Columbus, OH - Mark Howard will join Nationwide as the company’s Chief Legal Officer. Howard succeeds Patricia (Pat) Hatler, who announced her plans to retire last fall. Howard will lead the company’s trial, legal, government relations, compliance, corporate citizenship and corporate governance functions, effective April 11.

Howard most recently served as senior vice president and deputy general counsel for USAA where he was responsible for governance matters; legislative, regulatory and trade association relations; Federal Reserve and insurance holding company legal matters; and the enterprise’s compliance function.

“Mark’s extensive financial services and insurance background will be a valuable addition to the team as we look to fully leverage our company’s strengths in the increasingly complex regulatory, business and consumer environment,” said Steve Rasmussen, Nationwide’s Chief Executive Officer. “At the same time, we extend our very best to Pat Hatler as she enters retirement. Pat successfully guided the company through significant changes and it has been a privilege to work with her.”

With USAA since 1995, Howard’s career represents extensive legal experience across the insurance, financial services, legal and compliance functions. Prior to USAA, he was an attorney with Kirkpatrick & Lockhart in Washington, D.C., as well as on the audit staff of Arthur Andersen in Dallas, Texas. Mark earned his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and his juris doctor and master of business administration degrees from Southern Methodist University.

Professionally and civically active, Mark currently serves as the board chairman for Clarity Child Guidance Center in San Antonio, Texas, and is a member of Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business Advisory Board. He also recently served in various capacities on the Financial Services Advisory Board of the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Baylor University Accounting and Business Law Advisory Council and the South Texas Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel, South Texas Chapter Board.