In honor of America’s 250^th anniversary, organizers from all 50 states highlighted contributions that people, businesses and organizations from their states made to the country over the last 250 years to help improve the lives of their fellow Americans. In Ohio, the America 250 - Ohio Commission chose to recognize the seatbelt advocacy campaign, started by Nationwide.  

Nationwide worked alongside lawmakers and public safety partners to help advance legislation designed to save lives. That work helped shape the seat belt laws in place today — and reflects the company’s broader belief that protection extends beyond products and policies. 

As you and your family take to the open road this weekend, remember to drive safe, fasten your seatbelt and protect what matters most. 

After a remarkable 21-year career at Nationwide, Mike Mahaffey, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer, Strategy and Innovation Officer, announced he will retire later this year.  

“Mike has been integral in keeping us focused on what matters most—our customers—while shaping the strategies that move our businesses forward,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “Thanks to his vision and leadership, Nationwide is well positioned to grow and succeed as we head into our next century.” 

Mahaffey began his Nationwide career in 2005. Through the years, he took on a series of increasingly broad leadership roles across risk, strategy, growth, innovation and customer with a common focus on building a stronger Nationwide for the future. 

Throughout his career, Mike brought that same spirit of service to the broader industry and community. He serves as a trustee and past chair of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio, and serves on the OhioHealth Board of Directors. He has helped lead the North American Chief Risk Officer Council and The Ohio State University’s Risk Institute, and he previously served as vice chair of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. He has also shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University and as a guest lecturer at Harvard Business School. 

“Mike’s ability to connect the big picture to the work in front of us has made a lasting difference—for our customers, our associates and our company,” said Walker. “It’s a legacy that will continue to be felt throughout the enterprise.” 

At Nationwide’s annual company-wide meeting, employees gathered in-person and virtually to celebrate the 2026 CEO Award winners whose contributions reflect the company’s mission of protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care. In the company’s centennial year, their stories are a reminder that caring for others has been at the heart of Nationwide throughout its history.

A Nationwide CEO Award is considered one of the company’s highest honors, recognizing employees who go above and beyond. Nearly 100 employees were nominated.

“Each year, these awards give us the opportunity to recognize people who represent the very best of our company, those who lead by example and help make Nationwide a stronger community partner,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “Their commitment to customers, the community, each other and moving our business forward is nothing short of inspiring. Their work reflects our mission in action and demonstrates how powerful it is when talent, compassion and purpose come together.”

Visit the Nationwide careers page to learn more about open positions. 

• California: Russell Zimmerman, Nipomo High School
• Delaware: Mark Breeding, Caesar Rodney High School
• Iowa: Zach Morris, West Liberty High School
• Illinois: Joe Steffen, Newark High School
• Indiana: Lynnette Markley, Argos High School
• Kansas: Dr. Kelly Hoelting, Mission Valley High School
• Kentucky: Ben Prevette, Hopkins County Central High School
• Maryland: Becky Yost, Northern High School
• Missouri: Jarred Sayre, Milan C‑2 High School
• Nebraska: Tony Jensen, Freeman High School
• New York: Mary Coolbaugh, Marcus Whitman Central School
• Ohio: Alex Zimmer, Buckeye Valley High School
• Pennsylvania: Doug Masser, Pequea Valley High School
• South Dakota: Dave VanderWal, De Smet High School
• Utah: Chad Warnick, Delta High School 

Nationwide partnered with state FFA organizations to establish the Golden Owl Award in 2018 to highlight the growing importance of agricultural educators and recognize those who go above and beyond to support students pursuing careers in agriculture, agribusiness and environmental stewardship. Since its inception, the program has supplied more than $800,000 to support teachers, students, school agricultural programs and FFA organizations. The award has expanded each year due to popularity, adding Delaware and Utah in 2025 to its growing list of participating states.

As grand prize winners, the teachers earn the title of their state’s Ag Educator of the Year, the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy, and $3,000 in funding to help bring new opportunities to their programs.

“These outstanding teachers exemplify passion and devotion to shaping the future of their communities,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “Their tireless efforts inspire the next generation of agriculture leaders, and we’re proud to recognize their invaluable contributions as Ag Educators of the Year.”

Each year, the selected finalists, chosen by established state committees, are awarded $500¹ in recognition of their contributions. Nationwide also contributes $5,000 to each of the participating state FFA organizations.

To see a complete list of partners, read more about the state honorees, see past winners or learn about the nomination process in select states, visit www.GoldenOwlAward.com.


^{1 Ohio finalists will receive a personalized plaque and $1,500 to fund their programs. Ohio’s Ag Educator of the Year title will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $5,000 to help fund future educational efforts for their program. Ohio’s partners, Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit, provided funding for the increase in prize money. In accordance with Ohio law, cash prizes in Ohio are awarded to the winner’s school ag program.}

One survived weeks alone in the wilderness. Others couldn't resist bingeing on cake, medications and even a drum. Though their stories were vastly different, all nine furry finalists for Nationwide^® pet insurance’s Hambone Award^® share one thing in common: a full recovery.

Voting for the 18^th annual Hambone Award, recognizing the year’s most unusual pet insurance claim is underway now through Aug. 14, 2026, at petinsurance.com/hamboneaward. The winner will be announced Aug. 19, 2026.  

The Hambone Award was originally named after a Nationwide-insured dog who got stuck in a refrigerator and ate an entire holiday ham while waiting to be discovered. The dog was eventually found, with a licked-clean ham bone and a mild case of hypothermia. He made a full recovery and inspired this award, which highlights the unusual situations pets can get into and how pet insurance can help.

Meet the 2026 Hambone Award finalists

• Capone, a Bernedoodle from California, found a baseball in the garage and decided to make it a chew toy. After shredding the ball and swallowing the cover, his pet parents sought guidance from Nationwide’s VetHelpline^® before Capone received treatment and made a full recovery.
• Diesel and Matilda, beagles from Arizona, followed their noses straight to trouble when they snuck into the pantry and devoured nearly an entire two-tier red velvet cake. Their sweet tooth quickly led to concern, but both dogs ultimately made full recoveries.
• Hampden, a goldendoodle from Texas, made his frustration over a delayed dinner known by tearing apart a vintage Ugandan drum and eating the drum skin. Veterinarians later removed half a drum from his stomach, and Hampden made a full recovery.
• Henry, a fetch-obsessed Labrador retriever from Colorado, chased a ball into a yard cleanup area and impaled his paw on a rake prong. After his pet parent contacted Nationwide’s VetHelpline for guidance, Henry received care and is back to chasing tennis balls.
• Hobbes, a domestic shorthair cat from Arizona, slipped past his owner and dashed into the garage just as the door was closing. He made it past the safety sensors but not the garage door itself. When his owner found him trapped, Hobbes was rushed for treatment and was soon back in action.
• Lilliya and Noelle, borzois from Wisconsin, teamed up for a prescription-powered misadventure after opening a drawer and helping themselves to an entire bottle of their beef liver-flavored pet prescription. After consuming all 14 tablets, the duo required immediate treatment but ultimately made full recoveries.
• Lulu, a mixed-breed dog from Illinois, was keeping watch for squirrels from her favorite chaise lounge when she slipped and landed on a metal candle holder, which pierced into her leg. After receiving stitches and pain medication, Lulu returned to squirrel duty.
• Milo Bear, a golden retriever from Nevada, disappeared into the snowy wilderness near Lake Tahoe after being startled during a Christmas Day outing. Following an extraordinary search and 72 days on his own, Milo's microchip was scanned at a shelter and he was reunited with his family after receiving care.
• Rolly, a standard poodle from Florida, turned his passion for chasing iguanas into a much bigger problem when he decided to eat a dead one. The unusual meal left him seriously ill, but Rolly made a full recovery.

All nominated pets have made full recoveries and received reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses from Nationwide pet insurance. For full stories, photos of the nominees, and to cast your vote daily between August 3-14, 2026, visit petinsurance.com/hamboneaward.

“Though these stories begin with unexpected pet mishaps, the Hambone Award celebrates what happens next: the extraordinary bond between people and pets, and the compassionate care that helps turn close calls into recoveries” said  Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer for Nationwide. “We’re proud that Nationwide could provide financial peace of mind during a stressful time, helping families focus on what matters most: their pets’ recovery.”

The nominee with the most votes will receive the coveted Hambone Award trophy and a Petco gift card, while two runners-up will also receive Petco gift cards.

To explore pet health insurance coverage for dogs, cats and many avian and exotic pets, visit PetInsurance.com.

Nationwide has been named to the inaugural Ohio AI25 list, a new recognition from OhioX and Ohio Tech News honoring companies and organizations shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in Ohio.

The recognition underscores Nationwide’s dedication to using technology and AI to enhance the experiences and solutions it delivers. Guided by a people-connected, machine-enabled approach, the company is focused on using technology to expand capacity, strengthen decision-making, create new offerings and build more meaningful connections.

“Being named to Ohio AI25 reflects Nationwide’s commitment to using AI in ways that spark innovation and transform how we work, and how we serve our customers,” said Michael Carrel, EVP and Chief Technology Officer at Nationwide. “Our focus is on applying technology safely and thoughtfully to strengthen the futures of our company, partners and members.”

That work is part of Nationwide’s broader technology strategy, including a $1.5 billion investment through 2028 to enhance its technology capabilities. More than 20% of that investment is focused on AI.

Other organizations named to the list include JobsOhio, Google and Meta. The full Ohio AI25 list is available at OhioTechNews.com.

To learn more about Nationwide’s technology organization, visit the Nationwide Technology & Innovation newsroom page.

After more than four decades of leadership and service, Jeff Rommel, senior vice president, Personal Lines Operations, will retire from Nationwide on Jan. 31, 2027.

Rommel joined Allied Insurance, a Nationwide company, in 1985 as a claims representative. During his 41-year tenure with Nationwide, he has held various leadership positions across claims, sales, distribution and operations.

Since assuming the role of senior vice president of Personal Lines Operations in October 2024, Rommel has helped transform the experience Nationwide delivers by advancing service, ease and trust, while helping the organization sharpen its focus on customer outcomes and build capabilities that contributed to industry-leading experiences.

Throughout his career, Rommel’s deep knowledge of the Personal Lines value chain has helped deliver the company’s mission to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care.

“Jeff’s leadership has made a lasting impact on our company and on the people who have worked alongside him,” said Mark Berven, president and COO, Property & Casualty for Nationwide. “Jeff helped lead the business through important moments with a steady hand, a clear focus on our customers and a commitment to building strong teams.”

Beyond his service at Nationwide, Rommel has been an active and dedicated member of his community throughout his career.  He has served in various Board roles and collaborated closely with community partners including the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Food Bank of Iowa, United Way of Central Iowa, ICON Water Trails, Science Center of Iowa, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Greater Iowa and the Vaughan Institute Advisory Board.

The search for a new leader of Personal Lines Operations is underway.

About the award: The JD Power 2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study measures customer satisfaction with auto insurance in 11 geographic regions. A separate category that addresses UBI, along with diagnostics that influence UBI participants’ experience with their insurer’s usage-based auto products, ranks Nationwide as the top auto insurer for usage-based insurance.

What we’re saying: “Nationwide recognizes that customers want insurance solutions that are as smart and connected as the world around them,” said Casey Kempton, President, P&C Personal Lines for  Nationwide. “Usage-based insurance delivers that by combining technology, innovation and practical insights to help drivers improve habits and make roadways safer for everyone.”

Starting “Smart” in 2012: Nationwide launched its first UBI product, SmartRide®² in 2012 followed by SmartMiles® ³ in 2019 as options for drivers seeking products that personalize rates based on driving habits.

• SmartRide® measures specific driving behaviors and provides real-time feedback to encourage safer driving decisions. Personalized results can lead to insurance premium discounts up to 40%.
• SmartMiles® is pay-per-mile insurance with a flexible monthly rate based on miles driven.

Beyond UBI: Nationwide rolled out the Focused Driving Rewards® (FDR) program⁴, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help reduce phone-related distractions and reward safe driving with e-gift cards from popular retailers. The program is open to all drivers, not just Nationwide customers.  

Where usage-based insurance is headed: Nationwide sees usage-based insurance as the foundation for smarter, more personalized protection. Through advanced telematics, it aims to deliver coverage tailored to each customer’s lifestyle while promoting safety, transparency, and trust. The goal is to make insurance feel more like a partnership that rewards safe, responsible driving.

Go deeper: Learn more about usage-based insurance from Nationwide. 

¹ Nationwide received the highest score in the Usage Based Insurance (UBI) segment of the JD Power 2024-2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,^SM of customers’ satisfaction with their auto insurance provider. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

² Availability varies; program criteria differs in California and North Carolina. Stated discounts are approximations. Discounts do not apply to all coverage elements; actual savings, availability, and program criteria vary by state, coverage selections, rating factors, and policy changes. Enrollment discount applies until a driving behavior discount can be calculated, which could be zero. Driving behavior discount is applied to a policy when all drivers have activated the SmartRide Mobile app within 30 days of the policy’s effective date and the app remains active for 80 days. All discounts are subject to change based upon actuarial support and driving behavior at subsequent renewals or with changes in drivers or vehicles on the policy.

In Virginia and Washington, the discount may decrease at renewal based on changes in driving behavior. In Michigan and Washington, the driving behavior discount is applied at renewal.

³ Program information reflects SmartMiles in Arizona, Ohio, Oregon and Nebraska. Details and availability vary by state, policy original effective date and other factors. SmartMiles variable premium is based upon the Cost Per Mile established for the coverages in force and the number of days and miles driven when the coverage is in force. Cost Per Mile may vary monthly based on driving trends. Estimated premium is subject  change based upon final rated mileage during the mileage period and policy changes.

⁴ Focused Driving Rewards is not currently available in AK, CA, HI, LA, MA, NY or OK.  Drivers 29 years and younger can earn up to $60 every 6 months. Drivers 30 years and older can earn $2.50 every 2 weeks, up to $30 every 6 months. Focused Driving Rewards is not insurance and does not require the purchase of a policy or a quote. Participation is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Nationwide may terminate the program at any time.

One year after Nationwide acquired Allstate Benefits’ self-funded program and stop loss plans, the team –  now referred to as Nationwide Group Benefits – is celebrating this milestone by reflecting on strides it has made helping businesses and employees feel valued and secure, while building momentum for the future.

Officially established in July 2025, Group Benefits now protects more than three million lives through a portfolio that includes employee benefits like accident, life, dental, critical illness, disability, vision and hospital indemnity; pet insurance; and stop loss insurance. Stop loss protects employers who self-fund their health insurance plans from excess losses.

“We’ve been through a tremendous year of growth that’s been nothing short of transformational,” said Lindsey Murray, president of Nationwide Group Benefits. “Nationwide’s existing stop loss and supplemental health teams, the former Allstate Benefits team and Nationwide Pet came together to combine our unique strengths for greater impact, delivering extraordinary care to our partners and clients in the process.”

Bringing the three businesses together under one team created opportunities to share best practices across pricing, product development and claims, helping streamline services and operations over the past year. Additionally, all teams work with benefits brokers who deliver protection solutions to employers and their employees, so they were able to quickly recognize and leverage new synergies to better position the team for success.

Now, the team is building on that momentum to establish a strong foundation for future growth. As Nationwide Group Benefits continues on its journey to unify its distinct businesses, it is growing market share by deepening partnerships and diversifying its portfolio of solutions to enable sustainable, profitable growth for the future.

“Nationwide is a leader in the stop loss and pet industries, but we want to expand that success even deeper into the employee benefits space,” Murray said. “We are focused on strengthening our presence in our current markets and expanding our suite of benefit solutions through more diversified sales, helping protect the employers we serve while making a meaningful difference for their people.”

Visit Group Health for more information and resources on Nationwide’s self-funded and stop loss programs, Nationwide Pet Insurance for information on pet insurance and Employee Benefits for information on the benefits Nationwide offers employers.  

NFM-25594AO
06/2026

Why it matters
Based on analysis of claims resulting from an auto collision, Nationwide found that a driver is 3.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash when driving distracted. 

Iowa drivers are showing measurable behavior change since the law took effect on July 1, 2025. The data suggests that an education campaign, a six-month warning period, and full enforcement effective January 1, 2026, have contributed to more drivers putting the phone down and focusing on the road.

By the numbers
Analytics derived from mobile telematics found that phone-related distraction among Nationwide-insured drivers in Iowa dropped in several key behaviors over the last year.

• 13.6% reduction on screen-tapping interactions since full enforcement, an improvement from 5.9% during warning period
• 9.1% reduction in handheld calling since full enforcement, an improvement from 8.2% during warning period
• During full enforcement, Iowa drivers logged about 140,700 fewer phone-motion events than expected based on pre-law driving behavior 

Nationwide Methodology
The analysis above is based on anonymized, opt-in mobile telematics data used to evaluate changes in phone-related distraction among Iowa drivers before and after the state’s hands-free law took effect from July 1, 2025 to June 15, 2026.

Additional insights from CMT, which include distracted driving data from over 30 safe driving programs across the U.S., show from July 2025 to May 2026:

• 85 of Iowa’s 99 counties saw decreases in phone motion
  • Among the state’s 10 largest counties, nine experienced reductions of at least 4% and Iowa’s largest county, Polk County, decreased distraction by 9.2%.
• Top-performing counties achieved reductions in distraction ranging from 13% to 17% with biggest improvements seen in Ringgold, Page, Calhoun, Wayne, and Lyon.
• The reduction in distraction has helped Iowa prevent an estimated 470 crashes, 210 injuries, 3 fatalities, and $20.3 million in economic damage¹.

Together, the Nationwide and CMT findings point to the same conclusion: Iowa drivers are showing measurable reductions in risky phone-related behavior since the law took effect.

The big picture
“Promoting responsible driving behavior through legislative advocacy and safe driving programs like SmartRide and Focused Driving Rewards is an ongoing priority for Nationwide,” said Casey Kempton, President, P&C Personal Lines for Nationwide. “Meaningful change can happen when like-minded partners come together, and we commend Iowa’s Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau for their continued commitment to positively influence distracted-driving behaviors among drivers across the state.”  

"Distracted driving is one of the most preventable dangers on our roads, and Iowa has shown the nation that change is within reach," said William V. Powers, Co-Founder and CEO of CMT. “This is the future of road safety: proactive, measurable, and lifesaving. If the rest of the country follows Iowa's lead, we can save tens of thousands of lives and redefine what it means to be safe behind the wheel."

About the law
Governor Kim Reynolds signed Iowa’s Hands-Free Driving Law on April 2, 2025, making Iowa the 31^st state in the nation to enact hands-free legislation. Since the law’s effective date July 1, 2025, the Iowa State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have been educating motorists on what constitutes distracted driving and how to comply with the law.   

“As we approach the one-year mark for enacting Iowa’s hands-free law, it is exciting to see Nationwide's data showing a reduction of in-vehicle phone usage across the state of Iowa,” says Iowa State Patrol Colonel Nathan Fulk.  “This progress reflects the collaborative efforts from our law enforcement personnel, safety advocates, and our private partners, like Nationwide.  Most importantly, it highlights Iowans who have demonstrated safe driving behavior and embraced the message that no text, call or notification is worth risking a life.”

Visit DriveSmartIowa.com for more information about Iowa’s Hands-Free Driving Law and tips for avoiding distractions while driving.

¹ Estimates are based on changes in crash rates from distracted driving, combined with the average crash cost of $23,954 from NHTSA’s report The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2019, and 2022 crash records reported by the State of Iowa.

Nationwide’s customers can now receive preferred pricing on Barn Owl hardware, along with access to exclusive early bird promotions throughout the year. Barn Owl also offers additional savings off each extra camera, making it easier to scale coverage across an operation.

“Farmers and ranchers often have valuable equipment, livestock and infrastructure spread across wide areas, and it’s not always practical to be everywhere at once,” said Vicente Rico, agribusiness risk management product development lead at Nationwide. “Our relationship with Barn Owl strengthens Nationwide’s commitment to helping customers predict and prevent losses by giving them another practical, easy-to-use tool to monitor their operations, deter theft and respond more quickly when something needs attention.”

With simple cellular setup, solar power and rugged, no-wiring installation, Barn Owl cameras let customers monitor animals, equipment, buildings, gates and other remote assets from anywhere. Barn Owl also offers options ranging from high-definition photos and videos with real-time alerts to livestreaming with audio, along with contract-free plans designed to fit different monitoring needs.

“We built our cameras and platform for the realities of operating a rural business, where simplicity and reliability matter,” said Josh Phifer, founder and CEO at Barn Owl. “Partnering with Nationwide lets us put our tech in the hands of more farmers and ranchers, so they can keep an eye on what matters most and act fast when it counts. We're proud to work alongside a company that shares our focus on providing peace of mind, cost savings, and reliability to the hard-working people of rural America.”

The new relationship adds to Nationwide’s growing suite of Ag Tech risk management solutions available to customers, with offerings ranging from remote monitoring and fleet management tools to fire suppression and thermal imaging technology.

To learn more about the Barn Owl partnership, view Nationwide’s Ag Tech solutions webpage or contact your Nationwide agent.

Photo credit: Barn Owl

^{Photo credit: Columbus Business First/Ian Alexander Photography}

In 2026, nonprofit organizations that serve Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding region are experiencing tough times as demand for their social services rapidly expands, just as they are being squeezed by rising costs and reduced funding.

To help respond to these challenges, philanthropic foundations and corporate partners are starting to shift focus to provide nonprofits with stronger and more collaborative partnerships, but more help is needed.

“Impact starts to grow when an organization thinks beyond financial contributions and brings its full capabilities to a philanthropic partnership,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide. “In our case, we think about volunteerism and board service, opportunities where Nationwide can offer the support of our greatest asset, our people. When we apply that to support our nonprofit partners, we help them deliver even greater positive change in our communities.”

Support that goes beyond funding is especially critical in 2026. A January study from the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), an organization that provides data and insights to help individual and institutional donors improve their effectiveness, found that half of nonprofit leaders today are looking for increased help and support from foundations and donors, such as building skills and lending their expertise.

The report quotes one nonprofit leader as saying he wants foundations to, “provide training and coaching support for leadership. Don't just write a check, build a relationship.”

Lending skills and expertise

In central Ohio, Columbus Business First recently recognized local companies and their employees for their financial giving and volunteerism at this year’s Corporate Citizenship Awards. The time and resources that businesses provide to community organizations is critical for the region’s success, says Dr. Dennis Durbin, President of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH).

^{Photo credit: Columbus Business First/Ian Alexander Photography}

“Nationwide Foundation’s support over the decades has utterly transformed the trajectory of Nationwide Children’s from a regional specialty hospital to a national thought-leading organization impacting the health of children not only in central Ohio but around the world,” said Durbin, pointing to nearly 70 years of collaboration between Nationwide, one of the companies honored with a Corporate Citizenship Award, and the hospital. “The Nationwide Foundation’s support has been a powerful catalyst that has accelerated our work in many ways, including advancing affordable housing, fueling groundbreaking genomic research and driving innovation in data science, among many other initiatives.”

Since 2006, the Nationwide Foundation, the nonprofit, private foundation to which Nationwide companies are the donors, has contributed $180 million to NCH to support initiatives ranging from affordable housing to groundbreaking clinical research. A $10 million investment in 2025 builds on more than a decade of philanthropic investments in vital programs, including biomedical data sciences, genomics, population health, endowed chairs and behavioral health. Nationwide’s sports marketing sponsorships have helped raise more than $76 million in additional support for the hospital through partnerships and events such as the Memorial Tournament, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship and the Columbus Marathon.

Through the combined efforts of both the company and its employees, Nationwide works with many community-based organizations, providing expertise and funding to help strengthen operations, improve strategy and expand their reach. Nationwide employees are on track to volunteer more than 100,000 hours in 2026, and company leaders serve on more than 200 nonprofit boards, sharing expertise in governance, finance, marketing and strategy.

Nationwide’s commitment to community impact traces back to its earliest days, when employees were already partnering with nonprofits to support local needs in Central Ohio. In 1955, the Columbus office opened the first full-time corporate donation site in the American Red Cross system. In 1987, Nationwide donated 1.3 million units of food to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, helping to meet one-third of Franklin County’s goal that year – making it the largest one-company employee response in the country.

Recently, the Nationwide Foundation supported Star House, an organization opening a new drop-in center for young people experiencing homelessness in the region. Nationwide leaders also serve on Star House’s board of trustees and committees.

“We are incredibly grateful to our associates for the time and expertise they provide to causes and organizations in their communities and across the country that make a difference in peoples’ lives,” Bair said. “Giving back, whether through fundraising, volunteerism or expertise, is critical in this moment.”   

Since the award program began in 2018, Columbus Business First has recognized Nationwide annually as the region’s most generous company in the extra-large category.

Learn more about how Nationwide supports communities through its Corporate Citizenship initiatives. For more information on its philanthropic efforts, visit the Nationwide Foundation page. 

“This agreement represents a tremendous opportunity to put our strong capital position to work and grow our life insurance business, which was designated the third largest writer of life insurance in 2025,” said Kirt Walker, CEO of Nationwide. "Bringing together two strong brands allows us to protect more Americans with life insurance.”

MassMutual will continue to administer these policies and remain the point of contact for policyowners.

“This deal marks a continued step forward for our life insurance business, which has established itself as a strong and stable industry leader with a deep portfolio of protection solutions,” said Craig Hawley, president of Nationwide Financial. 

Sidley Austin LLP served as Nationwide's legal counsel on the transaction.

“An advantage of our modern mutual structure is being able to plan long-term, and our progressive rise up the Fortune 500 reflects an intentional, aggressive plan to grow our businesses,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “Our diverse portfolio, strong capital position and iconic brand allow us to grow with intention, navigate volatility and remain strong and stable for those who rely on us.”

In the last four years, the insurance and financial services giant has moved up 14 places on the list.

Nationwide is the:

• Largest private company headquartered in Ohio
• Third largest mutual insurer in the U.S.
• Sixth largest insurer overall
• Sixth largest company in Ohio
• Second largest Central Ohio-based company

The recognition points to the breadth of Nationwide’s insurance and financial services businesses and its place among the nation’s largest corporations.

Fortune ranks U.S.-based companies on their annual revenues for their respective fiscal years. Revenues for insurance companies include premium and annuity income, investment income and capital gains or losses.

View the 2026 Fortune 500 list.

In Ohio, local partners within the Feeding America network like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC), are working to ensure seniors don’t have to make impossible choices between food, medicine and housing. One way MOFC is addressing senior hunger is through its Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides eligible Ohioans 60 and older with a free, monthly box of shelf-stable and nutritious food.

Recently, Nationwide employees took a hands-on approach to supporting this initiative during volunteer “takeover days” at the MOFC for the CSFP initiative. Nationwide’s coordinated effort over two days put the program well ahead of pace, averaging 450 boxes packed per volunteer day, which will help feed nearly 1,000 seniors facing food insecurity across Central Ohio.

“Events like takeover days bring our partnerships to life in a meaningful way. By stepping into our environment, volunteers gain a deeper understand of the challenges our neighbors face and the scale of work required to address food insecurity,” said Jeremy Brauning, volunteer services manager at MOFC. “At the same time, their energy and effort help us expand our reach and serve individuals and families efficiently.”

Nationwide’s support of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective goes beyond a single day of service. Volunteerism is one part of the company’s broader commitment to strengthening communities and supporting long-term well-being.

“Nationwide’s partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective reflects a decades-long commitment to fighting hunger and strengthening the communities we call home,” said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. “Together, we’re working to ensure our neighbors have access to the food they need to live healthier, more stable lives.”

This year, Nationwide employees are helping to celebrate its centennial in 2026 by giving 100,000 hours of volunteer service to support their local neighborhoods. Through these efforts, employees are helping people across the country access food, medical care, emergency shelter and so much more.  

Since 2000, the Nationwide Foundation has donated more than $41 million to Feeding America food banks and hunger-relief organizations. Since 2009, the Nationwide Foundation has donated more than 134 million meals through Feeding America.

Learn more about how Nationwide supports communities through its Corporate Citizenship initiatives, or help end hunger by donating, volunteering, or advocating through Feeding America.

This unease is widespread. A majority of women investors (77%) say they are concerned about a U.S. economic recession, and that anxiety appears to be shaping how many are viewing their own future. While about four in 10 say they are on track to retire about the same time as planned, 14% say they do not know whether they will ever be able to retire, according to Nationwide’s survey.

Perhaps even more alarming, despite their concerns about volatility impacting their ability to retire, many women investors do not have a formal plan to protect themselves against market turbulence. One-third (33%) said they do not have a strategy in place to protect their assets against market risk, while another 14% said they are not aware if they have a market risk strategy at all.

“The need for financial advice is clear,” said Suzanne Ricklin, senior vice president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions Distribution. “Women investors are navigating uncertain markets against a unique backdrop of challenges specific to them and many are doing it without a clear plan in place.”

The good news? Women are open to working with an advisor, with 34% saying they prefer to work with an advisor to help guide their financial planning. But the advisor relationship is not always working as it should. Nearly three in 10 (29%) women investors with an advisor say they have experienced ‘mansplaining’ – explanations delivered in a way that feels condescending rather than helpful.

“I believe advisors have good intentions when they are trying to break down financial topics with their female clients, but it’s important for women to speak up if they feel those explanations are not providing the information and approach they need,” said Ricklin. “Our survey makes it clear that women don’t want to be talked at, they want to engage in a discussion. Seek out an advisor who creates a non-judgmental space for you to ask questions and address your concerns.”

Ricklin shared five things women should look for in a financial professional:

1. Listens first, advises second: Seek out an advisor who asks thoughtful questions about your life, priorities and values before offering recommendations. You should feel heard and understood.

2. Communicates clearly: A good advisor should explain strategies in easy to understand language, use examples when helpful and welcomes questions.

3. Takes a holistic view: Women’s financial lives may include caregiving responsibilities, career breaks and longer lifespans, so planning should extend beyond investments alone.  

4. Respects your comfort with risk: Your comfort level matters as much as your potential returns. Your advisor should help build a strategy that reflects both your goals and your ability to stay confident during market swings.

5. Treats planning as a collaboration: The best advisor relationships are partnerships that leave women feeling informed, empowered and involved in decisions.  

“A great way to identify an advisor who is skilled at serving women clients is to talk to your female family and friends who currently work with one,” Ricklin said. “A referral from someone you trust can be a great place to start. Their experience is a great way to understand what to expect before you invest your time and money in a new advisory relationship.”

Need to connect with a financial professional? Nationwide has a team of specialists ready to listen and learn about your unique insurance and financial needs.

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05/2026

Nearly all (95%) women investors with advisors agree their advisor treats them with the same respect as male investors, including over two-thirds (68%) who strongly agree. Even so, there is room for advisors to grow when it comes to how that respect shows up in everyday conversations. Three in 10 (29%) women investors with advisors say their advisor sometimes ‘mansplains’ concepts to them in a way they don’t always appreciate.

Women investors are not questioning whether their advisor cares. Rather, they are signaling where there is an opportunity to communicate better. About one in three (34%) women investors say they find their advisor condescending when explaining recommendations or responding to questions. About the same amount (32%) say their advisor assumes they know less about finances than they actually do.

“I believe advisors have the best intentions when they are trying to break down financial topics with their women clients, however it’s important to recognize that what may be intended as a helpful explanation can land as dismissive or condescending,” said Suzanne Ricklin, senior vice president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions Distribution. “Our survey makes it clear many women investors don’t want to be talked at, they want to engage in a discussion and have a conversation around their needs. Advisors should ask thoughtful questions to get to the root of their client's needs, do the research to be well-versed in the unique issues women are facing and listen to understand each client's unique goals and perspectives. When advisors shift their emphasis from explaining to asking questions and listening to what is most important to their women clients, they can build stronger relationships and more aligned goals.”

Women investors seek education amid uneasy macro outlook
The need for financial guidance feels as urgent as ever for women investors. Navigating a distinct set of financial pressures, many are looking ahead with a mix of determination and unease, and with a clear appetite for support.

That unease is grounded in real economic and retirement worries. A clear majority (77%) of women investors are concerned about a U.S. economic recession. Only four in 10 (39%) non-retired women investors say they are on track to retire about the same time as they previously planned, while more than one in 10 (14%) don’t know if they’ll ever be able to retire.

What women investors do know is what kind of help they are looking for. Their preferences point to a consistent theme: they want to be active participants in their financial planning, not passive recipients of advice:

• More than two in five (44%) women investors prefer to fully understand their options before making decisions.
• 34% of women investors prefer to work with a financial professional to guide their financial planning.
• 21% of women investors seek out educational resources to help them understand financial strategies.

“Women told us they want clarity and context. Advisors can put that into action by taking time to fully lay out options and inviting questions during conversations,” Ricklin said. “By encouraging open dialogue about what is important to them, you’ll ensure your women clients’ priorities are being heard and addressed.”

Women advisors are leading the way with tailored service
Women advisors are approaching women clients differently than their male peers. When taken together, nearly all (99%) women advisors indicate they have taken specific actions to better serve women clients, including:

• Nearly half (47%) of women advisors have developed strategies specifically for women going through major life transitions, compared to just 34% of men advisors.
• More than two in five (43%) women advisors have increased their focus on protection and guaranteed income solutions, compared to just 35% of men advisors.
• A similar share (44%) of women advisors have studied the unique retirement challenges women face (e.g., longevity, caregiving, wage gaps), compared to just 38% of men advisors.
• More than a third (36%) of women advisors have completed training or education on financial planning for women, compared to just 29% of men advisors.
• Two in five (40%) women advisors have sought feedback from women clients on how they can better serve them, compared to just 35% of men advisors.

Across each of these key measures, women advisors are more likely to have taken the specific steps that women investors say matter most. Male advisors looking to strengthen their relationships with women clients may benefit from incorporating the best practices of their women colleagues.

“Our survey found that many women advisors are structuring conversations around personalization and intentionality, taking the time to understand their client’s retirement goals and aspirations. That approach builds trust and makes financial planning feel empowering rather than transactional,” Ricklin said. “Male advisors can increase their success with women investors by evolving their approach throughout the client engagement process, incorporating additional questions and discussion opportunities for their women clients.”

While some advisors may overestimate their skill set, others lean into opportunities
Advisors feel confident they recognize the needs of their women clients. More than nine in 10 (91%) advisors rate themselves as skilled at meeting the specific needs and expectations of women clients, and a similar share (95%) say they have already taken specific actions to better meet those needs.

Despite near-universal confidence in their own abilities, fewer than four in 10 advisors (37%) say they actually understand their women clients' financial and retirement goals. Only 38% say they understand the impact of the unique financial challenges women face, such as longer lifespans, caregiving responsibilities and wage gaps. 

In practice, just one in four advisors (25%) say they have received formal training on the unique financial challenges women face, pointing to a meaningful disconnect between self-assessed skill and professional development. This suggests that for many advisors, confidence has outpaced preparation.

Still, a significant number of advisors recognize the opportunity and are taking steps to close the gap. Four in 10 (40%) say they prioritize building a human connection and demonstrating genuine care with their women clients, and an equal share (40%) say they take time to educate their women clients on financial strategies and ensure they truly understand their options. Another 26% say they actively adjust their communication style to avoid being condescending.

“Women are controlling more wealth, yet many still feel underserved by the industry – exposing a critical opportunity for advisors,” Ricklin said. “By creating a more inclusive, collaborative experience that prioritizes listening, education and partnership, advisors can build trust with their women clients, encouraging them to stick around for the long-term, refer others and ultimately grow their practice. A great way for advisors to ensure they are hitting the mark is to ask for direct feedback from women clients about their communication preferences and what approaches they find most helpful in their decisioning.

Ricklin offers this advice to women investors trying to find a good financial advisor: “There is no substitute for a great referral. Ask your friends and family about the experience they have had working with their advisors. That may be the best indication that a particular advisor would be a good fit and can help with your specific needs.”

For more insights on this survey data, see our infographic.

Nationwide’s Retirement Institute^® survey, formerly known as the Nationwide Advisor Authority survey, explores critical issues confronting advisors, financial professionals and individual investors—and the innovative techniques that they need to succeed in today’s complex market.

Nationwide Retirement Institute Survey Methodology
The Harris Poll, on behalf of Nationwide, conducted an online survey in the U. S. among 528 advisors and financial professionals and 2,012 investors ages 18+ with investable assets (IA) of $10K+, January 15-February 6, 2026. Among the investors, there were 882 women investors and 421 women investors working with a financial professional. Among the advisors, there were 119 women advisors.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval.  For this study, the sample data for advisors is accurate to within ± 4.3 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For investors data is accurate to within ± 2.98 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.  For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact news@nationwide.com.

About The Harris Poll
The Harris Poll is one of the longest running surveys in the U.S tracking public opinion, motivations and social sentiment since 1963 that is now part of Harris Insights & Analytics, a global consulting and market research firm that delivers social intelligence for transformational times. We work with clients in three primary areas: building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. Our mission is to provide insights and advisory to help leaders make the best decisions possible. To learn more, please visit www.theharrispoll.com.

NVMM’s Service in Action Nooks, a hands-on pilot program supported by the Nationwide Foundation, introduce children to the power of service through storytelling, creativity and action. Designed to foster literacy, civic engagement and empathy, the Nooks invite visitors of all ages to explore stories inspired by the lived experiences of U.S. veterans and to reflect on how service shows up in many forms, from military duty to everyday acts of kindness within a community.  

Through books, educational materials and interactive service projects, the Service in Action Nooks encourage children, students and families to create, connect and make a difference in their own way. The program continues to expand, with permanent Nooks now located at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s main library, at NVMM and most recently at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch.  

Photo Credit: Dan Trittschuh Photography

Since launching in November 2025, the Service in Action Nooks have inspired service participation from more than 6,800 individuals. Children and visitors have completed more than 1,200 thank you letters to veterans, 360 kindness cards for military-connected youth, 240 community bookmarks to encourage other children to read and nearly 200 “welcome home” signs for service members, all meaningful gestures that reinforce remembrance and gratitude.  

The impact is being felt across the community, including among students at 18 local schools that have participated in service projects connected to the Nooks. 

A Cristo Rey High School student shared, “I have truly learned the sacrifice veterans have done for this country, and I will forever remember it. I have also learned that even veterans who didn't necessarily go to war are still true heroes.” 

For the Nationwide Foundation, Service in Action Nooks reflect a broader and longstanding commitment to veterans, service members and children’s wellbeing.  

“Honoring veterans is about both remembrance and action,” said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. “Through our partnership with NVMM, we aim to honor service, expand access and inspire the next generation to understand the impact veterans have had on our communities." 

Nationwide’s support is part of NVMM’s ongoing efforts to engage the community and promote awareness of the contributions and sacrifices of the nation’s veterans and active-duty service members. To further honor those who have served, Nationwide has sponsored free admission for more than 3,000 veterans, active-duty service members and Gold Star family members to visit NVMM since May 1, 2025.  

Nationwide has granted more than $1.5 million to NVMM to support its initiatives. In addition, the Nationwide Foundation has provided over $3 million in general operating support since the museum’s inception. 

Learn more about how Nationwide supports communities through its Corporate Citizenship initiatives. For more information on its philanthropic efforts, visit the Nationwide Foundation page. 

Nationwide Retirement Solutions announces that Adam Lacks has been appointed associate vice president (AVP) of Product Development for government markets, effective April 27. In this role, he will report to Hutch Schafer and lead product strategy, design and development for the Retirement Solutions business supported on the DCdirect recordkeeping platform.

Lacks will oversee the development of new products, features and capabilities designed to keep Nationwide’s retirement plans business aligned with and ahead of the evolving public sector defined contribution marketplace. He will also work closely with Sales, Operations, Legal, Finance, Marketing and Technology to help deliver solutions, advance key initiatives, and drive consistent execution and adoption.

“Adam brings a strong combination of product expertise, finance acumen and deep experience in our government market. He understands what our partners, plan sponsors and participants need, and he knows how to translate those insights into practical solutions,” said Schafer, vice president of Retirement Solutions product development. “With Adam leading our public sector product strategy, we’re well positioned to continue evolving our offerings, delivering meaningful innovation and helping public sector clients achieve better retirement outcomes.” 

Before stepping into this role, Lacks served as AVP, Retirement Solutions Finance, where he led pricing strategy across retentions, acquisitions, plan enhancements, Stable Value Wrap and Nationwide Trust Company. Prior, he was in Retirement Solutions where he led the Government Solutions Center, where his teams delivered award-winning service¹ and implemented key technology and process improvements.

Lacks holds a Master of Science in Management from The American College and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Ohio University, where he was recognized as a Collegiate Distinguished Military Graduate. He also maintains FINRA Series 6 and 26 registrations.

Nationwide Retirement Solutions helps secure financial futures for approximately three million participants in 30,000 retirement plans with $250 billion in assets, across full-service recordkeeping, investment solutions, and pension risk transfer². Nationwide remains No. 1 in public 457 plans (based on the number of plans)³ with an average tenure of 29 years². The company also continues to maintain significant presence in private 401(k), nonprofit 403(b) markets, and pension risk transfer.

For 50 years, Nationwide has remained committed to continually improving its retirement solutions and service experience to better support individuals preparing for and living in retirement. The company offers a diversified portfolio of solutions that complement its traditional recordkeeping and education services. Nationwide’s goal is to help participants prepare for retirement by providing investment solutions and services designed to support long-term growth, risk management and income planning. These offerings include mutual funds, managed accounts, pension risk transfer capabilities, fixed and stable value solutions, and lifetime income options.

Visit nrsforu.com for more information about the tools and services Nationwide provides to retirement plan participants. 

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¹DALBAR, Inc. recognized Nationwide Retirement Solutions with the 2025 Plan Participant Service Award, its 12th consecutive year receiving the honor.
²Nationwide Financial (Dec. 31, 2025)
³PLANSPONSOR 2025 Recordkeeping Survey

As pressures mount, more farmers and agribusiness operators are turning to technology to help identify problems earlier, improve decision-making and prevent avoidable losses before they happen.

“Nationwide’s risk management technology partnerships are helping producers move from reactive risk management to proactive risk prevention,” said Vicente Rico, risk management product development lead for Nationwide Agribusiness. “The goal is not just helping customers recover after a loss, but helping them avoid the loss altogether.”

Detecting Risks Before Disaster Strikes
A routine visit between farm certified agent Ron Panichelle and dairy customer Lone Oak Farms helped uncover a hidden electrical issue that could have led to a catastrophic fire.

While scanning breaker boxes with thermal imaging technology from Teledyne FLIR, Panichelle identified a breaker reaching temperatures above 400 degrees during corn drying season. The issue was repaired before it could ignite and disrupt the farm’s operation.

“We were able to continue with minimal downtime,” said Matthew Carr of Lone Oak Farms. “It could’ve been a lot worse.”

Improving Safety Behind the Wheel
As Velvet Ice Cream expanded its fleet operations, the company turned to video telematics technology to improve driver safety and accountability.

According to company president Luconda Dager, the technology helped significantly reduce driving incidents while also helping quickly resolve accident investigations.

“Razor Tracking has been a game changer for us,” Dager said. “Within like a month and a half, we went from double digit incidences down to like two.”

Preventing Small Fires From Becoming Major Losses
Equipment fires during harvest and baling season can escalate quickly, damaging machinery and interrupting operations.

That reality became clear for Tim Bauman of Bauman Farms after a fire started on his tractor while baling hay. Just weeks earlier, his agent, Keenan Rice of Eclipse Insurance Agency, had provided Enforcer One’s Firebull fire extinguishers through a Nationwide-supported initiative.

The extinguisher allowed Bauman to suppress the flames long enough to disconnect his baler and prevent the fire from spreading further.

“Probably 50 to 60 thousand [dollars] in value was able to be saved,” Rice said.

Supporting Agriculture Beyond the Policy

Nationwide continues to expand its risk management technology partnerships, giving agriculture businesses access to tools and services that help identify risks, improve safety and support operational efficiency.

For agents like Rice and Panichelle, these partnerships and loss prevention resources reflect a broader commitment to helping customers protect their operations, prevent avoidable losses and build stronger businesses over time.

• Amelia Dunlap has been named vice president, Government Retention & Growth.
• Brenda Anderson transitions to associate vice president, Strategic Relationship Management.
• John Archer moves into the role of associate vice president, Government Large Case.

Amelia Dunlap brings more than two decades of experience across the financial services industry and has led Nationwide Retirement Solutions Marketing since 2020. In her new role, she will lead  the public sector field teams, focusing on retaining and driving plan profitability and growth. She will also partner closely with the Strategic Relationship Management teams on the development and implementation of key plan strategies. Dunlap reports to Ricklin.

Brenda Anderson joins the Sales Leadership Team, focusing on establishing multi-year strategic growth and retention plans for Nationwide’s largest clients across markets. She has more than 40 years of Nationwide experience leading distribution teams across the enterprise, including 25 years in Nationwide Financial. Anderson reports to Ricklin.  

John Archer will lead teams serving mega government plans, focusing on the strategic priorities of each of the company’s state plans while continuing to innovate and enhance Nationwide’s footprint in the mega government segment. Over the last 20 years in Retirement Solutions, he has held roles in sales, finance, operations, training, and sales execution, including his most recent position leading sales in the Central Region. Archer reports to Dunlap. 

“These leadership changes position us to continue to deepen relationships with our plan sponsors and intermediary partners, drive sustainable growth and deliver even more value to the participants who count on Nationwide for their financial futures,” said Ricklin.  “By making these shifts, I’m excited that we were able to leverage the exceptional talent on our team as we evolve to meet the changing needs of the retirement marketplace.” 

Nationwide Retirement Solutions helps secure financial futures for approximately three million participants in 30,000 retirement plans with $250 billion in assets, across full-service recordkeeping, investment solutions, and pension risk transfer¹. Nationwide remains No. 1 in public 457 plans (based on the number of plans)² with an average tenure of 29 years¹. The company also continues to maintain significant presence  in private 401(k), nonprofit 403(b) markets, and pension risk transfer.

For 50 years, Nationwide has remained committed to continually improving its retirement solutions and service experience to better support individuals preparing for and living in retirement.  The company offers a diversified portfolio of solutions that complement its traditional recordkeeping and education services. Nationwide’s goal is to help participants prepare for retirement by providing investment solutions and services designed to support long-term growth, risk management and income planning. These offerings include mutual funds, managed accounts, pension risk transfer capabilities, fixed and stable value solutions, and lifetime income options.

Visit nrsforu.com for more information about the tools and services Nationwide provides to retirement plan participants. 
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¹ Nationwide Financial (Dec. 31, 2025)
² PLANSPONSOR 2025 Recordkeeping Survey

The milestone was highlighted during Nationwide’s 2026 Patent Awards Ceremony, where the company recognized six inventors whose work over the past year is helping drive business and technology forward. The celebration reflects significant momentum since Nationwide received its first U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent in 2000. 

Today, Nationwide’s growing patent portfolio spans analytics, digital platforms, product innovation and new business solutions, showcasing ideas from across the enterprise and reinforcing the company’s commitment to forward-thinking technology. 

“In many ways, the patent milestone is more than a number,” said Nationwide Chief Technology Officer Michael Carrel. “It reflects a culture that values curiosity, collaboration and problem-solving — and a belief that great ideas can come from anywhere inside the company.” 

The achievement carries added significance during Nationwide’s centennial year. On April 14, 2026, the company marked 100 years since selling its first insurance policy — rooted in a mission to meet real customer needs with practical solutions. 

“That same purpose continues to guide Nationwide today,” said Nationwide Chief Customer, Strategy and Innovation Officer Mike Mahaffey. “Across the organization, associates are developing innovative tools, products and capabilities designed to make customer experiences simpler, faster and more secure.” 

As Nationwide enters its second century, reaching 100 patents represents both a milestone and a momentum marker — signaling that the company’s next era of innovation is already underway. 

Learn more: Visit the Nationwide Technology & Innovation newsroom page to explore the latest advancements. 

When the results finally came back, Braylee was diagnosed with a malignant mixed germ cell ovarian tumor, a rare, aggressive type of cancer that is a combination of two or more types of germ cell tumors.

After meeting with the hospital’s oncology team immediately following the diagnosis, Braylee had a port installed and began chemotherapy. After enduring several rounds of chemo and spending her 12^th birthday at Nationwide Children’s, Braylee completed her treatment plan in January 2024. Just a few weeks later, the family received the wonderful news that the scans showed no sign of the tumor and no further treatment was needed. 

Now 14 years old, the eighth grader who aspires to be either a family physician or pediatric psychiatrist has a message of encouragement for anyone facing health challenges. “Keep going. You will get there. You’re in the tunnel, and the tunnel might be long, but it doesn’t stay dark forever.”

Braylee’s courageous spirit was celebrated at the 16^th annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide, where Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, along with son Jack II and his wife Alli, announced Braylee as the 2026 Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award recipient. The award honors a patient champion who has shown strength and positivity in the face of adversity. The recognition is a highlight of the Legends Luncheon, an annual event hosted by the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, that showcases the Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation alliance.

“Stories like Braylee’s reinforce why Nationwide is proud to support Nationwide Children’s Hospital and its commitment to ensuring that children and families receive exceptional care when they need it most,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide.

This year’s event raised $1.5 million for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital alliance, bringing the 16-year total to nearly $18 million. All proceeds of the Legends Luncheon directly benefit the young patients and families that Nationwide Children’s compassionately serves each day.

Learn how you can support the work being done at Nationwide Children's Hospital. 

Years later, the insurance agent at the family-owned Bouchat Agency in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania got that chance when he was invited by Nationwide to announce a pick at the 2026 NFL Draft in his hometown of Pittsburgh.

On Day 3 of the Draft, Bouchat took the podium before tens of thousands of football fans to reveal the fifth round, 154th overall selection, for the San Francisco 49ers – Jaden Duggar, linebacker from University of Louisiana. (Watch Nick announce the selection. Courtesy: NFL.com)

The moment took on added meaning due to a unique circumstance that loosely connected the Bouchat family to Duggar, who hails from the Pittsburgh area. Outside of his work as the agency co-owner, Nick’s father Jon has been a volunteer kicking coach for high schoolers in the western Pennsylvania area for roughly 15 years.

“Jaden is from Penn Hills, and my dad actually coached against him a few years ago when he was at Kiski Area High School,” Bouchat said. “Penn Hills has a really rich tradition of sending players to the NFL, so for me to be the one calling his name, with that local connection, was pretty surreal.”

When asked to reflect on his overall experience at the Draft, Nick said, “I’m very appreciative, obviously. This is something I never expected to do in my lifetime. It was awesome from start to finish.”

For Nationwide, creating moments like this is one way to recognize agents.

“Nationwide’s partnership with the NFL enables us to offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Jim McCoy, vice president of sports marketing for Nationwide. “We’re so glad Nick enjoyed this very unique opportunity.”

That comprehensive strategy – and the measurable impact – has earned Nationwide the Business Group on Health Best Employers: Excellence in Health & Wellbeing Award. For more than 20 years, the award has recognized employers that advance workforce health through innovative and comprehensive benefits.

“Earning this recognition affirms that our programs are making a meaningful difference for our employees and their families,” said Jeff Burke, director of wellbeing at Nationwide. “Wellbeing continues to evolve, and so must we, to meet the changing needs of our workforce.”

In 2025, Nationwide strengthened its focus on mental health while expanding use of its research-based curriculum that helps employees build foundational habits for long-term health and personal growth. Offered in both live and self-guided formats, the program delivers practical tools across nutrition, mindfulness, resilience, sleep and financial basics, and is fully integrated into the company’s learning ecosystem – driving strong participation and reinforcing wellbeing as part of employee development.

This year, the company will further expand support through personalized, one-on-one financial coaching, providing employees with year-round access to expert guidance. This enhancement reflects employee feedback (60% of employees say they highly value financial resources) and the growing role of financial security in overall mental health and wellbeing.

“As we look ahead, our commitment remains the same: to support employees and their families in every dimension of their wellbeing,” Burke said. “When our people feel healthy, secure and supported, they can bring their best selves to work – and that strengthens Nationwide.”

To learn about employee benefits, visit Nationwide.com.

The Nationwide Foundation is helping expand a critical lifeline for young people experiencing homelessness across central Ohio with a $750,000 grant to support Star House’s new South Side drop-in center.

Star House operates the region’s only drop-in center specifically for youth ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness. As demand for services continues to grow across Ohio, the nonprofit recently broke ground on a second drop-in location on Columbus’ South Side to expand capacity and provide additional access to safety and support.

"Thanks to our committed community partners, we are on track to open a second drop-in center on the South Side to meet the unique needs of young people in this region and to offset capacity issues at our current center,” said Ann Bischoff, CEO of Star House. “We've nearly doubled the number of young people we've served since 2021 — the need has never been greater."

Expected to open in early 2027, the new South Side campus will be located in the former St. Ladislas Catholic Church. Public and private support will fund renovations and allow Star House to serve hundreds more young people annually when the new 26,000-square-foot center opens.

The space will offer food, clothing, hygiene supplies, showers, therapy, case management, health and legal services, workforce development and connections to housing. The church sanctuary will be transformed into a welcoming drop-in space, while the adjacent school building will serve as a community services hub and administrative center.

“Nationwide Foundation is honored to support Star House South Side because every young person deserves a safe place to go and people who believe in their potential,” said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. “This expansion ensures more youth can access care, stability and opportunity closer to where they live.”

Founded in 2006, Star House partners with teens and young adults as they exit homelessness and work toward long-term stability. The nonprofit also operates a 62-unit village of affordable housing for young adults transitioning out of homelessness. Its trauma-informed, low-barrier model addresses immediate needs while providing therapy, case management and pathways to housing, employment and education.

Learn more about how Nationwide Foundation supports communities through its Corporate Citizenship initiatives.

• Angel City FC - Savy King (Savy King of Hearts)  

• Bay FC - Hannah Bebar (Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (BAWSI))  

• Boston Legacy FC - Fauzia Najjemba (Soccer Without Borders Massachusetts)  

• Chicago Stars FC - Katie Atkinson (Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital - Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders)  

• Denver Summit FC - Carson Pickett (Hand Camp Colorado)  

• Gotham FC - Tierna Davidson (Girls Leadership)  

• Houston Dash - Kiki Van Zanten (Communities in Schools (CIS) of Houston)  

• Kansas City Current - Izzy Rodriguez (EarlystART)  

• North Carolina Courage - Cameron Brooks (The Bair Foundation)  

• Orlando Pride - Zara Chavoshi (Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka)  

• Portland Thorns FC - Bella Bixby (Friend of Trees)  

• Racing Louisville FC - Jordyn Bloomer (Dare to Care)  

• San Diego Wave FC - Nya Harrison (Monarch School)  

• Seattle Reign FC - Cassie Miller (Nick of Time)  

• Utah Royals FC - Aria Nagai (Asian Association of Utah)  

• Washington Spirit - Leicy Santos (Leicy Santos Foundation)  

Of the 16 Club nominees, one will be announced as the winner as part of the 2026 NWSL Awards, presented by AT&T, during Championship week. At that time, Nationwide will make a $50,000 donation to the charitable organization of the winner’s choice.  

The Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, was introduced in 2024 to honor the two-time NWSL Champion and Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, and recipient of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian ESPY Award Lauren Holiday. It spotlights players who exemplify dedication and commitment to giving back in service of their local communities. Holiday retired from the NWSL in 2015 following a career during which she won back-to-back championships, was named the 2013 NWSL MVP and awarded the Golden Boot and was named the 2014 NWSL Championship MVP.  

"It is an honor each year to showcase a group of women who are dedicated to impacting the game and the communities which they are connected to,” said Lauren Holiday. “They continue to redefine the standards on athletes using their platforms to give back and see change.”  

“Nationwide is thrilled to partner with the NWSL to sponsor this award, and we are committed to elevating players who make meaningful impact in their communities,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Nationwide.  

The winner will be determined by a panel of judges that will include Lauren Holiday, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, and representatives from Nationwide, NWSLPA, and Media Association.  

“Few things connect people like sports, and the NWSL is honored to support athletes who use their platforms to strengthen communities and rally others around meaningful causes,” said NWSL Chief Commercial Officer Brian Kelly. “The nominees for this year’s Lauren Holiday Impact Award reflect the league at its finest – demonstrating excellence in competition while making a real difference beyond the game.”  

Over the course of the season, each club will recognize its nominee and local community partner during a match. To honor their impact, a $5,000 donation will be made to the chosen nonprofit organization in each market.  

For more information on the Lauren Holiday Impact Award program, click here.  

About NWSL  
The National Women’s Soccer League is the premier women’s professional soccer league in the world featuring national team players from around the globe. The clubs are Angel City FC, Bay FC, Boston Legacy FC, Chicago Stars FC, Denver Summit FC, Gotham FC, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, North Carolina Courage, NWSL Atlanta, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit.  

To help address this trend, Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award in partnership with state FFA organizations to celebrate excellence in agricultural education and invest directly in programs that help keep learning accessible for students across the country. 

Following more than 4,900 nominations across 15 states for the 2025–2026 Golden Owl Award, Nationwide and its partners are proud to honor 107 educators as finalists. 

California: 

• Shelby Fishman, Atwater High School
• Jennifer Knight, Clovis-East High School
• Robyn Payne, Sunset High School
• Russell Zimmerman, Nipomo High School
• Tara Meade, El Capitan High School
• Heather Thomas, Colusa High School 

Delaware:  

• Holly Hufford, Smyrna Middle School
• Stefanie Freimuth, Smyrna Middle School
• Karen Breeding, Woodbridge High School
• Kellie Michaud, Smyrna High School
• Lauren Ruskey, Caesar Rodney High School
• Mark Breeding, Caesar Rodney High School 

Iowa: 

• Malayne Meyer, Osage High School
• Krystal Wright, Benton Community High School
• Tyler Wingert, Ridge View High School
• Allison Reuvers, Colfax‑Mingo High School
• Zach Morris, West Liberty High School
• Ben Booth, IKM-Manning High School
• Barb Clawson, Iowa State University 

Illinois: 

• Scott Riden, United High School
• Joe Steffen, Newark High School
• Steve Sargeant, Bushnell‑Prairie City High School
• Betsy Burgener, Central A&M High School
• Curt Robbins, Fairfield Community High School
• Jay Solomonson, Illinois State University 

Indiana: 

• Lynnette Markley, Argos High School
• Michael Jones, Tippecanoe Valley High School
• Rebekah Peterson, DeKalb High School
• Mike Shirey, Heritage High School
• Chris Kaufman, Westfield High School
• ZoeAnn Chernowsky, Blue River Valley High School
• McCord Snider, East Central Middle School
• Emily Russ, Clinton Prairie High School 

Kansas: 

• Sonya Roberts, Hillsboro High School
• Jim Weller, Chapman High School
• Allison Dix, Phillipsburg High School
• Caity Thompson, Spearville High School
• Jeanie Wege, Hiawatha High School
• Dr. Kelly Hoelting, Mission Valley High School
• Karlea Clark, Cherryvale High School 

Kentucky: 

• Catherine Poole, South Warren High School
• Melissa Blackburn, Lawrence County High School
• Madison Goodlett, Leestown Middle School
• J.R. Zinner, Western Hills High School
• Aaron Tucker, Apollo High School
• Jason McWhorter, South Laurel High School
• Erin Arnett, Campbellsville High School
• Noel Pack, Meade County High School
• Cecil “CJ” Vise, Mason County High School
• Chris Thompson, Pendleton County High School
• Ben Prevette, Hopkins County Central High School
• Mercedes Branham, Carlisle County High School 

Maryland: 

• Becky Yost, Northern High School
• Greg Stull, Walkersville High School
• Sarah Skinner, Center of Applied Technology North
• Sarah Raulerson, Hereford Middle School
• Jerry Kelley, Parkside Career & Technical Education 

Missouri: 

• Johnny Viebrock, Smithville High School
• Jarred Sayre, Milan C‑2 High School
• Shelby Haag, Pettis County R‑V Schools
• Kristy Sivils, Aurora High School
• Jon Wilson, Gainesville High School
• Nick Nordwald, Sikeston Career & Technology Center
• Jack Green, North Central Missouri College 

Nebraska: 

• Brandon Jacobitz, Adams Central High School
• Lee Schroeder, West Point High School
• Shelly Kubicek, Aquinas Catholic Schools
• Tony Jensen, Freeman High School
• Christy Hodges, Johnson County Central
• Ben Robison, Alma High School 

New York: 

• Robert Markuske, New York Harbor School
• Rachel Rose, Greenville Central School
• Lee Levine, Galway Central School
• Nichole Cunningham, Sherburne‑Earlville Central School
• Katie Lindsey, Mount Markham Central School
• Rachael Howard, South Lewis Central School
• Cheyenne Nowalk, McGraw Central School
• Mary Coolbaugh, Marcus Whitman Central School
• Kelly Wilcox, Letchworth Central School
• Arissa Hitchcock, Randolph Central School 

Ohio: 

• Ryan Avers, Woodmore High School
• Shanna Finnegan, Firelands High School
• Roy Dria, Jackson High School
• Cody McClain, Seneca East High School
• Carmen Hartzell, Mississinawa Valley High School
• Alex Zimmer, Buckeye Valley High School
• Deanna Karpuz, Watkins Middle School
• Taylor Ryan, Indian Valley High School
• Brian Cummings, Hillsboro High School
• Marcheta Ferguson, Northwest High School 

Pennsylvania: 

• Doug Masser, Pequea Valley High School
• Curtis Swineford, Selinsgrove High School
• Kelly Kuhn, New Oxford High School
• Jessica Maron, Penns Manor High School 

South Dakota: 

• Adam Koll, Florence High School
• Dave VanderWal, De Smet High School
• Malynda Penner, Freeman High School
• Susan Roudabush, Ethan High School
• Austin Bishop, Belle Fourche High School
• Shane Gross, Hitchcock‑Tulare High School
• Josh Christensen, Harrisburg High School
• Renae Gebhart, Lemmon High School 

Utah 

• Johnathan Burton, Juab High School
• Jim Freston, Union High School
• Emili Sweat, Wasatch High School
• Chaleesa Brocious, Spanish Fork Junior High
• Chad Warnick, Delta High School 

“Behind every thriving ag program is a dedicated teacher planting the seeds for tomorrow’s food and farm innovations,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “By spotlighting their impact through the Golden Owl Award, we’re not only honoring their commitment, we’re also investing in the future of agriculture and the students who will shape it.” 

Since its inception in 2018, the Golden Owl Award has supplied more than $800,000 to support teachers, students, school agricultural programs and FFA organizations. This year, the award expanded to two new states – Delaware and Utah – due to its positive impact and popularity.  

Each year, the selected honorees, chosen by established state committees, are awarded $500¹ in recognition of their contributions. One finalist in each state is then selected as the Ag Educator of the Year and receives an additional $3,000 and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy. Nationwide also contributes $5,000 to each of the participating state FFA organizations. 

To see a complete list of partners, read more about the state honorees, see past winners or learn about the nomination process in select states, visit www.GoldenOwlAward.com.  

^{1 Ohio finalists will receive a personalized plaque and $1,500 to fund their programs. Ohio’s Ag Educator of the Year title will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $5,000 to help fund future educational efforts for their program. Ohio’s partners, Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit, provided funding for the increase in prize money. In accordance with Ohio law, cash prizes in Ohio are awarded to the winner’s school ag program.} 

This year’s event was hosted at six Nationwide locations and virtually, supported by more than 250 employee volunteers and featured a schedule with over 160 curated sessions. A new remote option extended the day to employees and their children who don’t live near a campus, ensuring more families could be part of the experience no matter where they live.

“Through Bring A Child to Work Day, our employees’ children can experience Nationwide’s caring culture and see how the adults in their life work to make a difference every day,” said Vinita Clements, Nationwide’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “By pairing age-appropriate learning with real workplace experiences, we hope to inspire new possibilities, spark curiosity and show the many ways a future at Nationwide can take shape.”

From hands-on simulations that brought Nationwide’s insurance, financial services and technology expertise to life, to interactive learning with community partners, each session was intentionally tied to Nationwide’s mission of protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care. The programming was designed for children grades 1–12, and sessions were developed by age and interest, helping families build a day that felt right for each child.

“Each year, Bring a Child to Work Day reminds us that our work starts at home and in our communities,” said Kirt Walker, Nationwide’s Chief Executive Officer. “When children see the adults in their lives living our values, helping others and giving back, they start to imagine what’s possible for themselves – and we’re proud to invest in the people and families who make Nationwide special.”

Last year’s event drew more than 1,400 children to four Nationwide locations, and the continued growth of the program reflects how meaningful the tradition has become for employees and their families. With expanded locations, a unique virtual option and personalized experience to keep the day running smoothly, Nationwide remains committed to investing in the next generation and celebrating the families who are at the heart of its culture.

To learn more about roles at Nationwide, visit the careers page.

Taking home the title of Wackiest Pet Name of 2026 are*: 

• Top Dog: Internet Browser, a Plott hound from San Antonio, Texas
• Top Cat: Cheddar Big Booty Cheeseburger, a longhair feline with maximum flavor from Benton, Arkansas
• Top Exotic Pet: Space Cowboy, a bearded dragon living life on his own terms from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina 

Each year, Nationwide pet insurance team recognizes the most bold and unforgettable names among its roster of newly enrolled pets. The top 10 wackiest dogs, cats, and exotic pet names were put to a public vote that ran April 13-17 with a record 200,000+ votes counted. 

The pet’s families will celebrate their wins with a professional photo shoot with their pet and a gift card to create a custom pet portrait.  

Below are links to the names and profiles of the other nominees.

Nationwide’s Wacky Pet Names campaign highlights the real families behind every funny name and why they choose Nationwide to protect their pets.   

It’s a wacky world out there. Be ready for the unexpected with protection from Nationwide pet insurance. To explore pet health insurance coverage for dogs, cats and many avian and exotic pets, visit petinsurance.com. 

 *These are actual pet names chosen by actual owners, reflecting their pets' unique personalities and the owner's interests and passions. No connection or relationship to the inspiration is implied.  

“Nationwide was born in Columbus, and we’ve grown up together over the last 100 years,” said Kirt Walker, Nationwide chief executive officer. “As we prepared to celebrate our centennial, we knew we wanted to do something big to give back to the city that has given us so much. Supporting a new professional women’s sports franchise in Central Ohio was a unique opportunity we just had to embrace.”

The new club is expected to begin play in the 2028 NWSL season at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus’ Arena District, sharing a world-class, soccer-specific stadium and fan experience with the Columbus Crew. The project includes a new, women-specific training facility and stadium enhancements including new locker rooms designed for and used by NWSL teams.

“When young athletes in Central Ohio can see women competing at the highest level in their own backyard and see the investment, facilities and visibility match what they see in the men’s game, it sends a powerful message about what’s possible. We’re proud to stand alongside Haslam Sports Group and the Edwards family to help make that a reality in Columbus,” Walker added.

Nationwide has been the exclusive insurance partner of the NWSL since 2021. Through the league partnership, Nationwide and the NWSL have:

• Established the Lauren Holiday Impact Award in 2024, recognizing the active NWSL player who exemplifies exceptional service, leadership and character in their community.
• Created Experience Nationwide, a paid, immersive and hands-on learning program that provides NWSL players with professional development and business experience to help prepare for careers beyond the pitch.
• Expanded local club relationships so that Nationwide now partners with most NWSL teams, deepening ties in local communities and with fans across the country.

Columbus has emerged as a national hub for women’s sports, hosting marquee events and driving significant sports-related economic activity for the region. The addition of an NWSL club will build on that momentum, generating new economic activity and providing another pathway for girls and young women inspired by the global growth of soccer.

“This club is also a celebration of the Columbus Way – public and private partners, businesses and civic leaders and passionate fans all coming together to do something big for our community,” Walker said. “We are grateful to the leaders across the city, county and region whose support helped make this possible. Together, we’re not just adding another team, we’re strengthening the foundation for economic growth and opportunity in Central Ohio.”

Nationwide’s mutual structure allows the company to take a long-term view and invest beyond its core businesses, especially in the communities it calls home. The new club is expected to bring more visitors downtown, support local businesses, create opportunities for neighbors and associates, and help keep the Arena District vibrant year-round. It represents another way Nationwide delivers value for its members while continuing to serve as a long-term community builder in Columbus.

The new NWSL club adds to a broader portfolio of sports relationships for Nationwide that includes sponsorships in the NFL, NWSL, MLS, PGA TOUR and NHL. 

The ClearAccess tool, a technology-driven, artificial intelligence-powered platform that helps employees navigate medical care and save on hospital visits, will be available with the Self-Funded Program through Nationwide. Powered by ClearHealth Strategies, Goodbill and BillingNav, the tool will allow members to quickly search for symptoms of an illness or condition, offer them a list of providers in their area and supply an expected breakdown of costs for services. Other features include:

• Online provider search and booking options to schedule office visits, any time
• Automatic screening for additional discounts
• Transparent provider summaries that show anticipated costs
• Expert support to navigate their plan

“This solution provides our customers with cutting-edge member navigation to help them effectively search for care options and eliminate unexpected costs,” said Casey Lanto, head of Nationwide Group Benefits Product and Operations. “Navigating a health plan and the healthcare system can be confusing. Packaging the ClearAccess tool with Nationwide’s Self-Funded Program means members are getting a clearer, more affordable care experience.”

Nationwide’s Self-Funded Program is for employers with 2 to 500 employees, offering an integrated solution that makes it easier to self-fund health benefits while providing employees access to the high-quality coverage they need and deserve.  

“Employers are told to choose between lower costs and a good member experience. We don’t think that’s true,” said Patrick Haig, co-founder and CEO of Goodbill, one of the companies powering ClearAccess. “When you help members find high-quality but affordable care, costs come down for everyone. Partnering with Nationwide lets us bring that to employers through a brand they already trust.”

Brokers or employers who are interested in learning more about the Self-Funded Program through Nationwide can call 1-877-877-0245 or visit Nationwide.com.

About ClearAccess
ClearAccess brings together provider search, real-time cost and quality data, federally mandated discounts, and No Surprises Act support into a single plan and member experience – powered by ClearHealth Strategies, Goodbill and BillingNav.

Nationwide, one of the largest and most diversified insurance and financial services companies in the United States, turned 100 this week.  

April 14, 2026, marks the centennial of the day it sold its first policy thanks to farmers across Ohio who pooled their money to create a $10,000 capital fund and establish the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, now Nationwide. 

 “Less than one-half of 1% of companies reach this milestone,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “We’re grateful to have earned the trust of our partners, members and the community and take seriously our role in helping people protect what matters most.” 

Nationwide formed to provide Ohio farmers with an option to secure reliable, lower-cost auto insurance designed specifically to meet their needs. In 1926, most Ohio farmers lived far from busy cities and had fewer accidents. Since then, Nationwide has grown to become the largest private company in Columbus and the one of the largest Fortune 500 companies in Ohio. 

In recognition of Nationwide’s centennial, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council each issued proclamations honoring Nationwide’s history and impact to the city and state.  

• Proclamation from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel
• Proclamations from Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council 

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized for this milestone in our hometown and our home state,” Walker said. “Our roots in Columbus and Ohio are foundational to the modern mutual company we’ve grown into over the last 100 years, and both will have outsized impact on how Nationwide develops over the next 100 years.” 

This year’s finalists reflect how pet naming has evolved into a creative outlet inspired by humor, pop culture, wordplay and even academic flair. Names range from Statistically Significant, a domestic shorthair cat whose name suggests serious analytical skills, to Quillie Nelson, a hedgehog clearly channeling a music legend’s energy. This year’s list showcases imagination across dogs, cats and a range of exotic pets including a pigeon, bearded dragon and rabbit.  

This year’s naming trends fall into a few standout categories:  

• Pop culture wordplay: Obi-Wan Cornobi (corn snake), Howl Capone (dachshund), Brave Little Toaster (shorthair cat)
• Food-inspired fun: Cheddar Big Booty Cheeseburger (longhair cat), Dinonugget (maltipoo), Orange Julius Ceasar Salad (shorthair cat)
• Chaos energy: General Chaos (mixed breed dog), Mochi The Captain Of Chaos (conure parrot), Bad Kitty 5000 (shorthair cat)
• Clever and brainy names: Statistically Significant (shorthair cat), Internet Browser (plott hound), Lucipurr Meowzebub The Lord Of Cats (shorthair cat)
• Formally ridiculous titles: Sergeant Major (SGM) Booplesnoot (rabbit), Aries Amethyst World Eater (boxer), Goofus McDoof Business Horse (shorthair cat) 

Support your favorite dog, cat, and exotic pet name by voting daily for each category.   

Here are the 2026 Wacky Pet Names finalists:  
(Click on their name to go to the pet's profile page to vote, if voting button doesn't appear, please clear your browser history and refresh the page)

While the contest celebrates humor and imagination, Nationwide reminds pet parents that protecting their pets’ health is a serious consideration. Pet insurance offers reimbursement on eligible veterinary expenses for accidents, illness and more so pet families can focus on care and worry less about cost. 

For more information about protecting pets of all shapes, sizes and names, visit petinsurance.com. 

The pets with the most votes in each category will each receive a professional photo shoot with their pet and a gift card to create a custom pet portrait.   

See Official Rules—Wacky Pet Names  

*These are actual pet names chosen by actual owners, reflecting their pets' unique personalities and the owner's interests and passions. No connection or relationship to the inspiration is implied. 

• Lindsey Murray, president of Nationwide Group Benefits, shared that Amy Mattingly will lead the Group Benefits Distribution team, effective April 13.
• Kush Kotecha, president of Nationwide Annuity, announced that Ann Raible will take over Mattingly’s previous role leading Nationwide’s advisory annuity distribution channel. Raible and Brad Carrier, who leads brokerage distribution, will now serve as joint leaders of Nationwide Annuity distribution, effective immediately.   

Amy Mattingly to lead the Group Benefits Distribution team
Since joining Nationwide in 2007, Mattingly has earned recognition for her exceptional leadership skills and proven track record of delivering outstanding experiences for sales partners.

“Amy has consistently shown courageous leadership in navigating the financial industry’s evolving landscape while delivering growth,” said Murray. “Her proven leadership skills along with her ability to develop strong relationships with sales partners will allow Nationwide’s stop loss distribution to grow and thrive.”

In her new role, Mattingly is responsible for developing, implementing and leading the sales and distribution strategy for Nationwide Group Benefits, with a focus on stop loss and program managed solutions for small and mid-sized businesses.

Most recently, Mattingly led the advisory annuity distribution channel for Nationwide, where she was responsible for driving strategy, growth and execution for registered investment advisors (RIAs), fee-based advisors, Nationwide’s internal insurance desk for RIAs and partnerships with outsourced insurance desks (OIDs). Prior to that role, Mattingly led Nationwide Annuity’s Brokerage Advisory Distribution team, where she played a pivotal role in expanding Nationwide’s presence in the fee-based marketplace. She has also held positions at several national banks and an RIA.

Mattingly’s hire comes after Nationwide acquired Allstate Benefits’ group health businesses in July 2025, expanding the company’s ability to offer self-funded and stop loss solutions to small and mid-sized employers, positioning Nationwide as a leading provider in the stop loss industry. In addition, the Nationwide Group Benefits portfolio includes Nationwide Pet and Nationwide Specialty Insurance.

Ann Raible, Brad Carrier well positioned to lead Nationwide Annuity distribution into the future
With each bringing over 25 years of experience in the financial services and annuity industry, both Raible and Carrier have demonstrated strong, consistent leadership and deep market expertise.

“Elevating Ann and Brad to serve as joint leaders of the Annuity Distribution team positions Nationwide for continued success, growth and innovation,” said Kotecha. “This move will allow for tighter collaboration, shared best practices and provide the flexibility and focus needed to evolve with the market while continuing to invest in capabilities that will differentiate us over time.”

Raible and Carrier will assume leadership of the team previously led by Rona Guymon, who left Nationwide in late 2025.

In her new role, Raible will begin leading the advisory annuity distribution channel, as well as the team she previously led, the Specialized Annuity Distribution team. She is responsible for distributing commission- and fee-based annuities across RIAs, independent marketing organizations (IMOs) and third-party partnerships.  

Since joining Nationwide in 2006, Raible has held several key leadership roles, including leading business development and serving as director of sales for Nationwide Advisory Solutions. Prior to Nationwide, Raible worked for TIAA-CREF, where she managed the sales desk and helped build the organization’s advisor services distribution channel.

Carrier will continue leading the brokerage annuity distribution channel, where he is responsible for distributing annuities through all broker-dealers, including banks, wirehouses and independent broker-dealers.

Carrier began his career with Nationwide in 1999, holding various positions including manager of the Internal Sales Desk and external wholesaler, before excelling in his role as divisional vice president for the Northeast region.

Nationwide is a top 10 seller of annuity products in the United States¹. Visit https://www.nationwide.com/personal/investing/annuities/ for more information about how Nationwide annuities can help investors make it easier to prepare for retirement.

¹ LIMRA U.S. Individual Annuities Sales Survey, 2025 Year-End Rankings
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In addition to recordkeeping and administrative services, Nationwide will provide participants with holistic financial planning services and access to the company’s online My Income & Retirement Planner℠, a personalized, guided experience that can help users clearly understand their savings and how it translates into retirement income.

“Nationwide is honored that the City of Newton selected us to handle their recordkeeping and support their plan participants with the tools and resources necessary to achieve their retirement goals,” said Kevin Jestice, president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions. “The Nationwide team is already working hard to help the City’s employees prepare for and live in a dignified retirement.”

“Our team appreciates the extraordinary care Nationwide provides to participants,” said Ron Mendes, City Treasurer/Collector, City of Newton. “We trust that Nationwide’s vast expertise and integrated approach to retirement planning will serve all of our employees well, regardless of where they may be in their retirement journey.”

Nationwide Retirement Solutions is a business within Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, that is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide Retirement Solutions helps secure financial futures for approximately three million participants in 30,000 retirement plans with $250 billion in assets, across full-service recordkeeping, investment solutions, and pension risk transfer¹. Nationwide remains No. 1 in public 457 plans (based on the number of plans)² with an average tenure of 29 years¹. The company also continues to maintain significant presence  in private 401(k), nonprofit 403(b) markets, and pension risk transfer.

For 50 years, Nationwide has remained committed to continually improving its retirement solutions and service experience to better support individuals preparing for and living in retirement. The company offers a diversified portfolio of solutions that complement its traditional recordkeeping and education services. Nationwide’s goal is to help participants prepare for retirement by providing investment solutions and services designed to support long-term growth, risk management and income planning. These offerings include mutual funds, managed accounts, pension risk transfer capabilities, fixed and stable value solutions, and lifetime income options.

Visit nrsforu.com for more information about the tools and services Nationwide provides to retirement plan participants. 

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¹ Nationwide Financial (Dec 31, 2025)
² PLANSPONSOR 2025 Recordkeeping Survey

Nationwide’s 2025 financial performance strengthened the enterprise’s position as a modern mutual built for long-term stability, disciplined growth and customer value, driven by robust performances from both its financial services and property & casualty businesses. At the same time, as one of the nation’s largest, most diversified insurance and financial services companies, Nationwide paid more than $20.2 billion in claims and benefits to its members.

“Years like 2025 demonstrate the power of our modern mutual approach, which takes a long‑term view while staying relentlessly focused on delivering for customers today and into the future,” said Kirt Walker, Nationwide Chief Executive Officer. “Our diverse portfolio, strong capital position and iconic brand allow us to grow with intention, navigate volatility and remain strong and stable for those who rely on us.”

Strong Foundations for Future Growth

Nationwide recorded $73.2 billion in total sales and premiums for 2025, up 7% from 2024’s $68.5 billion sales record. Much of the growth reflects an extension of sales through institutional partners, along with an expansion of Nationwide’s portfolio through strategic transactions, said Nationwide Chief Financial Officer Tim Frommeyer. The company’s key measurement of profitability, net operating income, surpassed $4.29 billion, up from $3.13 billion in 2024. Total adjusted capital rose to its highest level ever, $32.8 billion, well above what’s required for a AAA-level rating, providing a strong foundation that will benefit customers well into the future.

“Our capital position reflects strong performance and disciplined use of capital across our business portfolio,” Frommeyer said. “All of our business lines delivered strong earnings, driving further diversification across our portfolio and fueling significant benefit to our capital position. Our performance rests on the foundation of Property & Casualty’s world-class underwriting capabilities, and the sophisticated risk management and consistent, disciplined performance of Nationwide Financial.”

Despite a year marked by severe wildfires and convective storms across the industry, Nationwide Property & Casualty delivered favorable underwriting results through disciplined execution. While financial markets experienced volatility early in the year, Nationwide Financial accelerated growth across its portfolio of businesses, notching its highest levels of sales and earnings. Nationwide Financial is a top 10 writer across its portfolio of income and protection solutions.

2025 Highlights

• Becoming a leader in employer stop loss insurance – Nationwide acquired Allstate Benefits’ group health business in July 2025, expanding its ability to offer self-funded and stop loss solutions to small and mid-sized employers. Stop loss insurance protects employers who self-fund their health insurance plans from excess losses.
• Protecting customers with “predict and prevent” solutions – In 2025, P&C elevated how its claims, actuarial, product and distribution teams work together so insights move quickly through the business, enabling more “predict and prevent” risk management, stronger underwriting discipline and proactive protection for members.
• Innovating products to meet evolving needs – Nationwide Financial expanded its suite of hybrid long-term care solutions with CareMatters^® Annuity, a customer-centric solution that combines guaranteed tax-deferred earnings with flexible long-term care benefits. The business also introduced RetireAssist^SM, a new retirement plan suite for the small market 401(k)/403(b) space.
• Bringing technology solutions to home and commercial members – Programs that detect and alert policyholders before small problems become major losses were expanded for home and commercial members, supporting Nationwide’s “predict and prevent” risk management strategy. Nationwide’s commercial and agribusiness units now provide solutions that include continuous motor vehicle record monitoring, equipment tracking and cyber safety tools, while technology like Ting electrical system monitoring and LeakBot water leak detectors are protecting Nationwide home policy members.
• Sharpening the customer experience – Reflecting Nationwide’s vision to be the most trusted, most caring and most customer focused protection company, Nationwide’s deep commitment to customer experience and relationships helped drive 2025 growth, improving customer satisfaction scores across the businesses and enabling 12 Nationwide Financial partners to each sell $1 billion or more in Nationwide Financial products.
• Investing in the future – Continuing its history as an industry innovator and leader, Nationwide announced a $1.5 billion technology investment through 2028, with $100 million annually dedicated to advancing AI. This commitment will enhance customer experiences, strengthen risk management and efficiency and support long-term, sustainable growth.
• Serving communities –
  • The Nationwide Foundation—the 501(c)(3) private foundation to which Nationwide is the primary donor—contributed more than $41 million to nonprofit organizations.
  • Nationwide Mutual company and employees donated an additional $13.7 million to nonprofit organizations.
  • Company employees logged nearly 73,000 hours of volunteer time across the country.

Nationwide’s next 100 years       

As Nationwide celebrates its 100^th anniversary in 2026, Walker emphasized that the decisions being made today are laying the groundwork for a protection company that will serve its members for another century.

“Our centennial marks more than a milestone, it’s a foundation for the next chapter of Nationwide’s growth,” Walker said. “Thanks to the dedication of our employees and partners, we are well positioned to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care for generations to come.”

Walker noted that Nationwide employees are helping to celebrate its centennial in 2026 by giving 100,000 hours of volunteer service.

Additional information about Nationwide’s business results and community impact can be found in Nationwide’s 2025 Annual Report. 

Nationwide Annuity President Kush Kotecha has announced that Stacy LaiFook will lead the unit’s Business Development team, effective April 27. In this role, LaiFook is responsible for ensuring Nationwide’s Annuity business delivers strong top and bottom-line results by developing, designing and actively managing annuity solutions.

LaiFook brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry to the role. She is known as a results-driven leader with deep expertise in driving modernization, delivering high-quality results and empowering teams to perform at their best.

Most recently, LaiFook worked for Oliver Wyman as senior principal, where she led the firm’s annuity initiative with a focus on talent and business development. Most notably, she was MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company’s senior vice president of Product and Pricing, where she was responsible for annuity product strategy and execution, as well as performance across the product lifecycle. LaiFook oversaw the design, pricing and implementation of single premium immediate, registered index-linked, fixed indexed and fixed annuity products.

“Stacy is a purposeful leader and innovator who brings a combination of industry expertise, strategic vision and operational excellence to this role,” Kotecha said. “I am confident the Annuity Business Development team will continue to build on its successes and strong performance under her leadership.”  

Before its acquisition by MassMutual in 2021, LaiFook served as vice president at Great American Life Insurance Company, where she played a key role in launching the firm’s Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) business. She contributed to the design and development of a PRT strategy, worked closely with sales to drive growth and helped scale the business to $1 billion in liabilities over four years.

LaiFook holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy from Tufts University. She is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the Academy of Actuaries.

Nationwide is a top 10 seller of annuity products in the United States¹. Visit https://www.nationwide.com/personal/investing/annuities/ for more information about how Nationwide annuities can help investors make it easier to prepare for retirement.

¹ LIMRA U.S. Individual Annuities Sales Survey, 2025 Year-End Rankings
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Nationwide has always made supporting the communities in which we live and work a top priority. As Nationwide celebrates our centennial year this April – marking 100 years since our first policy was written – we're reminded of the enduring partnerships and shared purpose that have shaped our company from the beginning. To celebrate important community milestones, amplify our passions, and encourage Columbus sports teams and downtown partners, Nationwide began a unique tradition in the late 1970s that allows us to express our appreciation and spread joy to those around us.

The magic behind the scenes

Getting all of the details right is not easy. It takes seasoned professionals to execute the illuminated messaging. The Building Management staff first uses a map of the building to determine which windows need to be blacked out – a formidable task in itself. Then comes some major shade pulling with a crew of four going floor to floor drawing shades and installing cardboard in certain windows so that the message is legible.

How long does this process take in a 40-story skyscraper?

Approximately 3½ hours to install the message. But the work doesn’t end there. Each night, a maintenance crew checks each floor to make sure the right shades are drawn.

With all of the attention to detail, hard work and passion, the end result is stunning. See for yourself.

WOSU features Nationwide's holiday lights display

The CIO 100 Awards honor organizations and teams that demonstrate excellence in using technology to deliver outcomes such as operational efficiency, innovation, business value, and long-term competitiveness. This year, CIO recognized Nationwide’s Enterprise Digital Platform, a system that enables Nationwide’s external business partners quick, secure and consistent digital integration with Nationwide systems.  

“Being named a 2026 CIO 100 Award winner for our Enterprise Digital Platform validates the work our teams are doing to help modernize how we serve our partners and members,” said  Michael Carrel,  Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Nationwide. “This ongoing effort strengthens relationships and helps us deliver seamless, customer-centric experiences in real time. Most importantly, it reflects the passion and expertise of the associates who are making it easier to do business with us every day.”  

Nationwide built its Enterprise Digital Platform to streamline working together with Nationwide’s insurance and financial services partners, which in turn translates to enhanced experiences for Nationwide’s end customers. The platform offers Nationwide partners an experience equal to internal associates, with governance, observability, and lifecycle management for all 19 business lines – making interactions easy, timely, and protected. 

“The CIOs we're recognizing this year aren't just keeping the lights on, they're driving the business," said Richard Smith, Head of Event Content, CIO 100 Awards & Conference. "AI, data, security, cloud; it all lands on the same desk now, and the best CIOs have stopped treating them as separate problems. The 2026 class shows what it looks like when you get that right.” 

Nationwide Technology was also named to the CIO 100 in 2003 and in 2025. More information about the CIO 100 Awards can be found here.  

To learn more about technology advancements at Nationwide, visit the Nationwide Technology & Innovation newsroom page.  

This year’s theme, “Know your next move,” uses puzzle and game inspired visuals to break down complex financial topics into simple, actionable steps, empowering individuals at every starting point. The resources provided by Nationwide even include tools for adults to help their kids begin the financial literacy journey. 

“Helping participants prepare for and live a dignified retirement is what we do every day at Nationwide, and Financial Literacy Month allows us to put an extra spotlight on the importance of taking small, intentional steps for long term planning,” said Amelia Dunlap, vice president of Marketing for Nationwide Retirement Solutions. “Starting to save can feel challenging, but using simple, practical tools can help participants develop smart money management habits and feel more confident about their financial future.” 

As part of its mission to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care, Nationwide is offering a suite of easy-to-use resources including: 

• Interactive Quiz – Helps individuals assess their financial wellness 

• Family Activity Book – A printable guide that helps families talk about money 

• “Game of Retirement” Infographic – A visual roadmap to simplify the retirement journey 

• Educational Articles – Short clear breakdowns of foundational financial topics like budgeting, saving and managing everyday expenses 

• Online Tools – Calculators and digital checkups turning learning into action 

All materials are available on the Financial Literacy Participant Resources page. 

Additionally, Nationwide is supporting plan sponsors with readymade communications and other assets to support workplace engagement and help participants make smarter financial moves. 

Nationwide Retirement Solutions is a business within Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, that is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide Retirement Solutions helps secure financial futures for approximately three million participants in 30,000 retirement plans with $250 billion in assets, across full-service recordkeeping, investment solutions, and pension risk transfer¹. Nationwide remains No. 1 in public 457 plans (based on the number of plans)² with an average tenure of 29 years¹. The company also continues to maintain significant presence  in private 401(k), nonprofit 403(b) markets, and pension risk transfer.

For 50 years, Nationwide has remained committed to continually improving its retirement solutions and service experience to better support individuals preparing for and living in retirement. The company offers a diversified portfolio of solutions that complement its traditional recordkeeping and education services. Nationwide’s goal is to help participants prepare for retirement by providing investment solutions and services designed to support long-term growth, risk management and income planning. These offerings include mutual funds, managed accounts, pension risk transfer capabilities, fixed and stable value solutions, and lifetime income options
 

¹ Nationwide Financial (Dec 31, 2025)
² PLANSPONSOR 2025 Recordkeeping Survey

Visit nrsforu.com for more information about the tools and services Nationwide provides to retirement plan participants. 
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• Drivers say U.S. roads feel unpredictable as phone use, aggression and reckless driving continue to rise
• Stress and mistrust are growing on the road, with 4 in 10 drivers reporting stress and two-thirds frequently witnessing road rage
• Parents’ anxiety about teen driving is reshaping safety perceptions, with 40% saying they would trust an autonomous vehicle over their teen in some situations
• Company drivers confirm worsening behaviors across the board, reporting sharp increases in distraction, recklessness and unsafe driving around larger vehicles 

A new survey from Nationwide finds that driving in America is becoming less predictable and less trusted. While most drivers rate their own driving highly, many say the behavior from others on the road is getting worse. Distraction, aggression and recklessness are rising, making everyday driving more stressful and harder to anticipate.  

Nearly 9 in 10 drivers say phone use behind the wheel has increased in the past year, alongside similar spikes in aggressive and reckless driving. As a result, 40% say they experience stress while driving, and more than two-thirds frequently witness road rage.   

That erosion of trust is reshaping how families think about safety. In fact, 4 in 10 parents say they would trust an autonomous vehicle over their teen driver in certain situations, despite ongoing skepticism about the technology.  

Even the most experienced drivers are seeing the same shift. Company drivers, who operate a vehicle as one of their core job responsibilities and spend more time on the road than most, report worsening behaviors across the board, including increases in distraction, recklessness and unsafe driving around larger vehicles.  

Parents are weighing two imperfect options  
Parents are choosing between two risks they don’t fully trust. Anxiety is widespread among families with teen drivers: 91% of parents say they are at least somewhat anxious about their teen’s driving, and nearly half (49%) say driving is stressful for their teen.   

At the same time, confidence in young drivers remains low. More than 8 in 10 consumers (84%) and parents (85%) believe teens are more distracted than other age groups. Just 12% rate teen drivers as very good or excellent. Nearly nine in 10 also say teens need more behind-the-wheel training.   

As that anxiety builds, many parents are rethinking what safety looks like. In fact, 40% of parents with teen drivers believe that autonomous vehicles may be a safer option than their teens learning to drive.  

Company drivers reinforce the trend  
Company drivers who operate a vehicle daily as part of their job responsibilities see this shift every day on the road.  

Spending more time behind the wheel than most, they offer a clear view into how driving behavior is changing. They report noticeable increases in risky driving behaviors when compared to results from the 2025 Driving Behaviors study, including a 10-point rise in distraction (77%) and recklessness (73%) and a 15-point increase (74%) in unsafe driving around commercial vehicles.  

That behavior is making an already demanding job more stressful. Nearly half of commercial drivers (47%) say they feel stressed, exhausted and frustrated while driving for work, and 60% worry that aggressive drivers could cause an accident.  

“Driving no longer feels as predictable or routine as it once did,” said Mark McGhiey, Commercial Risk Management Leader at Nationwide. “Many describe a road environment with more distractions, more tension and less trust in the people around them. These conditions are particularly concerning for company drivers as many worry about the threat of accidents, injuries and the ripple effects on future employment opportunities.”  

It’s not just regular drivers causing friction; company drivers are noticing the same trends of faster and more reckless driving among their peers as well. One quarter admits they are at least sometimes distracted behind the wheel, showing no group is immune to risky behavior.  

What drivers can still control  
While drivers can’t control the behavior of others, they can take steps to help reduce their own risk in an environment that feels increasingly unpredictable.  

“Drivers are noticing changes in driving behavior on the road, and that awareness is an important first step toward improving road safety,” said Chris Lee, VP of Personal Lines Auto at Nationwide. “While we can’t control every driver around us, we can control how we drive. Reducing distractions, staying alert, and giving other vehicles more space are simple actions that can make a real difference. Programs like Nationwide’s Focused Driving Rewards^® are designed to help drivers build those safer habits and keep their attention where it belongs—on the road.”  

Nationwide’s Focused Driving Rewards is designed to help drivers put those habits into practice. The program encourages reduced phone handling behind the wheel by tracking behaviors like handheld calls or screen taps, and rewards focused driving with gift cards. It is open to both Nationwide members and non-customers.  

Businesses can also leverage insurance carrier-provided resources, like guides for safely handling aggressive or distracted drivers. They can also lean into tech solutions like dashcams that capture critical evidence in the event of an accident caused by another vehicle, as well as  GPS telematics, which can help proactively reduce risk through driver monitoring, coaching and route optimization.    

Methodology  
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online survey of 1,005 general consumers, 400 parents of teen drivers, and 400 commercial drivers from January 14-28, 2026. 

Built for clients seeking both security and meaningful accumulation potential, the new IUL solution builds on Nationwide’s commitment to low-cost, transparent IUL solutions while introducing new features that help offer clients greater control and flexibility.

Nationwide Indexed UL Accumulator III offers a wide range of indexed interest strategies designed to help offer clients broader diversification opportunities. The latest enhancements include the addition of the Nasdaq-100^® Index interest strategies, new 2-year term segment options, and access to 6 Uncapped indexed interest strategies. The remaining index options include the S&P 500^® Index, a Multi-Index Blend, and the BNP Paribas Global H-Factor^® Index. A fixed interest strategy with a guaranteed minimum rate is also available. 

To support clients during the crucial first year of their policy, Nationwide IUL Accumulator III offers an 8% Enhanced DCA rate. Clients can allocate their initial premium to the fixed interest strategy, where they earn an enhanced crediting rate for a full 12 months before being gradually moved into indexed strategies. This approach helps smooth market timing risk while giving policyowners a powerful early boost in cash value, an especially valuable feature for long-term accumulation.

Nationwide’s Performance Lock is an optional feature that lets policyowners “lock in” gains once their selected target is reached. When triggered, Performance Lock preserves index value for the remainder of the segment, even if markets decline. This feature is designed to provide consistency and an added layer of predictability for clients who want growth opportunities without the worry of losing gains before the segment ends. Performance Lock is available on all uncapped index strategies, further enhancing control and transparency.

“Our goal with IUL Accumulator III is to bring customers a modern, accumulation-focused solution that makes long-term planning more intuitive,” said Arny Martin, associate vice president, Life Product Management at Nationwide. “The combination of our 8% Enhanced DCA and Performance Lock gives people new tools to pursue growth and protect gains—especially valuable in an environment where markets can shift quickly.”

Additional product highlights include:

• Guaranteed Nationwide IUL Rewards Program
• Cash indemnity long-term care rider
• Living access benefit riders—Chronic, Critical, and Terminal Illness
• New Adjusted Premium Charge Rider
• New Guaranteed Interest Accumulated Value feature for added protection

To learn more about our newest offering, visit: Nationwide.com/IULAccum3

State of California Savings Plus Program won for public plans with more than 5,000 participants in both the Financial Wellness and Special Projects categories. SchoolsFirst Retirement Planning also won in the Special Projects category, finishing first among not-for-profits with more than 5,000 participants. 

“These awards highlight the power of putting our participants at the heart of our work, using data to get the right information to the right people at the right time and working together to make an impact,” said Kevin Jestice, president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions.   

The award-winning campaigns showcased innovative approaches to drive meaningful participant engagement and measurable actions: 

Special Projects Category: SchoolsFirst Retirement Planning – RetireU Virtual Campus  
The RetireU Virtual Campus reimagined retirement education through an immersive, gamified experience, including a fully-translated Spanish version that is engaging and action-oriented. The program attracted nearly 6,000 unique visitors and generated more than 35,000 completed participant actions, increasing enrollments by 11%, contributions by 8%, and digital engagement with online planning tools by 15%.  

“We truly appreciate the partnership with Nationwide to help drive strong engagement and meaningful impacts for our Members,” said Cristian Lopez, manager of SchoolsFirst Retirement Planning.  

From left: Christian Lopez (SchoolsFirst), Julie Bertone (Nationwide), Fred Gabriel (P&I) 

Financial Wellness Category: California Savings Plus Program – Roadmap to Retirement Readiness  
This program drove measurable behavior change through personalized outreach, gamified education, and timely campaigns, leading to more than 200,000 participant interactions across education and engagement channels. The effort increased plan participation from 70% to 74.3%, delivering a 17.6% increase in participant  contributions, and successfully re-engaged inactive savers, with 38% of new contributors having previously stopped participation. 

Special Projects Category: California Savings Plus Program – Online Enrollment  
This initiative transformed how participants enroll and engage by removing friction and redesigning the journey with empathy and clarity. As a result, Savings Plus achieved record-breaking results, including a 39% year-over-year increase in enrollments and a 58% reduction in time to enroll, with 88% of enrollments completed digitally. Targeted follow-ups and personalized nudges drove conversion rates as high as 71%. 

“Our partnership with Nationwide has enabled meaningful, participant-focused solutions by removing enrollment barriers that build confidence from day one and delivering personalized, ongoing financial education that meets participants where they are—inspiring California state workers to make informed decisions and improve retirement outcomes,” said Sandy Blair, plan administrator for California Savings Plus.  

From left: Sandy Blair (Savings Plus), Fred Gabriel (P&I), Zack Sharp (Nationwide), Jake Sours (Nationwide)

Nationwide Retirement Solutions is a business within Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, that is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide Retirement Solutions helps secure financial futures for approximately three million participants in 30,000 retirement plans with $250 billion in assets, across full-service recordkeeping, investment solutions, and pension risk transfer.¹ Nationwide remains No. 1 in public 457 plans (based on the number of plans)² with an average tenure of 29 years.¹ The company also continues to maintain significant presence  in private 401(k), nonprofit 403(b) markets, and pension risk transfer. 

For 50 years, Nationwide has remained committed to continually improving its retirement solutions and service experience to better support individuals preparing for and living in retirement. The company offers a diversified portfolio of solutions that complement its traditional recordkeeping and education services. Nationwide’s goal is to help participants prepare for retirement by providing investment solutions and services designed to support long-term growth, risk management and income planning. These offerings include mutual funds, managed accounts, pension risk transfer capabilities, fixed and stable value solutions, and lifetime income options.  

Visit nrsforu.com for more information about the tools and services Nationwide provides to retirement plan participants.  

¹ Nationwide Financial (Dec 31, 2025)
² PLANSPONSOR 2025 Recordkeeping Survey

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This year’s findings highlight a trend many pet families may find surprising: most of the top conditions for both dogs and cats are chronic conditions. This means they don’t just cause a one-time emergency, and they can become part of a long-term, expensive healthcare routine.  

“Each year, these findings remind us just how much of our pets’ health is shaped by ongoing, chronic conditions,” said Dr. Emily Tincher, chief veterinary officer at Nationwide. “While not every illness can be prevented, pet families have real power when they understand their pet’s unique risks and catch early changes in behavior or health. Our goal is to give pet parents the tools and knowledge they need to support their pets through every stage of life.” 

Dog Trends: Allergies top the list again and chronic issues dominate the top 10 

• Skin allergies rank #1 again, for the 15^th year running.
• No movement in the top 9 conditions, signaling persistent, widespread health patterns among U.S. dogs.
• Seizures enter the top 10 for the first time but are very closely followed by kidney disease and cranial cruciate ligament tears.
• Chronic conditions make up 6 of the top 10 and may require long-lasting care and follow families for years, underscoring the importance of ongoing care and budgeting. 

Cat trends: Tummy troubles lead the pack again with chronic conditions climbing  

• For the third consecutive year, digestive issues stay firmly in the top spot.
• The top six conditions remain unchanged from last year, showing consistent health patterns across the feline population.
• A striking 7 out of 10 conditions for cats are chronic, meaning long-term costs can far exceed a single visit.
• The bottom half of the list sees some reshuffling among inflammatory bowel disease (#7 in 2024), diabetes (#8 in 2024), and respiratory infection (#9 in 2024). 

While not every health issue can be prevented, pet parents can make a big difference by knowing what their pets are most at risk for and spotting symptoms early. To help families stay informed, Nationwide Pet HealthZone^® offers free, easy-to-use resources covering more than 100 dog breeds and 11 cat breeds — giving pet owners practical ways to support their pets’ long-term health — giving pet owners practical ways to support their pets’ longterm health. 

With Nationwide pet health insurance, many veterinary expenses associated with the diagnosis and treatment of these common conditions are eligible for reimbursement based on the member’s chosen coverage. It’s important to obtain coverage before your pet begins experiencing any symptoms because pre-existing conditions are excluded. To explore options visit petinsurance.com.  

¹These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80^th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported January 1 - December 31, 2025 within the first 30 days after diagnosis for a given condition. 
²These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80^th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported January 1 - December 31, 2025 within the first year after diagnosis for a given condition. 

“Each year these findings remind us just how much our pets’ health is shaped by ongoing, chronic conditions,” said Dr. Emily Tincher, chief veterinary officer at Nationwide. “While not every illness can be prevented, early recognition and proactive management can improve outcomes. Our goal is to equip pet families, and the veterinary teams who partner with them, with insights that help support better long-term care.” 

Canine Trends: Allergies top the list again and chronic issues dominate the top 10 

• Skin allergies rank #1 again, for the 15^th year running.
• No movement in the top 9 conditions, signaling persistent, widespread health patterns among U.S. canines
• Seizures enter the top 10 for the first time but are very closely followed by kidney disease and cranial cruciate ligament tears.
• Chronic conditions make up 6 of the top 10 and may require long-lasting care and follow families for years, underscoring the importance of ongoing care and budgeting. 

Feline trends: Digestive issues lead the pack again with chronic conditions climbing

• For the third consecutive year, digestive issues stay firmly in the top spot.
• The top six conditions remain unchanged from last year, showing consistent health patterns across the feline population.
• A striking 7 out of 10 conditions for cats are chronic, meaning long-term costs can far exceed a single visit.
• The bottom half of the list sees some reshuffling among inflammatory bowel disease (#7 in 2024), diabetes (#8 in 2024), and respiratory infection (#9 in 2024).

Resources for Veterinary Teams
While many of these conditions cannot be prevented, early detection, client education, and species or breed-specific risk awareness improve outcomes. Nationwide Pet HealthZone^® is a free, publicly accessible resource with clinical insights and risk profiles for more than 100 dog breeds and 11 cat breeds , designed to support both pet families and the veterinary team guiding the care.

With Nationwide pet health insurance, many veterinary expenses associated with the diagnosis and treatment of these common conditions are eligible for reimbursement based on the pet family’s chosen coverage. It’s important to obtain coverage before your pet begins experiencing any symptoms because pre-existing conditions are excluded. To explore options visit petinsurance.com.  

¹These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80^th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported January 1 - December 31, 2025 within the first 30 days after diagnosis for a given condition. 
²These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80^th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported January 1 - December 31, 2025 within the first year after diagnosis for a given condition. 

About Nationwide pet insurance
With more than 1 million actively insured pets, Nationwide is the first and one of the largest providers of pet insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Products underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH; National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH. Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. All are subsidiaries of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Instagram. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

“Farmers today face disruption risks that are more complex and unpredictable than ever before,” said Devin Fuhrman, Nationwide’s Chief Agriculture and Sponsor Relations Officer. “The new Farm Risk Ready tools and resources are designed to help farmers move from a wait-and-see approach to a predict and prevent mindset. By understanding emerging risks and building an actionable plan, farmers can strengthen their operations and position themselves for long-term success.”

The Need for Proactive Risk Management
The research conducted by Nationwide shows that farmers feel moderately prepared to manage disruption risks with readiness scores averaging at just five out of 10 (10 being completely prepared), highlighting the need to strengthen business resiliency across the industry. Farmers without resiliency plans tend to take a wait-and-see approach, with nearly half (47%) believing that if risk happens, they can address it at that time.

“Farmers have traditionally viewed risks in buckets like production and marketing,” said Fuhrman. “While we typically think of farm risk as resulting in some form of physical loss, it can also take the form of a reputational or market access loss.”

Today’s risks extend far beyond the field. Regulatory changes, geopolitical tensions, disease outbreaks, market access challenges and supply chain disruptions have all surged. Creating resilience — the ability to anticipate, absorb, adapt, and recover from shocks quickly and effectively — is no longer optional. It’s essential for surviving the unexpected.

Introducing Farm Risk Ready
Many farmers who lack a formal resiliency or risk management plan cite limited knowledge about how to build a strong response strategy, with 31% saying they don’t know how or where to get help and 16% pointing to lack of time as key barriers. To address this gap and help farmers better prepare for future risk, Nationwide developed the Farm Risk Ready initiative, which provides tools and resources for identifying vulnerable areas and developing actionable plans tailored to individual operations.

Farm Risk Ready provides:

• An interactive risk assessment to gauge current preparedness and pinpoint areas for improvement.
• A plan builder to help farmers create a tailored Farm Risk Ready Plan for their operation.
• Learning materials and online resources that make risk planning approachable and practical.
• Future hands-on workshops that will provide expert guidance and peer learning to help farmers build and refine their plans.

As agriculture continues to evolve, so must the strategies farmers use to protect their businesses. Farm Risk Ready is designed to meet farmers where they are with practical support that fits into a farm’s day-to-day activities.

“While it may be impossible to identify or plan for every future risk, creating a plan helps you prepare, minimize potential business disruptions and protect your bottom line,” said Fuhrman.

Get Started Today
Farmers can start building a Farm Risk Ready Plan today at nationwide.com/farmriskready. With just a few clicks, farmers can take the first step toward building a stronger, more resilient future.

Their conversation explored the talent and technology trends that are shaping the future of the insurance industry, how distribution partners can adapt to these changes, and why careers in insurance continue to be a smart choice for the future. Check out some key takeaways from the discussion below.

What are the key technology trends impacting the insurance industry and distribution partners?  
Key takeaway: AI, hyperconnected systems and advanced computing are three forces reshaping every industry. These are powerful forces, and Nationwide is making a powerful response. We’ve invested $5B in technology modernization since 2015. Today, we have plans for an additional $1.5B through 2028 – with 20% of our investment focused on scaling AI responsibly and in alignment with our values. 

As we think about our distribution partners, how can they balance technology, including AI, with the human touch?
Key takeaway: The right balance of technology and human interaction starts with understanding customers’ preferences. AI should streamline simple, routine tasks, while people focus on high-stakes, high-emotion or high-complexity moments where customers want reassurance and confidence.

What are some of the key talent trends that are taking place in the P&C industry? 
Key takeaway: As the P&C insurance industry becomes even more specialized—requiring deeper expertise in specific risks and products— the industry is also seeing a heightened risk of losing institutional knowledge, with an acceleration of retirements. This reality requires us to rethink how we hold on to this knowledge so that we are prepared for what is ahead. Technology and AI are also fundamentally changing how work gets done. Digital fluency is no longer optional — it’s foundational. 

What advice do you have for distribution professionals for how to address these talent gaps? 
Key takeaway: Carriers and distribution partners who take a long-term view of talent will navigate this dynamic landscape most successfully. That means investing in the next generation of talent early in their careers, developing people intentionally (with a focus on building digital and AI fluency) and evolving to more flexible work models.

Why should a recent college graduate join the insurance industry? 
Key takeaway: Insurance careers provide an opportunity to use data, technology and problem-solving to help people on their worst days – and get them back on their feet. The industry is transforming fast—offering flexibility, growth, and a chance to build skills that are in high demand. There are tremendous opportunities for those who can combine tech savvy with a passion for protecting customers.

Nationwide has been an official sponsor of the Columbus Crew since 2020 and the NWSL since 2021. Together with the NWSL, we established the Lauren Holiday Impact Award in 2024, annually recognizing the player who exemplifies exceptional service, leadership and character in their community.

Columbus is a natural fit for an NWSL team. The women’s soccer community in Central Ohio is large, passionate, and long-standing. The city of Columbus has been a long-time destination for momentous U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Soccer Teams matches – this year we’re looking forward to the SheBelieves Cup and the NWSL Challenge Cup.

Columbus’ Arena District is primed and ready to host a second professional soccer club.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) officially opened the doors to its newly renovated and expanded Linden Branch, on Feb. 6, marking a major milestone for the neighborhood located north and east of downtown Columbus. The celebration took place just shy of two years after community partners gathered for a ceremonial “wall breaking” in April 2024 to kick off construction.

The new two‑level branch, still located at 2223 Cleveland Avenue, grew from 12,700 square feet to approximately 27,000 square feet. Designed to meet the evolving needs of Linden residents, the branch includes adaptable spaces, updated technology and resources aimed at supporting lifelong learning.

Among the library’s many upgrades are three meeting rooms, 10 study rooms, expanded seating, a quiet room and a business center equipped with public computers. A larger children’s area, a dedicated tween space and a creative, tech‑ready teen area are new features. The building also includes a spacious learning center area for programming, as well as commissioned public art that highlights the neighborhood’s culture and identity.

In support of the project, the Nationwide Foundation contributed a $1 million gift.  

“Libraries are an important community anchor that encourage growth, development and lifelong learning,” said Chad Jester, President of the Nationwide Foundation. “Libraries need to have the resources and technology to support the changing needs of the community.” 

Now open, the 21st‑century Linden Branch provides a flexible, welcoming environment where residents of all ages can learn, connect and create. With more than double the space, the facility is built to grow alongside the community for years to come.

CML’s Linden Branch is open Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Visit the CML newsroom for more information.