Erie Insurance President and CEO Tim NeCastro will retire on December 31, 2026, concluding a 30-year career with the company, including a decade as its chief executive. The announcement, made February 20, 2026, initiates an immediate search for his successor, according to company spokesman Matthew Cummings.
NeCastro, a Gannon University graduate, assumed the CEO role in 2016, succeeding Terrence Cavanaugh. During his tenure, Erie Insurance experienced substantial growth, reaching nearly $13 billion in premium revenue and exceeding seven million policies in force. The company, a Fortune 500 member ranked 323rd in the nation by revenue as of its most recent ranking, also achieved inclusion in the S&P 500 Index in 2024.
The company marked its centennial in 2025, with NeCastro ringing the opening bell at Nasdaq in April of that year. Under his leadership, Erie Insurance also invested heavily in its Erie, Pennsylvania headquarters, completing the $147 million Thomas B. Hagen Building and undertaking a major renovation of the F.W. Hirt Perry Square Building.
Beyond financial and infrastructural expansion, NeCastro’s leadership navigated a network security incident in the summer of 2025 that disrupted computerized operations. Responding to the disruption, NeCastro personally prepared a large batch of meatballs to feed employees working to restore systems, demonstrating a commitment to his workforce.
NeCastro’s influence extends beyond the company’s financial performance and physical infrastructure. He is the founding board president of the Erie Downtown Development Corp., which has channeled $150 million into revitalization projects in downtown Erie. He also chairs the board of managers for Infinite Erie, an organization focused on community investment priorities established in 2022.
Alongside his wife, Lisa NeCastro, he spearheaded the capital campaign for the renovation and expansion of the Experience Children’s Museum, raising $18.5 million for the project. They also co-chair the United Way of Erie County’s Uniting for Education endowment campaign, supporting the organization’s Community Schools model.
Tom Hagen, chairman of Erie Insurance’s board of directors, praised NeCastro’s leadership style, stating, “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. What we have is more than just a leadership transition — it marks the closing of a defining chapter in our company’s story.” Hagen also highlighted NeCastro’s dedication to the Erie community, emphasizing the impact of the Erie Downtown Development Corp.
NeCastro, reflecting on his career, stated, “Erie Insurance has shaped not only my career, but my life. I’ve been fortunate to operate 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.” He intends to remain actively involved in community initiatives following his retirement.
Prior to becoming CEO, NeCastro held several senior leadership positions within Erie Insurance, beginning with his entry into the company in 1996. His previous roles included positions in internal audit, finance, product and policy services, and regional field operations. He previously worked at Ernst & Young and Plastek Group.
