Member,
Suttle & Stalnaker PLLC
By McKenzie Stalnaker
Barry Burgess, CPA, member at Suttle & Stalnaker PLLC, has spent more than four decades building a career defined by consistency, service and a deep commitment to West Virginia.
Burgess was born and raised in Huntington, WV, until the age of 10, when his family moved to Proctorville, Ohio. After graduating from Fairland High School as valedictorian in 1981, Burgess attended Marshall University. Burgess credits his family, teachers, coaches, mentors and colleagues for the roles they played in his approach to life during that time.
“It’s not always about you,” says Burgess. “It’s about the team as a whole. Supporting others and celebrating their successes is just as important as celebrating your own.”
After graduating from Marshall in 1985, Burgess began his career as a staff accountant with Somerville & Company in Huntington. It was around this time he had a revelation that he wanted to spend his career helping people.
This set the framework for the next 41 years, where he advanced steadily 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.”
