J. Christopher Howat

J. Christopher Howat is executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer of Encova. He served previously as chief financial officer, senior vice president and treasurer of BrickStreet Insurance. Prior to that, he was chief financial officer of the West Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, which he joined in September 2003. Chris worked closely with Greg Burton and TJ Obrokta Jr. throughout the successful reform of West Virginia’s workers’ compensation system.

Chris has more than 25 years of experience both in private company financial management and public accounting. Before he joined the WVWCC, Chris was vice president and controller for a leading owner and manager of group health care facilities in West Virginia. He also spent eight years in public accounting and consulting with Arnett & Foster PLLC (now Arnett Carbis Toothman PLLC), where he managed the Consulting Services department responsible for auditing, business valuation and other services.

Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration, with an emphasis in accounting, from West Virginia University. He completed his Certified Public Accountant designation and is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.