Whether you’re at an agency or carrier, working on a large-scale transition or within a single department, creating a succession plan is a daunting task.

Handing over the reins – and on the flip side, taking them over as new leadership with fresh ideas – can prove challenging, even in the most amicable and collaborative of transitions. In this latest edition of our Agent Newsletter, we introduce you to The Next Generation of insurance industry leaders – and share what you can learn from each other.  

“We knew we wanted to grow, but we also wanted to be involved in every decision ever made,” reflected Jim Hartstein, who purchased The Insurance Market with his brother, Andy, and their cousin, Stephen in 2017. “We let go as we developed and grew as leaders.” 

For Meg Ashmead Pacella, who purchased Ashmead Insurance Associates with Greg Smith at the end of 2024, “We realized that we can’t do everything on our own. We have a lot of really smart people who work here. So, let’s work smarter, not harder.” 

In this June 2025 issue of our Agent Newsletter, you’ll…

• Meet the next generation of Donegal’s Commercial Lines leadership team and hear about the exciting new release in the pipeline for this summer! 
• Learn how two of our key agencies are embracing the next generation of ownership, and hear the advice they have for others for a seamless transition.
• Read about the many ways a recent trip across continents to visit our offshore colleagues inspired our Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer. 
• You’ll get a reminder on contact management through your Agency Dashboard.
• Learn how to safeguard your home this wildfire season.
• And so much more!

As always, you’ll get departmental updates, and see a snapshot of the many ways our Donegal team members have been active – both in their communities, and with industry colleagues.