The year 2020 was a challenging one for people around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic kept most of us indoors for our health and safety — and the pandemic continues to disrupt nearly every aspect of our lives. Last year, the continued plague of social injustice also produced an uprising in protests and outcry like the world has never seen before. Being a manager in a virtual environment during these trying times was stressful for many. As leader of Erie Insurance’s African American Affinity Network (EAAN), I felt compelled to find unique ways to get our ERIE Family engaged in diversity initiatives such as empathy training, culture education and competency growth opportunities.

Despite the challenges of doing this work virtually, we implemented several different programs during this time. ERIE held a virtual Juneteenth celebration that included CNN correspondent Bakari Sellers speaking to Erie Insurance employees. ERIE also initiated a diversity loan program for its independent agents that provides an opportunity to advance marketing, hiring, networking and education with a diversity focus. ERIE also held several meetings and listening sessions across the company that built upon empathy training in an open forum venue that gave employees an opportunity to express their opinions and learn from each other. There was a new level of collaboration within the ERIE Family that made me proud and our corporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Department continues to further enhance our work in this area.

Our work was well received and earned ERIE national recognition. In September, ERIE earned three Diversity Impact Awards from the Global ERG Network, the world’s largest network of employee resource groups dedicated to making measurable progress on diversity, equity and inclusion. Our African American Affinity Network and the company’s Dignity & Respect Affinity Network were both named Top 25 ERG Diversity Impact Award recipients by the organization. I was also proud to be named one of five recipients of Diversity Impact Executive Sponsor of the Year honors for our work during one of the most difficult times for social injustice in this century.

Awards and recognition are great, but we know there is still much work to be done. I look forward to bringing not only insurance and sales expertise to Wisconsin in my new role, but also helping to advance diversity, equity and inclusion with independent agents across the state. ERIE’s Wisconsin branch office is in Brookfield, but our efforts will extend across Wisconsin. It’s important to remember that the diversity efforts of independent agencies and insurance carriers are not just feel-good activities. Pursuing and educating yourself on diversity is a true business imperative. Our country and communities continue to diversify year after year. Diversity empathy continues to become more mainstream and businesses that identify and

embrace opportunities to engage with diverse customers and communities are achieving even greater success.

As we look ahead, we all must continue to consider the tough questions. As independent agents, how much longer will I be viewed in my community as “caring” for my customers if I don’t truly recognize and celebrate the beauty of what makes them different? How much longer will I be able to grow my customer base if I don’t understand and meaningfully engage with some of the fastest-growing population groups in our nation?

The business case for diversity — both within our agencies and with our customers — has never been more apparent.

If you haven’t started your DEI journey, now is a good time to begin. If you’ve already taken that first step, now is a good time to take another. I am passionate about this work and invite you to join me and IIAW in this effort. Erie Insurance continues to grow in the State of Wisconsin. On July 15, 2021, Fred Johnson took over as the Vice President and Wisconsin Branch Manager for Erie Insurance (ERIE). Fred has more than 10 years of experience in liability, property and material damage claims roles. Over the past decade, he has served as a sales manager in Ohio and ERIE’s Canton (Ohio) Vice President and Branch Manager. During this time, Fred also founded Erie Insurance’s African American Affinity Network/Employee Resource Group. He continues to lead this group as its executive sponsor for Erie Insurance.

Vice President and Wisconsin Branch Manager, Erie Insurance

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