Erie Insurance at 100: A Remarkable Past and Promising Future

Thomas B. Hagen is an American businessman, philanthropist, and Chairman of the Board at Erie Insurance, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania. Hagen has been a key figure in the company’s growth, having served in various leadership roles, including CEO and Chairman. Beyond his business success, Hagen is deeply involved in historic preservation and civic initiatives. He has played a major role in revitalizing Erie, supporting economic development, and preserving the region’s architectural heritage. He previously served as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Commerce under Governor Tom Ridge. A lifelong advocate for Erie’s progress, Hagen continues to invest in initiatives that promote community development and historic conservation.

Tim NeCastro is the President and CEO of Erie Insurance. Since taking on the role in 2016, he has led the company’s strategic growth while maintaining its commitment to customer service and community engagement. NeCastro joined Erie Insurance in 1996 and has held various leadership positions, including Senior Vice President and Regional Officer. With a background in finance and accounting, he previously worked in public accounting before transitioning to the insurance industry. A strong advocate for Erie’s economic and community development, NeCastro serves on several boards and initiatives focused on regional growth and innovation.

Martin P. Eisert began his career with Erie Insurance Exchange in 1962, rising to key leadership roles including Executive Vice President of Planning and Administration. He pioneered the company’s human resources function, organizational structure, and management development programs, many of which gained national recognition. After retiring in 1993, he consulted for major corporations like Westinghouse, PNC, Home Depot, and Kohler through his firm, Martin P. Eisert and Associates, which he sold upon his ordination as a permanent deacon in 1998. Eisert later led significant revitalization efforts at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church and co-founded the Trinity Square Project to restore its surrounding neighborhood. A longtime adjunct professor at Gannon University, he also chaired numerous community and church boards. In 2014, Bishop Lawrence Persico appointed him to lead the Diocese of Erie's Pastoral Planning Team, a role he continues as of 2025. Eisert is a published author, a recipient of multiple honors—including papal knighthood—and holds three master’s degrees in management, religious education, and counseling psychology.

Steve Scully is a veteran journalist who has interviewed every U.S. president since Gerald Ford. During his three-decade career at C-SPAN, he served as political editor, host, and senior executive producer for programs like Washington Journal and Road to the White House. He has also taught at multiple universities, including George Washington University and the University of California-DC Program. Scully chaired the Jefferson Educational Society Global Summit in Erie, PA, for 11 years and served as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association (2006-07). In 2019, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He holds a Master’s in journalism from Northwestern University and a Bachelor’s in communications and political science from American University.