Celebrating success at work and in the community

Creative problem-solving, achieving ambitious business goals and deepening relationships were a few things celebrated at Nationwide’s sales meetings, as teams gathered to recognize strong performance in 2022 and build momentum for the year ahead. Associates were also honored for their exemplary business achievements and for leadership in their local communities.

“These associates do an excellent job taking care of our distribution partners and customers while also being leaders in their communities,” said Mark Berven, President of Property & Casualty, “Congratulations to this year’s winners, you represent Nationwide well.”

Property Casualty Sales Associates of the Year include:

• Kevin Bauer – Nationwide Agribusiness
  Kevin always provides his colleagues and agents with the highest level of service. Outside of work, Kevinvolunteers at the Food Bank of Iowa and coaches his son’s baseball, basketball, soccer, and football teams.
• Alyssa Bonavito – E&S/Specialty
  Alyssa is a team player committed to helping meet and exceed goals. When help is needed for any fundraisers or volunteer opportunities, Alyssa is always the first to assist in any way she can.
• Todd Opyt – Middle Market Underwriting, Commercial Lines
  Todd volunteers for Care for Real, a Chicago-based organization providing food, clothing, pet food, referral,
  and additional services to the community to improve the health and well-being of low-income residents.
• Kyle Shearer – National Sales Solutions, Personal Lines
  In his spare time, Kyle and his wife run a rescue ranch in Arizona for sick, hurt, or unwanted animals. They currently have five donkeys, four horses, three mini horses, one pig, one goat, two turkeys, 30 chickens, five dogs and three cats.

Nationwide Financial Sales Associates of the Year include:

• Andy Johnson – Corporate Solutions
  At work, Andy has established himself as a collaborative problem solver. In his spare time, he continues to volunteer and is involved in the community as a youth coach.
• Brooke Miller – Life Insurance
  Brooke is passionate about finding ways to help protect more people with life insurance. She serves as a mentor to Life wholesalers looking to get into the field, helping ensure a talent pipeline for Nationwide Financial’s future. She is also an avid supporter of organizations such as the Hantz Foundation and volunteer opportunities that benefit children.  
• Bill Vassas – Retirement Solutions
  Bill sells Nationwide in all that he does, with an overarching focus on continuing to connect with current and new advisor partners.
• Julie Stewart – Nationwide Annuity
  After mentoring informally, Julie signed up for Nationwide’s formal mentorship program launched in September. She’s a member of the Nationwide Financial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and volunteers with several charitable organizations in the Atlanta area.
• Sal Scudiero – Nationwide Annuity
  Last fall, Sal stepped up his impressive commitment to his community by assisting with cleanup after Hurricane Ian and doubling his blood donation efforts to help his fellow Floridians.
• Sohil Patel – Life Insurance
  Sohil’s caring nature shines through his volunteerism in the Columbus community with organizations like the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, Pelotonia and homeless shelters.

“We’re proud of these associates’ outstanding performance and their dedication to members, distribution partners and each other,” said John Carter, President and COO of Nationwide Financial. “It’s clear that the sales associates of the year are committed to providing extraordinary care at work and in the community.”

Learn more about Nationwide’s volunteerism and corporate giving efforts. The company also has a number of open roles across the enterprise.