The company said Erie Insurance currently has 4,000 employees and sells its products through 8,300 independent agents in 11 states and the District of Columbia.

Mr. Milne was described by his firm as "a vigilant advocate of Erie's distinct service-oriented culture, which earned the company the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates award."

Mr. Milne's activities in the industry saw him serve as chairman of both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Association of Independent Insurers.

Mr. Milne began with the company as a commercial services representative and held several positions at the Silver Spring, Md. Office, including claims adjuster, district sales manager and branch sales manager before being named assistant vice president and branch manager in 1982.

In 1984, Mr. Milne was named a vice president, and in 1987 he moved to the Home Office in Erie, Pa. as senior vice president of the Marketing Services Division.

In 1991, he purchased an independent insurance agency in Damascus, Md., representing Erie Insurance until 1994 when he returned to corporate life at Erie Insurance as executive vice president of insurance operations.

The company said he was active in community fundraising and revitalization projects in Erie, Pa. and that he encouraged the Erie to support a myriad of community activities and organizations at home and throughout the country.

Mr. Milne was a native of Washington, D.C., and lived in Maryland for many years. He graduated from Frostburg State University.