Eric Hagarty, who helped secure historic increases in education funding and oversaw critical initiatives that benefited teachers and the 1.7 million students in Pennsylvania, has joined Mercury, the firm announced this week.
Hagarty, who oversaw a $22 billion organization with more than 600 employees and contractors as acting commissioner of education in Pennsylvania, is considered a key thought leader.
Mercury Partner Michael Soliman, who leads the Pennsylvania and New Jersey offices, said Hagarty is a great get for the firm — one who will add key insights on all education issues.
“Eric Hagarty has spent his career serving the people of Pennsylvania and knows what it takes to get things accomplished,” Soliman said. “His experience and ability to forge consensus are great additions to our team and will be huge assets to our clients.”
Hagarty oversaw Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, early childhood education programs, community colleges and the State Library of Pennsylvania, among other public, academic and school libraries.
Prior to his appointment to lead the Department of Education, Hagarty spent six years as Gov. Tom Wolf’s deputy chief of staff, overseeing strategic priorities in the health care, human services, education, transportation and infrastructure sectors. He previously served as the chief of staff at Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development.
In addition to his highly regarded career serving the people of the commonwealth, Hagarty has worked as a campaign manager and finance director on several successful political campaigns.
Hagarty earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in economics and political science from the University of Washington.
