Giving back to the community is central to the caring culture of Nationwide. It’s also a value shared by Nationwide distribution partners around the country. To celebrate some of those making an impact, Nationwide is pleased to recognize six agencies with the 2026 P&C Community Service Award.   

Agencies are nominated for their deep commitment to causes that are close to home and near to their heart. Nationwide makes a donation to the charity of each winner’s choice in honor of the winner.   

A Thank You from Nationwide  
Congratulations to Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management in Rolling Hills, IL. The Chicagoland agency was recognized for its support of Female Strong, a nonprofit providing hands-on programs, mentorship and leadership-building experiences for middle- and high-school girls with the goal of helping young women thrive and overcome barriers to opportunity.  

This year’s additional winners are:   

• Howard Hanna Insurance Services in Pittsburgh for its longstanding support of the Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fund and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Through fundraising and volunteering, the team helps children receive care and provides relief to families facing medical crises.
• InterWest Insurance Services in Sacramento for its employee-led “InterWest Gives Back” program, which allows local offices to select and support multiple nonprofit partners each quarter. Its community impact includes hunger relief, youth services, housing, healthcare, animal welfare and senior care.   
• BTJ Insurance in Nashville, whose sustained partnership with Kiwanis and Ingram Sowell Elementary School provides food support to students, ensuring they have access to food even when school is out.   
• Hometown Insurance in Creston, IA for its work with the Union County Fair Board and Kiwanis, helping raise millions for community improvements, restoring public spaces and providing meals and clothes to local children.
• M3 Insurance in Madison, WI for its support of the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area focused on youth development, workforce readiness, and financial literacy.   

“Nationwide’s central purpose of protection has always extended beyond insurance,” said Mark Berven, President and COO of Nationwide Property and Casualty. “Thank you to this year’s winners and to all of our distribution partners who make a positive impact in their communities every day.”

To recognize those contributions, nominations are now open for the Golden Owl Award®, an annual program celebrating excellence in agricultural education. For the 2026-27 school year, the program is expanding to 16 states with the addition of Colorado. The award program will now recognize leading agricultural teachers across 16 states: California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Utah. 

Since launching in 2018, the Golden Owl Award has recognized hundreds of agricultural educators and provided more than $800,000 in funding to support agricultural education programs, FFA chapters and student development initiatives. Last year, there were over 4,900 nominations across 15 participating states, and the program recognized 107 exceptional ag teachers including 15 “Ag Educators of the Year.” 

"Every day, agricultural educators help students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed," said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. "The Golden Owl Award is our way of recognizing the educators who are investing in the future of agriculture and making a lasting impact on their students and communities." 

To nominate an ag teacher for the 2025-2026 Golden Owl Award, visit www.GoldenOwlAward.com.¹ 

Following the nomination period, finalists in each state will be selected by a panel of judges. Each finalist will receive an individualized plaque and funding to support their school's agricultural education program. One educator in each state will ultimately be named Ag Educator of the Year and receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy along with additional funding for their program. 

In addition to recognizing outstanding teachers, Nationwide supports agricultural education through contributions to participating state FFA organizations, helping provide leadership development opportunities and resources for students across the country. 

The Golden Owl Award reflects Nationwide's ongoing commitment to strengthening agriculture and supporting the educators who help shape its future. 

To nominate an agricultural educator or learn more about the program, visit GoldenOwlAward.com. 

¹ California Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 2 – Jan. 16, 2027. Colorado Golden Owl Award nomination period is May 15 – 30, 2027.  Delaware Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 – Nov. 15, 2026. Illinois Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 – Nov. 15, 20256. Indiana Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 – Dec. 15, 2026. Iowa Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 2 – Dec. 1, 2026. Kansas Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. Kentucky Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 18 – Nov. 30, 2026. Maryland Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. Missouri Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 15 – Dec. 31, 2026. Nebraska Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. New York Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 10 – Nov. 15, 2026. Ohio Golden Owl Award nomination period is Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. Pennsylvania Golden Owl Award nomination period is Aug. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. South Dakota Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026. Utah Golden Owl Award nomination period is Oct. 1 – Dec. 15, 2026. 

² 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 partner, Farm Credit Mid-America, 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.

These tradeoffs are already affecting decisions that could have financial consequences long after today's prescription is paid. More than half (54%) of current GLP-1 users have already changed their financial behaviors, including 17% who have taken on debt, such as credit cards or loans; 14% who have withdrawn money from savings, investments or retirement accounts; and 14% who have reduced their retirement contributions or investments.

For many users, the expected health benefits may make those financial pressures feel worth it. Nearly nine in 10 (88%) current users say taking a GLP-1 makes them feel more optimistic about their long-term health, and 64% say they may retire later because taking the medication makes them feel healthier.

“Medical innovation is changing how we think about living longer and healthier, and that’s a good thing. But living longer also means your money may need to last longer,” said Kristi Martin Rodriguez, leader of the Nationwide Retirement Institute. “If what you’re spending on your health today is competing with what you’re saving for tomorrow, that needs to be part of the financial planning conversation.”

Longer, Healthier Lives Bring New Retirement Challenges
The possibility of better long-term health creates its own financial planning challenge: preparing for a potentially longer retirement. More than half (56%) of current users say they may need more money for future healthcare expenses if they live longer, while nearly half (49%) say the possibility of living longer makes them less confident in their retirement plan.

For people who continue GLP-1 treatment over time (many will for the rest of their lives), the ongoing cost of the treatment adds another layer of uncertainty. Nearly six in 10 (59%) current users worry about being able to afford GLP-1 medication in retirement. Current users whose medication is not entirely covered by insurance pay an average of $203 out of pocket each month.

Despite those concerns, the health benefits users expect from GLP-1s may be reducing the urgency they feel to prepare financially. Nearly six in 10 (59%) say the expected health benefits of GLP-1s make them feel less pressure to increase their retirement savings. Similarly, 57% say the expected health benefits make them less concerned about needing additional health or long-term care insurance in the future.

Together, these findings point to a potential planning gap: GLP-1 users are increasingly optimistic about living healthier, longer lives, even as many may be financially unprepared for the additional years those health benefits could bring.

A New Conversation for Retirement Planning
As GLP-1s and other medical innovations reshape expectations for health and longevity, they are also creating new conversations for retirement planning. Nearly six in 10 (59%) current users expect a financial professional to advise them on the financial impact of GLP-1 medications or other health innovations, yet 47% have never discussed the topic with an advisor.

“The connection between health and wealth has never been more apparent than with the rise of GLP-1 medications,” Rodriguez said. “These drugs offer the potential for a longer, healthier life, but they also come with financial implications that we can't ignore. It's time to have a conversation about how the expense and benefits of these drugs impact our financial decisions today and our long-term financial outlook. Retirement savers trying to strike this balance should be intentional in creating a plan with a trusted financial advisor that keeps saving for the future on track to prepare for a longer, healthier retirement.”

To help financial professionals guide these conversations, Nationwide’s Health Care Cost Assessment tool uses proprietary health risk analysis and updated actuarial cost data to help financial professionals and clients estimate future medical and long-term care expenses. 

To learn more about the 2026 Nationwide Retirement Institute Health Care Costs in Retirement consumer survey, visit www.nationwide.com/healthcarecostshttp://www.nationwide.com/healthcarecosts. In addition, financial professionals can visit www.nationwide.com/simplifyhealthcarecostshttp://www.nationwide.com/simplifyhealthcarecosts to learn more. 

For additional insights see Kristi Rodriguez’s blog and this infographic.

Methodology
The research was conducted online in the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Nationwide among 1,933 adults age 18+, including 467 Gen Z (age 18-28), 500 Millennials (age 29-44), 510 Gen Xers (age 45-60), and 456 Boomers+ (age 61+).  509 current GLP-1 users and 364 former users were also collected. The survey was conducted July 20-August 4, 2026. 

Data are weighted where necessary by age by gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status (not included for Gen Z), household size, household income, and political affiliation to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.  To ensure the national sample was representative, the data were initially weighted by generation (Gen Z 18-28, Millennials 29-44, Gen Xers 45-60, and Boomers+ 61+) and then combined into a total age 18+ group.

Data for GLP-1 current and former GLP-1 users, were weighted as needed by education, age by gender, race/ethnicity, region, household income, size of household, marital status, employment, and political party affiliation.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who 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 is accurate to within ± 2.2 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.  This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. 

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

Employees were challenged at the beginning of 2026 to volunteer 100,000 hours collectively, a goal rooted in Nationwide’s longstanding commitment to community involvement and company values that date back to Nationwide's earliest days. The milestone reflects volunteer service completed both through company-sponsored events and employees' personal commitments to causes and organizations that matter most to them. 

“Thank you to every employee whose dedication and generosity helped make this achievement possible,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “Whether volunteering through a Nationwide-sponsored event or supporting a cause close to home, each hour made a difference—and together, those individual acts of service created a lasting impact in communities across the country.” 

Making a difference, one community at a time 
For the nonprofit partners, the value of those volunteer hours extends well beyond the numbers. 

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective, part of the Feeding America network, received the most volunteer support from Nationwide employees this year with more than 6,000 volunteer hours. Earlier this year, Nationwide employees came together for a service event, packing shelf-stable food boxes that helped provide meals for nearly 1,000 Central Ohio seniors experiencing food insecurity. 

"Nationwide continues to be one of Mid-Ohio Food Collective's most valued partners, not only through its philanthropy but through the extraordinary commitment of its associates," said Matt Habash, president and CEO of Mid-Ohio Food Collective. "Their dedication helps expand our reach, strengthen our impact, and move us closer to a future where no one in our community has to worry about where their next meal will come from. We are deeply grateful for Nationwide's leadership and unwavering support." 

United Way of Central Iowa was another top nonprofit partner for Nationwide volunteers this year. Employees contributed their time to a variety of initiatives supporting health, youth opportunities and financial security throughout the region. 

"Reaching 100,000 volunteer hours is a remarkable achievement that reflects Nationwide's deep commitment to the communities it serves," said Mary Sellers, president of United Way of Central Iowa. "The time, talent and dedication of Nationwide employees have made a meaningful difference across central Iowa, and we're proud to partner with an organization that consistently invests in helping others and strengthening our community." 

Building on a century of caring 
Nationwide employees have played an active role in strengthening the communities where they live and work. Today, that tradition continues through volunteerism, charitable giving and community partnerships.  

“At Nationwide, protecting what matters most extends beyond the products and services we provide. It means showing up for the communities where we live and work. Reaching 100,000 volunteer hours in our centennial year is a powerful reflection of our employees’ generosity and our longstanding commitment to caring for others,” said Walker.  

This year's achievement was made possible by thousands of employee volunteers, including 146 employees who have individually contributed more than 100 hours of volunteer service.  

Visit Nationwide’s giving page for more information about how the company and its associates combine philanthropy, workplace giving and volunteerism to make an impact.

“Moody’s positive outlook for Nationwide P&C is encouraging recognition of the progress our associates and distribution partners are making together,” said Mark Berven, President & COO, Nationwide Property & Casualty. “Our focus on the claims experience, technical excellence, data-informed underwriting, strong governance and disciplined pricing is helping us improve profitability while delivering the specialized protection and insight our distribution partners and members need. The positive outlook from Moody’s reinforces the value of that work.” 

Moody’s specifically notes that Nationwide’s P&C business has “improved its profitability in recent years by enhancing its technical capabilities and governance processes as well as taking pricing and underwriting actions.” 

The affirmation of NFS reflects Nationwide’s financial services business’ “strong position and brand recognition in U.S. life insurance, annuity and retirement plan markets; its diversified distribution channels; and its consistently strong profitability.” 

Moody’s noted “NFS’ strong capitalization, including a relatively high regulatory risk-based capital (RBC) ratio, and its strategic importance to Nationwide Enterprise support continued growth across its target products.” 

For more information about Nationwide and Nationwide’s ratings, visit www.nationwide.com or Company Ratings.  

For Nationwide, the survey findings reinforce the importance of helping people understand emerging digital risks and giving them practical ways to protect their identity, information and finances.

Nearly four in 10 consumers (39%) say they have ignored or delayed responding to a legitimate delivery notice because they suspected it was a scam. Nearly three in 10 (29%) say they have done the same with a legitimate government message or bank alert.

That caution comes as consumers grapple with increasingly convincing AI-enabled threats. More than eight in 10 (84%) are concerned about criminals using AI to steal someone’s identity, yet only 19% are highly confident they could identify an AI-powered scam.

“AI is giving scammers new ways to make fraudulent messages, calls and requests look and sound more convincing,” said Helen Simonett, Vice President of Personal Property Lines at Nationwide. “Consumers are right to be cautious, but when it becomes difficult to distinguish a scam from a legitimate message, that uncertainty can also affect how people respond to important communications they rely on every day.”

AI is making scams harder to spot
As generative AI tools become more sophisticated and widely available, cybercriminals use them to create convincing phishing messages and impersonation attempts designed to appear as though they are coming from a trusted person or organization.

For consumers, that can make familiar warning signs harder to rely on. A message with polished language or a call that sounds like someone they know may no longer be enough to establish legitimacy.

The survey findings suggest consumers recognize the changing threat but may not feel confident identifying it. The gap between widespread concern about AI-enabled identity theft and confidence in spotting an AI-powered scam underscores the importance of slowing down and independently verifying unexpected requests before responding.

“Scammers often want people to react quickly, particularly when a message involves money, personal information or an apparent emergency,” said Simonett. “If something feels unusual, consumers should avoid using the contact information provided in the message and instead reach out to the person, company or institution through a phone number, website or app they already know and trust.”

What consumers can do to protect themselves
The survey shows consumers are already taking some basic precautions: 57% use strong, unique passwords and 47% use multifactor authentication to protect themselves from AI-powered scams and other cyber threats. But verification habits can provide another layer of protection.

• Verify unexpected requests through another channel. Contact the person or organization using a phone number, website or app you already know rather than information contained in the suspicious message.
• Create a family code phrase. Just 17% of consumers say their household currently has one for confirming a loved one’s identity during an urgent call or message.
• Use basic account protections. Strong, unique passwords, multifactor authentication and regular account monitoring can make accounts harder to compromise.
• Understand your coverage before you need it. Even with precautions in place, scams can happen. Know what protection your insurance provides, where there may be gaps and who to contact if you become a victim.
• Consider identity theft protection. Identity theft coverage may provide another layer of protection, including monitoring for suspicious activity involving personal information and help navigating recovery or reimbursement of certain related expenses. Nationwide identity theft protection is available for $45 per year when added to an eligible Nationwide auto, home, renters, condo or RV policy.

More findings from the 2026 Nationwide Cybersecurity survey can be found here.

Learn about Nationwide’s ID theft protection.

Todd Lukens, Nationwide’s chief technology and information security officer, has been named to Ohio Tech News and OhioX’s inaugural Cyber25 list, honoring 25 cybersecurity leaders making a significant impact by protecting Ohio’s businesses, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure.  

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the impact my team is making to ensure we protect what matters most for our customers, associates and communities across Ohio and beyond,” Lukens said. “I’m proud of the dedication and expertise of colleagues across Nationwide who work every day to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats to help keep our enterprise secure.” 

Honorees were selected based on real-world impact, demonstrated leadership, a meaningful Ohio connection and work completed or significantly advanced during the past two years. 

With over two decades in cybersecurity and technology leadership, Lukens oversees critical security and technology functions, including Cybersecurity, Information Risk Governance, Continuity and Crisis Management, Infrastructure, Technology Operations, Development Platform Engineering, Enterprise Digital Platform, and Protective Services. His role places him at the center of protecting technology, data, operational resilience, people, facilities, and communities for Nationwide. 

Read the full list of Cyber25 honorees at Ohio Tech News. 

Learn more about Technology & Innovation at Nationwide. 

Dr. Beth Kozel, MD, PhD, the chief of the hospital’s Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine and director of Constitutional Genomics Translational Research, and her clinical team are working with their partners in the Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine to bring the life-saving power of genomics to children — from research, to advanced diagnostic testing, to therapeutics.

Through this work, geneticists and genetic counselors work closely with patients and families throughout their healthcare journeys. Dr. Kozel’s vision for the future is one in which genomic information becomes part of the “everyday medical and healthcare experience.”

By meeting children early in their hospital admission and using rapid genome sequencing, the team is translating faster diagnoses into real-time therapies. Rapid genome sequencing can provide answers for about one-third of children who previously had no diagnosis, helping care teams make more informed treatment decisions.

“We are pushing the boundaries of what is possible by taking a genetic test result and translating it into therapies through our growing understanding of how genes and biological pathways work,” said Dr. Kozel. “While diagnosis remains the foundation, the most exciting advances are happening in therapeutics. As genomics increasingly guides clinical decisions across the hospital, our clinicians are developing more personalized treatment strategies, from established therapies and repurposed medications to clinical trials and gene therapies. For many families, these advances are creating new options and new hope where few existed before.”

Her work at the hospital is made possible thanks to a partnership between the Nationwide Foundation, a private foundation whose primary donor is Columbus-based Nationwide.

“When organizations share a vision and commit to it over time, their impact reaches far beyond what any one organization can achieve alone," said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. "For nearly seven decades, Nationwide and Nationwide Children's have worked together to improve the lives of children and families. This investment extends that commitment by supporting groundbreaking research and innovation while helping create stronger, healthier communities."

Earlier this year, the Nationwide Foundation announced a $10 million investment through its Pediatric Innovation Fund, bringing its total commitment to Nationwide Children's to more than $180 million.

The investment supports advances in genomic medicine and data science while also helping fund affordable housing, injury prevention and children's mental health initiatives. Together, those efforts recognize that a child's well-being is shaped by much more than medical care alone.

The latest gift will also establish the 19th endowed chair funded by the Nationwide Foundation at Nationwide Children's, which has been awarded to Dr. Kozel.

The Nationwide Foundation's support for endowed chairs reflects a broader belief that investing in talented people, especially in the medical field, can have a lasting effect, creating discoveries and breakthroughs that benefit families long into the future.

Today, the Nationwide Foundation continues that legacy. Since 2000, it has contributed more than $745 million to nonprofit organizations serving the communities where Nationwide associates and their families live and work.

The Community Champions Award highlights Small Commercial agency partners that go above and beyond through volunteer service and civic engagement. Each winning agency will help direct a $35,000 Nationwide-funded donation to a local Feeding America-affiliated food bank or the American Red Cross.  

“For decades, Nationwide has worked alongside agency partners to protect the small businesses helping to drive communities forward. Those local connections continue to be a big part of who we are today,” said Casey Kempton, Nationwide's President of P&C Personal and Small Commercial Lines. “Through the Community Champions Award, we’re proud to recognize agency partners who are giving back and doing vital work at the local level.” 

The 2026 Community Champion Award winners are: 

• ASAP Insurance Services (SIAA), North Palm Beach, FL — Donation directed to the American Red Cross
• FRM Group Insurance and Financial Services (First Choice) Stroudsburg, PA – Donation directed to Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and NE PA
• HUB Mountain States, Billings, MT — Donation directed to Idaho Foodbank, Montana Foodbank Network and Food Bank of the Rockies
• Rancho Mesa Insurance Services (First Choice), San Diego, CA — Donation directed to Feeding San Diego
• Randy Jones & Associates (Leavitt Group), Albertville, AL — Donation directed to Food Bank of North Alabama
• Snotherly Insurance Agency (Highstreet), Raleigh, NC — Donation directed to Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
• Univest Insurance, Lansdale, PA — Donation directed to Philabundance 

Community Champion Award winners were selected based on their commitment to service to others, local leadership and overall partnership with Nationwide.  

“Our agency partners are entrepreneurs, advocates and leaders in the communities they serve,” said Kempton. “We’re excited to celebrate their contributions and support organizations that are making a meaningful difference for the future.”

This year’s investment will expand access to genomic and genetic testing across Nationwide Children’s intensive care units and primary care clinics, supporting faster diagnoses and more personalized care. Funding will also support advanced testing for children with cancer and the development of new technologies. Additionally, Nationwide’s sports marketing programs including the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship golf tournament have raised more than $70 million for the hospital’s programming. 

“Impact grows when organizations unite around a shared purpose and make long-term commitments to improving lives,” said Nationwide CEO and Nationwide Foundation Chairman Kirt Walker. “For nearly 70 years, Nationwide and Nationwide Children’s have worked side by side to help children and families thrive. This investment builds on that legacy by advancing groundbreaking research and innovation, strengthening communities and addressing the factors that help children live healthier lives.”

Since its launch, the Pediatric Innovation Fund has fueled the continued growth of the Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, a national leader in pediatric genomic medicine, where researchers and clinicians use genetic information to improve diagnoses and personalize care. Physicians, genetic counselors and other staff work directly with patients and families, using genomic testing through the Institute for Genomic Medicine to advance therapies for rare and complex diagnoses.

A recent advancement from the institute is rapid genome sequencing (rGS), which provides the fastest diagnoses for the sickest patients. Making rGS available to clinicians represents years of work to bring genomics to the clinic and has resulted in better care and outcomes for hundreds of children to date. The institute also continues to advance understanding of genetic disease, even as thousands of rare diseases are identified around the world. Currently, about 8,000 rare diseases have been identified, with 40 to 50 new rare disease genes discovered each month.

“The support of the Nationwide Foundation has been instrumental in establishing the Institute for Genomic Medicine as a national leader in pediatric precision medicine,” said Tim Robinson, Nationwide Children’s chief executive officer. “Their investment has helped transform groundbreaking scientific discoveries into real-world care for children, enabling earlier diagnoses, more targeted treatments and better outcomes. As we look to the future, this continued commitment will help us bring the benefits of genomic medicine to even more children and families.”

Investing in Research Leadership
The Pediatric Innovation Fund will also establish a new endowed chair, bringing the total number of Nationwide Foundation-supported endowed chairs at Nationwide Children’s to 19. An endowed chair is among the highest honors bestowed upon physicians, scientists and academic leaders. It recognizes excellence in pediatric healthcare and research while providing long-term philanthropic support to advance innovation, discovery and patient care.

The Nationwide Foundation Endowed Chair in Genetic Medicine has been awarded to

Beth Kozel, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine and director of Constitutional Genomics Translational Research at Nationwide Children’s. In addition to her leadership roles in genetics and genomic medicine, Kozel is a nationally recognized physician-scientist whose research focuses on genetic conditions such as Williams syndrome and on developing new genetic therapies to improve outcomes.

Supporting Community Wellness Together
Other programs benefiting from this year’s $10 million gift include:

• Biomedical Data Sciences: Nationwide Foundation’s continued investment in Nationwide Children’s biomedical data sciences supports the infrastructure that researchers need to use data to help drive discovery and bring innovative analytics into clinical care, helping accelerate breakthroughs and improve the health of children for years to come.
• Affordable Housing: Additional funding to Nationwide Children’s Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative will support the development of new rental homes in Columbus’ Linden and South Side neighborhoods.
• Injury Prevention: Funding will support the expansion of ProjectDRIVE (Driving Risk Intervention and Virtual Education), a pilot teen driving safety program operating in 10 Ohio counties following a traffic violation. Led by researchers at Nationwide Children's Center for Injury Research and Policy, the evidence-based initiative helps parents and teens build safer driving habits through education and communication strategies aimed at reducing crashes and preventing injuries.
• The Kids Mental Health Foundation: Funding will support the development of resources that help parents protect their children's mental health in the digital age. Through free, expert-developed tools and educational materials, The Kids Mental Health Foundation provides actionable steps parents can take to understand the relationship between technology and mental health, talk with their children about healthy technology use, and establish boundaries that support emotional well-being.

Established in 2014, the Pediatric Innovation Fund supports pediatric and community health initiatives while advancing research and clinical discoveries at Nationwide Children’s. Including Nationwide Foundation’s transformational $50 million gift in 2006, the 12 years of support through the Pediatric Innovation Fund and a historic $100 million future commitment made in 2024, the Nationwide Foundation has dedicated more than $180 million in total to Nationwide Children’s.

About Nationwide Children’s 
At Nationwide Children's, what matters most to families — their child — matters just as deeply to us. With our promise, "Your Everything Is Our Everything," we commit to keeping patients and families at the center of all we do. Named to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll, Nationwide Children’s is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit, free-standing pediatric healthcare systems and a global leader in pediatric care, research and innovation. Nationwide Children's leads the transformation of children’s health through nationally recognized clinical excellence, groundbreaking research and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children everywhere. Our dedication to improving child health extends beyond the hospital's walls and into the communities we serve. Nationwide Children’s has a staff of more than 17,000 that provides state-of-the-art wellness, preventive and rehabilitative care and diagnostic treatment during more than 2 million patient visits annually. As the home of the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s educates and trains the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s is one of the Top 10 National Institutes of Health-funded free-standing pediatric research facilities, advancing discoveries that improve the lives of children around the world. For more information, visit NationwideChildrens.org.

About The Nationwide Foundation
The Nationwide Foundation is a nonprofit, private foundation to which Nationwide companies are the donors. Founded in 1959, the Nationwide Foundation has contributed more than $745 million since 2000 to help nonprofit organizations in communities where Nationwide associates and their families live and work.

The new service, available through the VetHelpline® App in qualified states, will closely mirror a virtual doctor’s visit for people. For the first time, it gives Nationwide policyholders the ability to schedule a virtual visit with a licensed veterinarian who can evaluate symptoms, diagnose certain conditions, prescribe medication when appropriate and help families determine whether an in-person visit is needed.  

“Nationwide is focused on making it easier for pet families to access the care and guidance they need. Expanding VetHelpline to include telemedicine gives eligible policyholders another convenient way to connect with a veterinarian and make informed decisions about their pet’s care,” said Joel Carnes, Chief Pet Officer for Nationwide Pet Insurance. 

VetHelpline has offered complimentary teletriage services to members since 2015, relaunching through the VetHelpline app with FirstVet in 2024. This new feature builds on Nationwide’s commitment to making veterinary care more accessible and convenient for its policyholders. Existing teletriage services will continue to be available to help pet parents assess symptoms and determine whether home monitoring, primary veterinary care or emergency care may be appropriate. 

“Many of the concerns that prompt pet parents to seek immediate answers, including skin allergies, minor digestive upset and behavioral concerns, may be appropriate for a virtual consultation," said Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer for Nationwide. "Telemedicine gives families another way to connect with a veterinarian, determine the next step in their pet's care and, when appropriate, receive prescription treatment without waiting for an in-person appointment. Telehealth services are designed to complement—not replace—ongoing care from a pet’s primary veterinarian.” 

FirstVet powers the veterinary consultation experience behind the VetHelpline® app. The app has earned a five-star rating in the Apple App Store based on over 7,000 customer reviews, reflecting high levels of policyholder satisfaction with the virtual care experience. 

“Pet owners increasingly expect convenient access to veterinary guidance. Together, we're helping eligible Nationwide policyholders connect with experienced veterinarians when questions arise, often without needing to leave home.” said Caroline Caldemar, Chief Veterinary Officer for FirstVet. 

The telemedicine program is available to policyholders in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Washington, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, as well as Washington, D.C. Teletriage services will continue to be available for all policyholders. If pet parents are concerned that their pet may be experiencing an emergency, they should present their pet for in-person veterinary evaluation immediately. 

To learn more about Nationwide pet insurance and VetHelpline®, visit PetInsurance.com. 

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.  

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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.