MORE ABOUT JAMES C. METZGER

James C. Metzger’s moniker should be “Mr. Long Island”. James was born and raised on Long Island. He attended Half Hollow Hills East High School and was an All-American lacrosse player at Hofstra University. For 30 years, James has owned one of the country’s most successful independent insurance brokerage firms that presently employs 70 people at its Garden City headquarters. James’ business philosophy--“Everything I ever needed to know about business I learned on the sports field”—encompasses his Long Island roots, his passion for sports and his commitment to support the communities where he, his employees and his clients live and work. James was a three-sport athlete (lacrosse, football, and basketball) in high school. As an All-American lacrosse player, he won the prestigious Lt. Ray Enners Award as Suffolk County’s 1977 Outstanding Lacrosse Player. The #26 jersey worn by Lt. Enners, a military hero who also played lacrosse for Half Hollow Hills and later for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the #21 jersey worn by James officially were retired by the school district.  

On the football field, James graduated as the school’s all-time leading scorer and rusher. He was a Suffolk County All-Star running back. His career total offense, including receptions and returns, was 2,777 yards. He led the team in scoring in 1974, 1975, and 1976 and rushing in 1975 and 1976. For 1977, James was the only high school athlete selected to participate in both the Suffolk County North-South All-Star Football Game and the North-South All-Star Lacrosse Game. He also led the 1974-75 basketball team during the Suffolk County playoffs. Following high school, James was a starting running back for Naval Academy Preparatory School. While an injury ended his football career, James still led the lacrosse team in goals, assists, and points, and he received the team’s Most Valuable Player Award.

James entered the insurance brokerage business in 1983 and founded Whitmore-The Agency in 1989. Over the years, the company has steadily built a business that now extends beyond insurance brokerage. A significant component to James’ commitment to Long Island and the company’s success is the support provided to nonprofit organizations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as New York City. Personally, and through his company, James is a frequent donor to educational, charitable, and other organizations. Philanthropic endeavors include his high school and college alma maters, St. Anthony’s High School, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI), the Funeral Service Foundation (FSA), the local chapter of the American Heart Association, the New York City YMCA and the Hempstead PAL Lacrosse Program. At Hofstra, James donated the largest gift ever received by Hofstra Athletics. His ongoing contributions have funded improvements to the athletic field house and for men’s and women’s programs. In appreciation, the university dedicated James C. Metzger Hall at Shuart Stadium on April 7, 2015.

James has also contributed to the New York City Chapter of the National Football Foundation and is the presenting sponsor for the Mr. Football New York City Player of the Year Award, presented annually to the top high school player in New York City. There is not a more deserving and caring steward and supporter of Long Island Youth Athletics than the chapter’s namesake James C. Metzger.