Meet TSCPA Member: Treavor Crisp, CPA
The path to becoming a CPA is not always linear, as TSCPA member Treavor Crisp, CPA, recalls. “The CPA Exam experience for me was most certainly an unconventional route,” he says. Crisp began studying shortly after earning his master’s degree from Tennessee Wesleyan University. “In the meantime, my wife, Kristin, and I had two children, Taytum and Crew, and were in the process of building our house. Finding time to study in the midst of what seemed like chaos between working full time, caring for two children, and building a home was not easy.” Fast-forward to today, and Crisp now works as a partner at WarrenJackson CPAs. He says, “I hope someone else in a similar situation can find encouragement that with perseverance, it is possible … so don’t give up!”
Early Life
Crisp says that sports played a central part of his early life in Athens, Tennessee. “Growing up in a time before technology dominated everyday life, I spent most of my childhood outdoors finding creative ways to stay active, which was often through sports,” he says. After graduating from McMinn County High School, Crisp went on to attend Carson-Newman University, where he originally didn’t plan to study accounting. He recalls, “My initial major was business administration, but after taking an introductory accounting course with Professor Catlett at Carson-Newman, she encouraged me to major in accounting, and I never looked back.”
Major Influences
In addition to Professor Cassandra Catlett, Crisp cites Doug Warren and Derrick Nelson of WarrenJackson CPAs as significant mentors early in his career. “Their influence extended beyond technical training, as they instilled in me the importance of building strong client relationships, engaging with the local community, and developing meaningful connections within the CPA profession,” he says. A member of TSCPA’s Scholarship Committee, Crisp is thankful that the new scholarship in Warren’s name will continue his legacy and make an impact on upcoming CPAs. “As a mentor, Doug was exceptional by generously sharing his knowledge, guiding others with patience and insight, and inspiring those around him to strive for excellence,” says Crisp. “His impact on the accounting profession and the lives he touched remains a lasting testament to his character and dedication.”
Paying It Forward
As a TSCPA member, Crisp has followed in his mentors’ footsteps by giving back to up and-coming accounting professionals. “I’ve enjoyed the chance to contribute through service on various committees, including my current role on the Scholarship Committee,” says Crisp, a past TSCPA scholarship recipient himself. “Additionally, I’ve been fortunate to speak at a local high school on multiple occasions to share insights about the accounting profession and help inspire the next generation of future accountants.”
Favorite Advice
When asked about the best piece of advice he has ever received, Crisp shares, “In high school, I experienced the loss of someone very near to my heart, my Nana Teresa, who bravely fought a battle with breast cancer. One of the quotes she lived by was, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith’ (2 Timothy 4:7). These words continue to resonate with me and serve as a powerful reminder that life is ultimately about persistence. The ‘good fight’ isn’t always visible or glamorous, but it demands endurance, integrity and quiet strength. It’s about doing what is right when no one is watching and remaining grounded when life tries to shake your foundation.”
The views and reflections expressed in this article are those of the individual members and do not necessarily represent the views of the Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA).
This article was originally published in the September/October 2025 Tennessee CPA Journal.