Mike Ross

Ross serves as a model of how a citizen can weave their success into the communities in which they live work, serve and play. Mike has continuously and generously sponsored and supported community events, fairs and festivals, schools, team sports, and charitable activities. In Randolph County alone, he has donated tens of thousands of dollars to non-profit organizations to enhance the quality of life for our residents. And just recently Mr. Ross donated $1 million to WVU’s Children’s Hospital for pediatric diabetes research.

Mike Ross came from humble beginnings to get to where he is today, which speaks volumes to the personality he possesses, the stories he can tell, the positions he has held, and the generosity from within. Mike was born in Coalton…his dad was an immigrant coal miner and his mother was a homemaker. There were 14 children in all at home. He graduated from Coalton High School and worked temporarily as a coal miner and heavy equipment operator. Even though he was making $3 an hour operating heavy equipment, he opted to take a $1.25 an hour job as a well tender for Waverly Oil Works a Pittsburgh firm where he sometimes worked six and seven days a week.

In 1971, Mike and his business partner, Robert Wharton started Ross & Wharton Gas Company which today provides livelihoods for several full-time employees and many other independent contractors throughout West Virginia. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Mike Ross, Inc, and President of Braxton Oil & Gas Company.

In 1992, the distinguished citizen was elected to represent the 15th District in the West Virginia Senate. During his 12 years in office, he served as chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure, Rule-Making and various other committees. Mike was also appointed by Governor Joe Manchin to fill the WV House of Delegates 37th District seat left vacant in 2009 after the sudden passing of Delegate Bill Proudfoot.

Mike is an active member of at least a dozen organizations and clubs and is visibly engaged as a community volunteer…you’ll see him selling 50/50 tickets at the Mountain Street Machines Car Show or serving as an auction hand at the United Way auction or feeding hundreds of festival goers at Coalton Days; which he has helped sponsor for the last 19 years.