Paula Cole

Paula Cole is the leader of Nationwide Financials’ Pension Risk Transfer business. In this role, she leads the team in supporting the acquisition and transfer of pension liabilities to Nationwide from plan sponsors facing financial risk and associated plan management challenges.

With more than 20 years of experience in the Defined Benefit, Pension Risk Transfer and HR Benefit Administration space, Paula’s core focus has been promoting and achieving operational excellence and accelerating business strategy tactics to improve, change, and manage organizations. She’s provided leadership and oversight for new business market entrances, scaling of internal operating model ecosystems, and digital transformation. Most notable accomplishments include her leadership supporting the market entrance, deployment, and scaling of 2 US pension risk transfer businesses including Nationwide Financial entrance to the PRT market. Paula received the Nationwide Financial Sales Associate of the Year award in 2021 in recognition of the sales achievements her organization made to Nationwide Financial.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Paula serves as President for Nationwide’s African American Women Associate Resource Group (AWARE) and member of Nationwide’s CEO Advisory Council. She also serves her local community as President of the Executive Committee for the Board of Trustees for Thurber House and as a Ohio Board Trustee, District Activist Leader, MS Walk Fundraiser, National Strategy Plan and Nominating Committee Member for the National MS Society. In 2023, Paula was nominated to participate in Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit.

Paula holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Business Administration from North Central College and an undergraduate degree and Masters in Operational Excellence from the Ohio State University. She has also achieved her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Project Management Certifications. 

Paula is a Former Collegiate Athlete, Certified Personal & Youth Fitness Trainer (NASM, AFAA, ACE), Behavioral Change and Weight Management Specialist and Coach (ACE). Former Professional Soccer Coach and holds a USSF C coaching license & United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) National Youth Diploma in Soccer.

Paula and her family reside in Westerville, Ohio.