Bel Air – October 19, 2026 -- Harford Mutual Insurance Group's policyholders' surplus has grown from $89 million in 2006 to $489 million as of September 30, 2026, over the 20-year tenure of President and CEO Steven D. Linkous.
Linkous becomes third-longest-serving president in 1842 insurer's history
Linkous took the top job on October 16, 2006, as only the 10th president since the company was founded in 1842. Only John Carroll Walsh, who served 29 years, and Richard Dallam, who served 45 years, have led the company longer. Linkous joined HMIG in 1985 as a Microcomputer Programmer and Agency Support Specialist and also sits on the Board of Directors.
Carrier now writes business in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
Over the 20 years, the insurer opened two additional offices, one in South Carolina and one in Kentucky, to support growth in the Southern and Midwest regions. HMIG was named one of Ward's 50 top-performing property-casualty insurers in 2021 and 2022. The company also modernized through new core systems, enhanced products and business units, and expanded workplace flexibility.
HMIG has given more than $6.5 million to charity since 2006
The Harford Mutual Insurance Group Community Fund has distributed more than $220,000 to nonprofits since 2023. Linkous has also backed professional development, leadership training and internship programs for employees.
The Daily Record named Linkous one of Maryland's Most Admired CEOs in 2020, 2022 and 2024. The third award earned him a place in the publication's Circle of Leadership.