Erie Insurance CEO Tim NeCastro Announces Retirement After 10-Year Tenure

NeCastro led the company through significant growth and community revitalization efforts.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tim NeCastro, the CEO of Erie Insurance, has announced his retirement effective at the end of 2026. Under his 10-year leadership, the company experienced substantial growth in revenue, employment, and policies, and also played a key role in downtown Erie's revitalization efforts.

Why it matters

NeCastro's retirement marks the end of an era for Erie Insurance, one of the region's largest employers and a major economic driver. His departure will set the stage for new leadership and a potential shift in the company's strategic direction.

The details

During NeCastro's tenure, Erie Insurance grew to nearly $13 billion in premiums and more than 7 million policies in force. The company also expanded its workforce in Erie, built a new $147 million office building, and launched a major renovation of another downtown building. NeCastro was also instrumental in the creation of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, which has invested $150 million in revitalizing the city's core.

  • NeCastro was named CEO in 2016, replacing Terrence Cavanaugh.
  • NeCastro plans to step down as CEO at the end of 2026.

The players

Tim NeCastro

The retiring CEO of Erie Insurance, who led the company through a period of significant growth and community investment over the past 10 years.

Terrence Cavanaugh

The previous CEO of Erie Insurance, who was the only outsider to lead the 100-year-old company before NeCastro took over in 2016.

Tom Hagen

The chairman of Erie Insurance's board of directors, who introduced NeCastro as the company's new leader 10 years ago.

Erie Downtown Development Corporation

A organization launched under NeCastro's leadership that has invested $150 million in revitalizing downtown Erie.

Infinite Erie

A community investment initiative that NeCastro helped launch in 2022 to guide Erie's development priorities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Tim has led the organization with extraordinary kindness and humility. He has been a consistent model for The ERIE's values — always putting people and service first. This is more than just a leadership transition — it marks the closing of a defining chapter in our company's story.”

— Tom Hagen, Chairman of Erie Insurance's Board of Directors (Erie Times-News)

“Erie Insurance has shaped not only my career, but my life. I've been fortunate to work alongside people who care deeply about one another, about our customers, and about the communities we serve. While this chapter is coming to a close, my commitment to ERIE and to this community isn't ending.”

— Tim NeCastro (Erie Times-News)

What’s next

Erie Insurance's board of directors will immediately begin the process of identifying NeCastro's successor as CEO.

The takeaway

NeCastro's retirement marks the end of a transformative era for Erie Insurance, as the company not only grew its business but also played a pivotal role in revitalizing downtown Erie. His successor will face the challenge of continuing this legacy of community leadership and investment.