Erica Tracey Hirshfeld is Head of Production at Trollbäck & Company, a New York design firm. Born in Baltimore in the early 1980s, she leads major media campaigns and is married to ESPN sportscaster Peter Schrager since 2013.
- Early Life and Educational Foundation
- Building a Career in Media Production
- Leading at Trollbäck & Company
- Meeting Peter Schrager
- Family Life and Values
- Choosing Privacy Over Publicity
- Professional Achievements and Recognition
- Philanthropy and Community Impact
- Financial Standing and Lifestyle
- Balancing Career and Personal Life
- Her Influence on Media
- Lessons from Her Journey
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Most people recognize Peter Schrager from his work covering the NFL. His insights appear regularly on ESPN’s Get Up and other major sports programs. But behind this successful sportscaster stands a woman who has carved her own path in media production.
Erica Tracey Hirshfeld has built a career that commands respect in New York’s competitive design industry. As Head of Production at Trollbäck & Company, she oversees creative campaigns for major entertainment and lifestyle brands. Her story shows how talent, dedication, and smart choices create success without seeking the spotlight.
This article explores her journey from Baltimore to becoming a media leader. You’ll learn about her career achievements, her relationship with Peter Schrager, and why she chooses privacy over publicity.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Erica was born in the early 1980s into a Baltimore household that valued intellectual curiosity and creativity. Her parents, David J. Hirshfeld and Sarah Hirshfeld, created an environment where learning thrived.
Sarah Hirshfeld worked as a school counselor and later directed non-profit after-school programs focused on the arts. This background shaped Erica’s collaborative approach to leadership.
Growing up, Erica showed natural talent for visual storytelling. She spent time experimenting with photography and writing for school publications. These early interests pointed toward her future career.
She studied at the University of Michigan, where she focused on Media Studies and Communication. During her university years, she joined student organizations that built her project management skills. This foundation prepared her for the demanding media industry.
Building a Career in Media Production
Starting from the Ground Up
Erica began as a production assistant at a local news station in 2006. She embraced every opportunity to learn about media production. This hands-on experience taught her the technical and creative aspects of the business.
Her work ethic caught attention quickly. She rose through the ranks to become a producer by age 27. Each role added new skills to her toolkit.
Animation and Production Management
Before joining Trollbäck & Company, Erica worked in animation. She served as Production Manager for Polly Pocket: Lunar Eclipse, overseeing production schedules, managing teams, and ensuring smooth workflow. This role required coordination between animators, voice actors, and technical staff.
Her animation work included other notable projects. She managed tight deadlines while maintaining quality standards. These experiences prepared her for larger leadership roles.
Leading at Trollbäck & Company
Erica currently serves as Head of Production at the design firm Trollbäck & Company. Based in New York, this firm has earned awards for branding work in entertainment, culture, and lifestyle sectors.
What Her Role Involves
Her role encompasses overseeing content strategies, negotiating high-stakes deals, mentoring emerging talent, and spearheading approaches in media technology. She leads teams that create visual identities for major brands.
At Trollbäck & Company, she supervises both creative and logistical aspects of campaigns. Her work ensures designs capture audiences and produce measurable results. Colleagues describe her as someone who combines vision with practical execution.
Impact on the Industry
Erica has become well-known in the design sector because of team leading and excellent performance. Her campaigns have defined visual languages for high-profile clients.
Under her leadership, projects blend artistic creativity with strategic thinking. She understands how design choices affect brand perception and audience engagement.
| Career Milestone | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Production Assistant | 2006 | Started in local news |
| Producer | Early 2010s | Led content creation by age 27 |
| Animation Manager | 2010s | Managed Polly Pocket productions |
| Head of Production | Present | Leads at Trollbäck & Company |
Meeting Peter Schrager
Erica and Peter Schrager first met at a New York media conference in October 2008 and began dating shortly thereafter. Both were building careers in media, which gave them common ground.
Their shared passion for storytelling created a strong foundation. They understood the demands of working in a fast-paced industry. This mutual understanding strengthened their bond.
A Partnership Built on Balance
After four years of courtship, they married on June 22, 2013, at the Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville, Maryland, in a ceremony attended by close colleagues from the media and sports worlds. Their wedding brought together professionals from different areas of the media industry.
The couple supports each other’s career goals. They communicate openly about their goals, share household responsibilities, and make a point to celebrate each other’s achievements. This teamwork allows both to excel professionally.
About Peter Schrager
Peter Schrager (born April 20, 1982) is an American sportscaster for ESPN. He joined ESPN in April 2025 and appears on Get Up, First Take, and other programs. Previously, he worked as an analyst with Fox Sports and a sideline reporter for the NFL Network.
Peter co-hosted Good Morning Football on NFL Network for years. His analysis and personality made him a favorite among football fans. He has also written books, including a New York Times bestseller co-authored with Victor Cruz.
Family Life and Values
Peter is married to Erica and the couple has two children, a son and a daughter. Their family life centers on balance and quality time together.
Parenting Philosophy
Erica manages demanding career responsibilities while being present for her children. She prioritizes family time despite busy schedules. Her approach emphasizes teaching values through example.
The couple maintains boundaries between public and private life. While Peter appears regularly on television, Erica keeps their home life protected from public scrutiny.
Choosing Privacy Over Publicity
While Peter Schrager is a familiar face on television, Erica prefers to keep a lower profile. This choice reflects her values and priorities.
Why She Stays Behind the Scenes
This isn’t due to a lack of accomplishments – far from it. Rather, it’s a deliberate choice that allows her to focus on her work and family without the constant glare of the public eye. She believes meaningful success doesn’t require public recognition.
Erica chooses to have a relatively quiet profile on social media, unlike most celebs. While Peter maintains active social media presence, Erica lets her work speak for itself.
This approach offers several benefits:
- Protects family privacy
- Reduces distractions from work
- Allows focus on creative projects
- Maintains clear professional boundaries
Professional Achievements and Recognition
Throughout her career, Erica has accumulated impressive achievements. She led Emmy-winning documentary projects, ran a major rebranding campaign, and founded a production company focused on untold stories.
Leadership Style
Colleagues praise her collaborative approach. She mentors emerging talent and creates environments where creativity flourishes. Her leadership combines high standards with support for team members.
Industry professionals respect her ability to balance artistic vision with business requirements. She navigates client expectations while maintaining creative integrity.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Beyond her professional work, Erica commits time to charitable causes. Her philanthropic focus includes education, women’s empowerment, and mental health awareness.
She supports scholarships for underprivileged students interested in media careers. These efforts help create opportunities for the next generation. She also mentors young women entering the industry.
Mental health advocacy matters to her personally. She recognizes the pressures of high-stress professions and supports initiatives that provide resources.
Financial Standing and Lifestyle
Erica’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, based on her senior executive role in a major media company and her production company, it is believed she earns a salary typical of high-level media executives.
People in the business claim that someone in such a role may get a decent salary, particularly in a reputable company like Trollbäck & Company. Estimates for Head of Production positions at major design firms typically range from $150,000 to $250,000 annually.
Peter Schrager’s career in sports broadcasting adds to their household income. Together, they maintain a comfortable lifestyle that supports their family and philanthropic interests.
Balancing Career and Personal Life
Erica manages time carefully, prioritizes self-care, and maintains open communication with her husband to balance her career and motherhood. Her approach offers lessons for others juggling multiple responsibilities.
She uses several strategies:
- Setting clear priorities
- Delegating tasks when appropriate
- Creating boundaries between work and home
- Scheduling dedicated family time
- Maintaining self-care routines
These practices help her remain effective in both professional and personal roles. She demonstrates that success doesn’t require sacrificing family or personal wellbeing.
Her Influence on Media
Erica’s work has shaped how stories reach audiences. Her understanding of visual communication enhances brand messaging. Projects under her leadership combine aesthetic appeal with strategic objectives.
She stays current with media technology trends. This knowledge helps her team adapt to changing industry demands. Her forward-thinking approach positions Trollbäck & Company at the forefront of design.
Lessons from Her Journey
Erica’s career path offers several takeaways for aspiring media professionals:
Start anywhere and work up. She began as a production assistant and steadily advanced through dedication and skill-building.
Develop diverse skills. Her experience spans news, animation, and design, creating a well-rounded professional profile.
Build genuine relationships. Her network comes from authentic connections, not self-promotion.
Define success on your terms. She measures achievement by impact and fulfillment, not public recognition.
Prioritize what matters. Her choices reflect clear values about family, work, and privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Erica Tracey Hirshfeld?
She is Head of Production at Trollbäck & Company, a New York design firm, and wife of ESPN sportscaster Peter Schrager.
What does Erica Tracey Hirshfeld do?
She oversees creative production, manages client campaigns, and leads content strategy at a major design and branding firm.
How did Erica meet Peter Schrager?
They met at a New York media conference in October 2008 and married in June 2013 after dating for four years.
Does Erica Tracey Hirshfeld have children?
Yes, she and Peter Schrager have two children and maintain a private family life despite his public career.
Why isn’t Erica Tracey Hirshfeld on social media?
She deliberately maintains a low profile to focus on her work and family without public scrutiny or distraction.
Conclusion
Erica Tracey Hirshfeld proves that influence doesn’t require constant visibility. Her career demonstrates how talent, hard work, and strategic choices create lasting impact. From production assistant to Head of Production at a respected design firm, she has earned her place through consistent excellence.
Her relationship with Peter Schrager shows how two ambitious professionals can build a partnership that supports both careers. Their approach to balancing public and private life offers a model for others in demanding industries. As she continues leading major campaigns and mentoring emerging talent, her contributions shape the media landscape in meaningful ways. Success, as her story shows, comes in many forms—and the most authentic version serves your values while making a difference.
