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.

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. 

Nationwide Retirement Solutions has named Mimi Hodac consultant relationship manager serving the West region, reporting to Barbie Walsh, institutional executive relationship director. In this role, Hodac will build and manage relationships with key public- and private-sector consultants and consulting firms across the West.

“Mimi has been in the industry for a long time and has great connections,” Walsh said. “She will focus on building deeper relationships with consultants, firms and plan sponsors in the west region, educating consultants on Nationwide’s features, capabilities and advantages, and promoting the company’s retirement products and solutions.”

Hodac brings more than 20 years of experience in the retirement industry, with expertise in client relationship management, consultant relations, strategic planning and business development. Most recently, she served as vice president of Consultant Relations at Corebridge Financial, where she focused on enhancing the consultant experience, strengthening partnerships and creating new business opportunities throughout the Western region.

Prior to joining Corebridge, Hodac held senior relationship manager positions with Lincoln Financial and Prudential Retirement Services.

Hodac is based in Los Angeles.

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.

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

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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.”

For the second consecutive quarter, pension risk transfer (PRT) market activity declined, continuing the slowdown that began in 2025. The market recorded sales of $3 billion in the second quarter of 2026, down 26% year over year, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Group Annuity Risk Transfer Survey. Despite the slower pace, Nationwide’s head of PRT, Paula Cole, expects activity to accelerate in the second half of the year as plan sponsors continue evaluating de-risking opportunities. Cole discussed what’s driving the slowdown, why buy-in transactions are gaining momentum and what advisors should watch as the market evolves.

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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 the past year, more than two-thirds (68%) of Gen Z adults looked for higher-paying jobs or additional income, as opposed to only 56% of Millennials. Half (50%) of Gen Z adults also earned money beyond their primary income source and more than a third (34%) invested time or money in building skills to increase their earning potential.

Yet Gen Z’s score on Nationwide Financial’s Growth and Protection Index is 49, only modestly more growth-oriented than Millennials (50) and Gen X (52). The Index places Americans on a scale of zero to 100, with a score of zero indicating a complete focus on growing assets and a score of 100 indicating a complete focus on protecting what they have.

This score suggests that while Gen Z is taking action to improve their finances, the activity isn’t translating into a dramatically more growth-oriented financial posture. Immediate financial pressures may be getting in the way, with nearly seven in 10 Gen Z adults experiencing a significant increase in essential living expenses in the last year, and 46% worrying about their finances every day. Those pressures are also shortening their view of the future: 61% primarily make financial decisions looking less than a year ahead.

“Gen Z’s score on our index is surprising because you might expect younger adults to be much more focused on wealth accumulation,” said Craig Hawley, President and COO of Nationwide Financial. “But younger generations are facing more immediate demands on their money, from basic necessities to student loan debt, making it harder to focus on long-term financial planning. This mindset could represent a missed opportunity for a generation who has the benefit of more time before their retirement, meaning money invested today has longer to compound as they build their retirement nest egg.”

Gen Z wants financial guidance, highlighting an opportunity for advisors and employer-sponsored retirement plans
Gen Z’s short planning horizon isn’t a sign of low financial ambition. In fact, despite their shorter planning horizons, Gen Z appears unusually receptive to professional financial guidance. Nearly half (45%) say they want to work with a financial professional, compared with just 30% of consumers overall.

For financial professionals, Gen Z's willingness to accept counsel creates an opportunity, but serving this generation may require a different approach. While Gen Z is already taking steps to improve their financial situation, many lack a long-term framework that connects individual actions to where they want to be years from now.

“There is a clear opportunity for advisors and plan sponsors to meet Gen Z where they are with actionable guidance,” Hawley said. “This group needs help striking the right balance between addressing immediate financial obligations and taking advantage of longer-term investment opportunities. That could mean helping young clients determine how much to keep accessible for near-term needs, where they can afford to take risks, and how to identify a portion of their income to invest for the future. This group may also benefit from education around the power of compounding interest, and a deeper understanding of how their longer time horizon makes them better positioned to weather short-term market volatility than older generations who are closer to retirement.”

To learn more about the first-ever Nationwide Financial Growth & Protection Index, view an infographic, review the data or view a blog post from Craig Hawley.

Methodology
The Nationwide Financial Growth & Protection Index research was conducted online in the United States among 2,000 adults age 22 and older. The survey was fielded May 1–14, 2026. Respondents were nationally representative by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, employment status and income level. The Index measures how consumers balance financial growth and financial protection by evaluating responses across three dimensions: mindset, actions and confidence. Individual pillar scores were weighted and combined to produce an overall Index score ranging from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating a stronger growth orientation and higher scores indicating a stronger protection orientation.

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. 

Nationwide has announced that Trisha Barhorst will become the new leader of Personal Lines Operations, effective Aug. 17. In her new role, Barhorst will oversee claims, servicing and underwriting operations while advancing the organization’s operating discipline. Barhorst will succeed Jeff Rommel, senior vice president, Personal Lines Operations, who recently announced his plans to retire in January 2027.

Throughout her 17 years at Nationwide, Barhorst has held leadership roles across Marketing, Sales, Staff Operations, Underwriting and Claims. Barhorst brings a unique combination of operational expertise, customer focus and a deep commitment to developing talent.

Most recently, Barhorst led Nationwide’s Personal Lines Property Claims organization where she helped strengthen operational performance, modernize capabilities and enhance the customer and associate experience.

“Trisha’s broad experience across both Underwriting and Claims, combined with her ability to manage large-scale transformation and develop talent, position her perfectly to lead Personal Lines Operations,” said Casey Kempton, President, P&C Personal Lines for Nationwide. “In this new role, Trisha will help execute on our strategy, shape the future of our operations and deliver meaningful results for our customers, agents and businesses.”

Barhorst obtained both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from The Ohio State University. Outside of her duties with Nationwide, she serves on the board of Ohio 4-H Foundation.

LIMRA’s mid-year Life Insurance Sales Survey shows a life industry that is continuing to grow, although at a slower pace than last year. Total U.S. individual life insurance new annualized with excess premium rose 3% year over year to $4.7 billion in the second quarter of 2026. The number of policies sold increased 8% in the second quarter, powered by whole life and variable universal life.

Holly Snyder, president of Nationwide Life Insurance, shared her perspective on the trends shaping industry performance and financial professional behavior in the first half of the year, as well as her outlook for the balance of the year.

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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. 

Milo is devoted to his family and loves playing in the snow. However, during a Christmas Day trip to the mountains, a sudden noise startled Milo as he was getting into the family’s car. He bolted up a cross-country ski trail and disappeared.

His family chased after him, but Milo was gone, lost in the wilderness for 72 days until his microchip was pinged at a shelter. He was incredibly thin but otherwise unscathed. After spending four days in the vet hospital receiving expert care, he was able to return home to his family, who call it a miracle.

“The joy of being reunited with a beloved pet after weeks of uncertainty is hard to put into words. Milo's journey reflects the determination of his family, his own incredible resilience, and the importance of getting pets the care they need when the unexpected happens. Stories like his are exactly what the Hambone Awards were created to celebrate,” said Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide.

Nationwide hosted a public vote from August 3-14, 2026 to determine the most unusual pet insurance claim story and two runners-up from a group of nine finalists. More than 11,000 votes were cast. Milo received the Hambone Award trophy and a Petco gift card, and the runners up will also receive Petco gift cards. The runners-up were:

• Henry, a Labrador retriever from Colorado who’s obsessed with fetch, chased a ball into his yard, stepped on a rake and punctured his paw. His parent contacted Nationwide’s VetHelpline for guidance, and now, Henry is healed and back to chasing tennis balls.
• Hobbes, a domestic shorthair cat from Arizona, slipped past his owner and dashed under a garage just as it 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.

The Hambone Award was named after a Nationwide-insured dog who got stuck in a refrigerator and ate an entire holiday ham. Later, the dog was found with a mild case of hypothermia and the hambone, all that remained of his feast. You can click here to read the stories of the complete list of 2026 Hambone Award nominees.

All nominated pets have recovered and received reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses from Nationwide^® pet insurance.

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

• 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.}

Best Traditional Variable Annuities
Monument Advisor® and Nationwide Advisory Retirement Income Annuity® (NARIA®) earned top spots in Barron’s Best Traditional Variable Annuities for Tax-Deferred Savings category. This recognition reinforces Nationwide’s leadership and depth in the Advisory market, where its fee-based annuity platform continues to stand out for delivering competitive, advisor-focused solutions that support tax-deferred growth, investment flexibility and retirement income planning. The publication calculated the rankings by comparing annuities used for accumulating assets on a tax-deferred basis and invested in underlying mutual fund-like subaccounts. Barron’s analyzed features like annual contract fees, average subaccount expenses, surrender charges, total options and five-year annual returns.

Best Variable Annuity Income Guarantees
Barron’s also recognized Nationwide Destination® Navigator 2.0 with the Nationwide Lifetime Income Rider+® Core (Nationwide L.inc+® Core) in the Best Variable Annuity Income Guarantees category. The product’s key strength is its ability to pair investment flexibility with guaranteed lifetime income, helping clients create protected retirement income while maintaining exposure to market-based growth opportunities. The publication selected products on this list based on those who offered the highest payout for contracts with no more than a seven-year surrender period.

Best Annuities for Guaranteed Income
Additionally, Nationwide’s single premium income annuities (SPIAs) ranked among the top products in the Best Annuities for Guaranteed Income category, demonstrating how immediate annuities have evolved beyond simple income guarantees. In addition to converting retirement assets into lifetime income, the product offers features that support broader retirement and estate-planning objectives. For example, flexible payout and beneficiary options can help clients balance income security with legacy goals, while liquidity provisions provide flexibility not commonly associated with traditional SPIAs. Barron’s determined rankings in this category by comparing annual income for life, annual payout rate and total income by age 90.

“Today’s volatile economic landscape can create uncertainty for investors, but it’s also highlighting the power of protection, predictability and long-term planning,” said Kush Kotecha, president of Nationwide Annuity. “Annuities’ combination of tax-deferred accumulation, income guarantees and protection from market uncertainty are resonating with investors, helping them stay focused on their long-term goals and creating financial resilience as interest rates and market dynamics continue to shift.”

Nationwide is a top 10 seller of annuity products in the United States¹, offering advisors and their clients a range of solutions to support accumulation, income and long-term retirement planning goals. Learn more about Nationwide annuities at https://www.nationwide.com/personal/investing/annuities/.

¹ LIMRA U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey, 1Q 2026
Guarantees and protections are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

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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.

The employee benefits industry continues to evolve as workers seek out options that are personal, flexible and relevant to their everyday lives. To provide insights on this rapidly shifting market, Lindsey Murray, president of Nationwide Group Benefits, recently joined Dave Przesiek, chief revenue officer of Ryan Specialty Benefits and Gwen Tormey, president of Corestream at the 2026 SHRM Annual Conference & Expo.

Their conversation, moderated by Nationwide Group Benefits Vice President Amy Mattingly, explored the emerging market trends and practical strategies that can support employers in designing and delivering modern benefit solutions. Check out the panel presentation, as well as some key takeaways from the discussion below.

As employee expectations continue to evolve, how are employers rethinking the total benefits package – and how do medical and voluntary solutions work together to meet those expectations in today’s market?
Key takeaway: Employers and brokers are seeing a clear shift in employee expectations. A one-size-fits all approach when it comes to products is no longer going to be effective. Benefits need to feel personal, flexible and relevant to everyday life, while still helping employers manage costs. Medical benefits remain the foundation, but voluntary and lifestyle offerings play a growing role in making the package feel more tailored, tangible and valuable across different needs and life stages. The bigger challenge is not just offering the right mix of benefits; it’s communicating clearly so employees understand and use them. Employers want partners who can connect medical and voluntary benefits into a simpler, more cohesive experience that balances affordability, access and quality care.

How can benefits providers, brokers and employers help employees fully understand plan offerings?
Key takeaway: Benefits providers, brokers and employers have a duty to help employees fully understand plan offerings, especially in today’s environment where things may feel complex and overwhelming. The goal is to think like a consumer: explain options in simple, clear terms and design information for people who may only have seconds to engage with it. Use tools like testimonials, infographics and streamlined enrollment experiences to make benefits easier to evaluate and use.

Carriers and brokers share responsibility for taking a more consultative approach with employers as well, helping them assess what their associates need, walking through the pros and cons of available solutions and building flexibility into products so people can get the most value from their coverage. Carriers and brokers are in the business of helping employers offer protection to their employees, but they should also focus on demystifying offerings, improving the overall benefits experience and helping people achieve better health outcomes.

How can employers manage benefits costs without compromising the quality of care and support employees need?
Key takeaway: Rising family premiums and worker contributions are forcing employers to manage benefits more strategically. At the same time, they still must devote the largest part of their budget to medical coverage. In this environment, self-funding paired with stop loss coverage is becoming a more attractive option, giving employers flexibility to tailor benefits for associates while protecting themselves from major financial risk – especially as million-dollar claims have doubled since 2019. Employers shouldn’t think of cost, care and experience as competing priorities; they can build these plans in a way that creates employee experiences that both attract and retain talent.

Additionally, instead of focusing solely on pricing, employers should start with smarter plan design, using claims data to pinpoint where costs are actually rising and pairing with transparent, targeted savings strategies. The goal is to bring together the right benefits, partners, technology and enrollment experiences so employers can better control spending while employees still get clear, high-quality and accessible support.

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Nationwide has named Roberto Robles leader of Nationwide National Partners, effective Aug. 3, 2026.

In this role, Robles will lead Nationwide’s executive-level relationships with key national property and casualty distribution firms, serving as a connection point between partner leadership, Nationwide business units and the broader enterprise.

“Roberto brings a strong blend of carrier and broker experience, along with a valuable outside-in perspective on distribution and complex risk,” said Russ Johnston, president of Commercial Lines, Excess & Surplus, Specialty. “He is known for building strong partnerships and high-performing teams, and we’re confident his leadership will help strengthen our national partner relationships and support our continued growth.”

Robles joins Nationwide from Willis Towers Watson, where he most recently served as managing director of carrier relationship management. Prior to that, he held senior business development and distribution leadership roles at Sompo and Chubb, where he led national partner relationships, managed large specialty books and helped launch growth initiatives across the business.

With more than two decades of industry experience, Robles brings deep expertise in distribution strategy, partner engagement and complex risk. His appointment reflects Nationwide’s continued focus on strengthening strategic partnerships and making more coordinated, data-informed decisions with key distribution partners.

Robles holds an MBA from Clarkson University School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University.

Nationwide Retirement Solutions has named Barbie Walsh to lead its combined Institutional and Consultant Relationship teams.

In her expanded role, Walsh will oversee both teams and help advance the company’s strategy across government and corporate institutional markets. She will report to Brenda Casey Anderson, associate vice president, Strategic Relationship Management, Retirement Solutions Distribution.

“Barbie has consistently demonstrated the leadership, market insight and relationship focus needed to help us serve clients and consultants at the highest level,” said Brenda Casey Anderson, associate vice president, Strategic Relationship Management, Retirement Solutions Distribution. “She brings deep retirement industry experience and a strong history of leading teams through growth and change. I am confident Barbie will help strengthen how we serve the market, deepen relationships across government and corporate institutional segments, and continue positioning our business for long-term success.”

Walsh previously led Institutional Markets and most recently had been serving as interim leader of the Consultant Relationships team.

She brings 27 years of experience in the retirement plans industry spanning operations, relationship management and leadership. Walsh joined Nationwide five years ago to help serve and grow the company’s institutional client base. In her prior role as Institutional Relationship Director, she led some of Nationwide’s largest institutional and ERISA-qualified client relationships and helped shape the company’s institutional service strategy.

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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.

The Nationwide Financial Growth & Protection Index, which measures how consumers balance financial growth and financial protection, scored Americans at 54 on a 100-point scale, indicating consumers are slightly more protection-oriented than growth-oriented overall. That shift is reflected in how Americans now view financial success: 84% say the American Dream is now more about financial stability than building wealth, while the same percentage believe it is harder to get ahead financially than it was for previous generations.

For many Americans, this mindset is shaped by the pressures of everyday financial life. Nearly seven in 10 consumers (68%) reduced spending over the past year to improve their financial situation, while 45% dipped into savings to cover essential expenses. Three-quarters (75%) say their primary financial focus is covering basic expenses, and 74% say they are simply trying to stay financially afloat, suggesting many Americans are making financial decisions from a place of protection rather than ambition.

Together, the findings suggest Americans are not abandoning financial ambition, but they are making decisions from a more defensive position — focused first on protecting their households, preserving progress and avoiding setbacks.

"Financial progress still matters to Americans, but the path to achieving it has changed," said Craig Hawley, President and COO of Nationwide Financial. "People still want to build wealth, but today's environment has made financial stability and resilience just as important. Protecting what you've worked hard to build has become a critical part of achieving long-term financial success."

Optimism Outpaces Preparation
Despite today's financial pressures, Americans remain optimistic about their future. Seven in 10 consumers (70%) believe they can significantly improve their financial situation over the next five years, while nearly six in 10 (59%) expect their income to increase meaningfully over time.

However, many have yet to take steps to protect the financial future they expect. Just 30% have taken steps to protect against income loss due to illness or injury, and more than one-quarter (27%) say they would not be financially protected at all if their household's primary income earner could no longer work. The findings point to a growing gap between consumers' financial aspirations and the safeguards they have in place to protect them.

That disconnect is especially evident when it comes to retirement planning. More than eight in 10 consumers (81%) say they would prefer a guaranteed, predictable retirement income stream over higher-growth investments, yet only 24% currently have products or strategies designed to reduce market risk in retirement.

As Americans increasingly define financial success through the lens of stability, the findings suggest many are still looking for practical ways to translate that priority into a long-term strategy.

Helping Americans Balance Growth and Protection
The Index also points to an opportunity for financial guidance that reflects how consumers are thinking about their financial futures. Nearly three-quarters of consumers (74%) say they would be more likely to work with a financial advisor who could help protect them financially.

Employer-sponsored retirement plans remain the most common retirement savings vehicle among Americans, creating an important opportunity for retirement planning professionals, including financial advisors and those supporting workplace retirement plans, to help workers build strategies that support long-term growth while preparing for unexpected challenges.

"Our findings suggest retirement planning is entering a new chapter," said Hawley. "Building wealth remains essential, but consumers also want confidence that their savings can support them through market volatility, longer lifespans and life's unexpected challenges. That creates an opportunity for financial advisors and workplace retirement plans to bring growth and protection together in a way that better reflects how Americans are preparing for retirement today."

To learn more about the first-ever Nationwide Financial Growth & Protection Index, view an infographic, review the data or view a blog post from Craig Hawley.

Methodology
The Nationwide Financial Growth & Protection Index research was conducted online in the United States among 2,000 adults age 22 and older. The survey was fielded May 1–14, 2026. Respondents were nationally representative by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, employment status and income level. The Index measures how consumers balance financial growth and financial protection by evaluating responses across three dimensions: mindset, actions and confidence. Individual pillar scores were weighted and combined to produce an overall Index score ranging from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating a stronger growth orientation and higher scores indicating a stronger protection orientation.

Nationwide’s head of Institutional Life Insurance (ILI), Jessica Dowdy, has announced that Justin Lee will lead the unit’s Product Strategy and Delivery team. In this role, Lee is responsible for ensuring Nationwide’s Institutional Life Insurance business delivers strong results by developing, designing and actively managing solutions, including corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) and bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) products.

Lee brings nearly 25 years of experience in the financial services industry to the role. Since joining Nationwide in 2002, he has become known for his ability to turn strategy into action, align stakeholders and deliver results that drive sustainable, profitable growth.

Most recently, Lee served as a senior associate vice president on the Nationwide Financial Finance team, where he was responsible for supporting the ILI team. He successfully oversaw the development of key products and features that improved the partner and customer experience, including clearer experience-based pricing and asset-based fee structures that better aligned to account size. Prior to this role, Lee held several key leadership positions supporting the pricing and product development strategy for ILI’s COLI and BOLI products.  

“Justin is a strong leader who brings a combination of industry expertise, strategic vision and operational excellence to this role,” Dowdy said. “I am confident that with the addition of Justin’s leadership, the ILI team will continue to build on its successes and strong performance across the industry.”  

Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science from The Ohio State University. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.

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First quarter 2026 pension risk transfer (PRT) sales continued the slowdown that began in 2025, totaling $3.8 billion compared with the $7.1 billion posted in the first quarter of last year, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Group Annuity Risk Transfer Survey. However, Nationwide’s head of PRT, Paula Cole, said the broader market remains active as plan sponsors respond to volatility, legislative activity and shifting interest rate expectations. While Cole anticipates total 2026 sales will likely finish below 2025 levels, she expects activity, especially buy-in transactions, to increase. Cole discussed what is behind the sales slowdown, why buy-ins have been gaining momentum and what plan advisers and plan sponsors should watch for during the rest of the year.

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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.

To help farm operators keep pace, Nationwide has launched new drone coverage options designed specifically for farm customers. The offering is believed to be among the first comprehensive insurance packages available for farm operations, combining property, liability and aerial application protection.

The costs—and risks—of drone use

Agricultural drones represent a significant investment for producers. Smaller scouting drones used for aerial imaging and mapping can cost several thousand dollars, while larger drones used for spraying and seeding can exceed $30,000. Beyond the equipment itself, operating drones for agricultural purposes often requires Federal Aviation Administration certification, pesticide application licensing, specialized training and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Drone use can also introduce new risk exposures that traditional farm policies do not typically cover. For example, aerial application incidents involving chemical overspray or drift can result in significant property damage, crop loss or liability claims. A drone malfunction or operator error could also cause damage to nearby property or even result in bodily injury.

Comprehensive protection for agricultural drones

Nationwide’s new coverage options are designed to help close potential insurance gaps by providing:

• Property coverage for physical damage to drones and related operating equipment used in farm operations
• Liability coverage for damage or injury caused during precision agriculture activities such as aerial imaging, mapping and data acquisition
• Application of farm chemicals coverage for damage or injury arising from aerial application of covered substances, including chemicals and seed

“The use of drones across agriculture has grown significantly, increasing the need for protection that addresses both the value of the equipment and the risks tied to operating it,” said Justin Owens, AVP of Farm Underwriting & Sales, Nationwide. “We’re proud to begin offering these new coverage options, which help give farmers confidence to incorporate drone technology into their operations while knowing they have protection in place if something goes wrong.”

Learn more about Nationwide’s agricultural drone coverage or contact a Farm Certified Agent for additional information.

^{From Left: Michael Tripp, SVP Nationwide Personal Lines Sales & Distribution; Luke Turano, Founder/Principal, IPA; Casey Kempton, President, Personal Lines at Nationwide; Chris Manci, Founder/Principal, IPA; Curt Wohlers, VP Sales & Distribution Personal Lines East Zone; Dena Silveri, VP Sales & Distribution, Personal Lines Nationwide; Drew Dickinson, VP National Sales, Nationwide.}

Insurance Partners Alliance (IPA) is Nationwide’s Personal Lines Agency of the Year. The Columbus, Ohio-based insurance company presented IPA with the award during the company’s annual Partners Conference.

The award is one of the carrier’s highest honors and recognizes agency excellence, growth, innovation and commitment to helping clients protect what matters most.

What set IPA apart?

IPA was selected from more than 11,000 agencies appointed to write Nationwide policies across the United States.

IPA’s focus on helping partners grow their businesses, strengthening client relationships and creating value in the communities they serve caught Nationwide’s eye.

What they’re saying:

Chris Manci, IPA co-founder: “To say we were surprised would be an understatement. We never set out to win awards. We set out to build an organization that helps independent agencies grow, compete, and better serve their clients. To be recognized by Nationwide in this way is both humbling and deeply meaningful because it reflects the hard work, commitment, and dedication of our entire network.”

Luke Turano, IPA co-founder: "This recognition belongs to our partners as much as it does to IPA. Every agency, every team member, and every client relationship helped make this possible. The trust our partners place in us every day has fueled our growth and success. We're proud of what we've built together and even more excited about where we're headed."

Nationwide executives cited IPA's performance, leadership, and commitment to serving clients as key factors in earning the distinction.

Nationwide Personal Lines President Casey Kempton: “IPA distinguished itself not only through its agency excellence, growth, and partnership but also through its commitment to serving their customers. IPA’s dedication to protecting their clients by emphasizing products like Nationwide’s SmartHome suite embodies the qualities this award is intended to recognize. We’re proud to honor their achievements.”

Who else took home the hardware?

In addition to IPA, Nationwide honored several other agencies at the event, including:

• East Zone Agency of the Year – Spotts Insurance Group
• West Zone Agency of the Year – English Insurance
• Firm of the Year – Highstreet
• Emerging Agency of the Year – Legacy Risk Solutions
• Smartsuite Agency of the Year – Blue Ridge Risk Partners

Nationwide’s annual Partners Conference brings agencies from across the country together to celebrate accomplishments and strengthen partnerships.

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

Annuities remain in demand as investors look for protected growth opportunities and guaranteed retirement income, with first quarter industry sales reaching $107.4 billion, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey. Kush Kotecha, president of Nationwide Annuity, expects demand to remain strong through 2026, fueled by economic conditions, product innovation and investor demographics. As we mark National Annuity Awareness Month (NAAM) this June, Kotecha shares  thoughts on how advisors can continue to position the value of annuities with clients and how carriers  can help improve the sales and service experience.

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^{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. 

Nationwide’s Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) team has won a national award for an outstanding transaction in the PRT market. InsuranceERM, a news outlet focused on insurance risk and capital management, named Nationwide a winner in its 2026 Americas Awards. Nationwide earned top honors in the PRT Deal of the Year category for its work on a highly complex transaction.  

The InsuranceERM Americas Awards recognize individuals, teams and companies that exceed client expectations and advance insurance risk and capital management. The program highlights leading work in risk management, actuarial and risk modeling practices, along with standout service and technology providers across the U.S.

“Being named a 2026 InsuranceERM Americas Award winner for our work validates our efforts to meet the evolving needs of the PRT marketplace,” said Paula Cole, head of Nationwide PRT. “Our experience in the industry, flexible solutions and extraordinary care that lasts beyond the transition are helping set us apart in a competitive and fast-growing market.”

Nationwide completed the award-winning transaction on an exceptionally compressed timeline and delivered a single, integrated solution for all participants, including administration that could seamlessly support Puerto Rico benefits alongside those in all 50 U.S. states. When the broker initially began searching for the unique PRT product needed for this case, they only found two carriers in the industry who could meet the client’s needs. At the time, Nationwide was not one of them – but the team quickly jumped into action.

To participate, Nationwide worked in close coordination with multiple internal teams and the broker to successfully bring the unique PRT product to life. That effort enabled the team to meet the plan sponsor’s goal of completing the transaction cleanly and confidently while maintaining continuity for participants.

“This transaction reflects Nationwide’s ability to deliver certainty under pressure,” Cole said. “Operational readiness, governance and participant-focused administration mattered more than price for this plan sponsor, and our team moved with precision and speed to respond. We’re honored that InsuranceERM recognized the outstanding work we’re doing together.”

Visit nationwide.com to learn more about the product and services Nationwide offers to help plan sponsors de-risk pension obligations.

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Nationwide has selected Nick Andersen as the new leader of Agribusiness Distribution and Underwriting, following Dirk Pollitt’s retirement. Effective July 1, Andersen will lead Nationwide’s farm, ranch and commercial agribusiness sales and underwriting teams and oversee operational work that influences business performance.

Andersen currently serves as Vice President of Agribusiness Claims and Strategic Transformation and brings more than 25 years of insurance experience to his new role.

“Nick brings deep experience across underwriting, product, operations and claims, along with a strong partnership mindset that will serve our agribusiness team well,” said Brad Liggett, president of Nationwide Agribusiness. “He is a thoughtful, steady leader who has made meaningful contributions across our organization, and I’m confident he is well suited to help lead Nationwide Agribusiness into the future.”

Andersen also has a strong commitment to community leadership through board service, including Simpson College Board of Trustees and past leadership with the Des Moines Community Playhouse and The American Red Cross of Central Iowa.

Joel Carnes, president of Nationwide pet insurance, has announced that Andee Gravitt will be the company’s new leader of pet insurance sales. Gravitt will report to Carnes, effective June 8. 

“Andee has a proven track record of success delivering profitable, long-term revenue and growth, and leading strategic sales and relationship teams across large B2B companies,” Carnes said. “She understands how to navigate complex client environments with confidence, clarity and collaboration.”

Most recently, Gravitt served as AVP of Institutional Consultant Relations for Nationwide Retirement Solutions (RS), the company’s employer-sponsored retirement plan business, where she led national strategy for consultant engagement. During her nine years with RS, she was responsible for some of the company’s largest plans in the western United States and helped build the company’s Consultant Relationships team. Her leadership strategy strengthened consultant partnerships across the national network, helped retain and win business and expand the sales pipeline.

“Andee is widely recognized as a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike, known for her calm, solutions-oriented leadership and her ability to align diverse teams around shared goals,” Carnes said. “As we continue to evolve our sales organization, Andee’s experience in driving sustainable growth, deepening client relationships, and strengthening market position will be instrumental in positioning us for rapid growth.”

Gravitt is a proud pet parent of an energetic Red Merle Australian Shepherd, River, who brings constant movement and personality to the household.

About Nationwide pet insurance
With more than 1 million actively insured pets, Nationwide is the first and one of the largest providers of pet insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Policies are sold direct-to-consumer and through workplace voluntary benefits programs. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, visit petinsurance.com.

Nationwide serves as recordkeeper for California Savings Plus and New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (NYSDCP), both of which were Top 3 finalists for 2026 Plan Sponsor of the Year in the Government DC>$1B category.

California Savings Plus was recognized for its sweeping modernization effort and investment lineup reforms that save participants more than $24 million annually in fees.

NYSDCP’s nomination stood out for the scale and precision of its major fund lineup review and a $16.3 billion transition affecting 175,000 accounts with no reported downtime or incidents.

Also during the awards program, Nationwide Retirement Solutions associates Lauren Kime, Zack Sharp and Jake Sours were honored as 2026 PLANSPONSOR Service Stars. The Service Stars program recognizes retirement plan account representatives and relationship managers who, according to their plan sponsor clients, have demonstrated exemplary service.

“Congratulations to California Savings Plus, NYSDCP and our Service Star associates Lauren, Zack and Jake on earning these prestigious industry recognitions,” said Kevin Jestice, president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions. “All of these honors reflect our collective dedication, innovation and participant-first focus to help drive stronger retirement outcomes every day.”

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

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

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

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

“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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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