Rep. Carson Ross, a Republican, represents eastern Jackson County (District 55) in the Missouri House of Representatives.

In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Ross, a former soldier in the Army infantry during Vietnam, has worked for Hallmark Cards for 33 years where he is currently manager of community relations and business development in Crown Center.

A 1964 graduate of Bradley County High School, Rep. Ross attended the University of Arkansas and received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Rockhurst College in 1977.

Formerly Rep. Ross was a member of the Blue Springs Board of Aldermen (city council) and also served as Blue Springs mayor pro tem. He also served as president of St. Mary's Hospital of Blue Springs Board of Associates, chairman of Westgate Division of the Missouri Municipal League and was a member of Missouri Air Conservation Commission and Missouri Municipal League board of directors.

Rep. Ross is a member of the Blue Springs Citizen's Advisory Committee, Blue Ridge Church of Christ- board of trustees, board of directors of Reach Out America Drug Education Program, Junior League of Greater Kansas City advisory board and Truman Medical Center board of governors.

In 1995 and 1996, he was recognized by the Kansas City Globe as one of Kansas City's most influential African-Americans. He was awarded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's Black Achiever in Industry Award in 1985. He also received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce in 1991. Rep. Ross was a recipient of the Outstanding Legislator award in 1996 by the Missouri Federation Grand Order of Pachyderms. He received the 1997 State Award by the Kansas City Globe as the Most Influential African-American, only the second time this award has been given. Rep. Ross was also honored with the United States National Guard (NGAUS) Major General Charles Dick Medal of Merit Award in 1998 and the Missouri Deputy Sheriff’s Association State Representative of the Year Award in for 1998.

Born December 15, 1946, in Warren, AK, Rep. Ross resides in Blue Springs with his wife, Eloise. They have three daughters: Shelley, Carla and Diana; and five granddaughters: Brittanie Revee', Rakaiya Sha, Ashton Leigh, Micah Nicole, Reghan Mechele and Ariana Ali.