Nationwide names new board member

Former Ohio Farm Bureau president tapped for leadership role

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date April 7, 2011

Contact:
Nancy Smeltzer (614) 249.4491
smeltzn@nationwide.com

Columbus, OH — Nationwide today announced the election of Brent Porteus, former president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, to the Board of Directors for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. He was elected to a three-year term.

“Brent embodies the agricultural heritage that built Nationwide Insurance into what it is today,” said Chairman Keith Eckel. “With an entrepreneurial background and expertise in developing a successful agribusiness strategy, he understands risk management and the need for business diversification. Brent is an ideal partner to help guide Nationwide through the complex issues of the insurance and financial services marketplace.”

Before joining Nationwide’s Board of Directors, Porteus served as president of the 235,000-member Ohio Farm Bureau Federation from 2008-2011 and held many leadership roles, as well as representing the organization on trade missions to Cuba and Hong Kong.

In addition to his role with the Farm Bureau, Porteus is a managing partner of the family-owned farming and agricultural business, Blair Porteus and Sons, in Coshocton County.

Porteus has also held leadership positions with the Ohio Corn Growers Association, Ohio Corn Marketing Program and the National Corn Growers Association. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the Ohio State University.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, commercial, farm insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

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