 , a milestone that came after years of hard work and persistence . After he received his CPA license , he was in charge of several jobs . His progression to managing partner at RCR , starting January 1 , 2025 , was marked by increased involvement in the management side of the company .
Staats recognizes David Rollins , consultant for RCR , and Ed Bailey , managing partner at RCR , as mentors throughout his professional career . While Rollins was a partner at the firm , he and Bailey encouraged Staats to apply to take the Uniform CPA Examination .
“ If it wasn ’ t for their push , I may have never taken the exam and gotten to where I am today ,” he says . “ They allowed me to spend time studying while at work and paid me , even though I was not producing .”
Staats ’ family has also played a vital role in his success . He admires the hard work and dedication of his son who is on active duty in the U . S . Army studying nursing . Staats ’ wife , also a CPA , is a major motivator as well .
“ She pushed me to take the exam ,” he says . “ She was very supportive even when the test results were not in my favor .”
When he ’ s not working , Staats enjoys playing golf and volunteering at his church , often alongside his wife . His commitment to his community is evident through his extensive involvement in various organizations .
Staats continues to leverage his extensive experience , technical skills and community-oriented mindset to make a significant impact both professionally and personally . •
Jason Staats
Company :
Rollins , Cleavenger and Rollins PLLC
Title :
Partner
Contact Information :
( 304 ) 343-5503 jstaats @ rcrcpa . com
Accomplishments :
• Appointed to the West Virginia Board of Accountancy
• Named Associate of the Year for the Home Builders Association of West Virginia
Community Service :
• Board member and treasurer of the Home Builders Association of West Virginia and Home Builders Association of Greater Charleston
• Treasurer and trustee of Evergreen Hills Baptist Church
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West Virginia Executive | Profiles | 2024
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