Thomas Hagerty

Hagerty was inspired by his beliefs to help found the Industrial Workers of the World and assisted in writing its founding constitution that promoted worker solidarity and opposition to war.

Thomas Hagerty currently holds a position as managing director at Thomas H. Lee Partners and holds several board seats such as Black Knight Inc, Ceridian HCM Holdings, Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and FleetCor Technologies, among others.

Early Life and Education

Hagerty was an intimidating figure who, when speaking, would command attention and draw in audiences like never before. Eugene Debs wrote of Hagerty: “On the rostrum he stands like an injured lion at bay; his ready language, logic, wit and sarcasm flow like an endless river and thrill the multitude.”

Hagerty started a nonprofit theater company dedicated to producing Broadway musicals at an affordable cost for underprivileged patrons during his high school days at John A Coleman Catholic High School in Hurley, NY where he also earned both Salutatorian and Class President distinction.

He later moved to Van Buren (Crawford County) and spent much of his time preaching socialist doctrine and persuading workers that socialism could coexist peacefully with Catholicism. Additionally, he participated in creating the IWW manifesto which recognized class struggle as fundamental and irrepressible conflict.

Professional Career

Tom excelled as an attorney throughout his long legal career, successfully defending workers’ compensation and personal injury cases while representing plaintiffs in complex litigation involving strict products liability, negligence and labor law. Tom always managed to do this with remarkable professionalism, empathy and affability for both his clients and opponents alike.

As a Managing Director at Thomas H. Lee Partners, Tom leads its investment team. Additionally, he sits on several Boards including Black Knight Financial Services, Ceridian HCM Holdings and Dun & Bradstreet.

Tom Hagerty is also the creator of the Thomas L. Shaffer Public Interest Fellowship, which has helped 17 Notre Dame Law School graduates launch careers in public service since 2011. Additionally, since 2011 Hagerty has served as pro bono coordinating attorney for KIND (Kids in Need of Defense), an organization founded by Angelina Jolie and Microsoft Corp to represent unaccompanied children before immigration courts.

Achievement and Honors

Hagerty has earned numerous awards and recognitions for his dedication and willingness to assist others, which have been acknowledged through multiple accolades and awards. He serves on the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee and as past president of several MVMA committees.

Hagerty was so effective with his oratory that the newspaper gave him the name “The Butte Miner”. With this newfound fame came opportunities to debate for socialism across the country and travel the country debating and stumping for it.

Hagerty was an astute businessman as well. Not only was he active in supporting socialism, he took advantage of opportunities in railroad operations and finance as well as mining and cattle ranching – significantly increasing his personal net worth along the way.

Personal Life

Hagerty was inspired to establish the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), and served as one of six individuals to extend invitations to labor radicals to organize. Additionally, he participated in creating its constitution and wrote numerous articles for radical publications.

Hagerty is best known for his involvement with the IWW and has served on multiple board of director positions such as Black Knight Inc, Ceridian HCM Holdings LLC, Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and FleetCor Technologies – in addition to being a trustee at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum of Boston Massachusetts.

He is married and is raising two young children – one being his twin! He graduated from John A. Coleman Catholic High School in Hurley, New York as salutatorian and class president.

Net Worth

Thomas Hagerty has an estimated net worth of over $1.0 Billion and currently serves as the Managing Director at Thomas H Lee Partners, L.P. He has held this position since 1994 and also sits on the boards of Black Knight Inc, Ceridian HCM Holding Inc, Dun & Bradstreet and Fleetcor Technologies – among other NYSE listed firms.

In the late 1800s, he became active in the socialist movement and preached to miners of Van Buren (Crawford County). Through these actions he eventually adopted revolutionary syndicalism as his ideology.

He was one of the founding members of the Industrial Workers of the World in 1905, writing its preamble and helping establish its central office.