How Ohio Is Becoming a National Leader in Technology andInnovation

This article was originally written by Michael Carrel, Nationwide Financial Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President, and published on Nationwide.com.

Columbus, OH, September 3, 2025 — This August, I had the privilege of helping bring together more than 300 technology and business leaders from across Ohio to explore the evolving role of the modern Chief Information Officer. I was the 2025 Chair of the CIO Tomorrow conference, an event that brings together current and future technology leaders to help drive the growth and success of the Buckeye state’s technology industry. The event was a powerful reminder that our region’s success is deeply intertwined with how we embrace innovation, foster collaboration and invest in the digital future.

At Nationwide, we’re proud to call Columbus home. As one of the largest financial services and insurance providers in the country, our success is directly tied to the health and vibrancy of this region and state. That’s why we’re committed to helping shape Columbus and Ohio into national leaders in technology, talent and transformation.

Opportunities for our region

This year’s conference was a testament to both how far we’ve come and how much opportunity lies ahead. We heard from thought leaders on the front lines of AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, innovation, business strategy, leadership, talent management and culture. We explored how CIOs are no longer just technologists, but strategic business leaders, educators and change agents.

One of the most energizing moments for me was seeing how aligned we are as a community — across industries and sectors — in our desire to build a future that’s innovative and user-driven. I believe that alignment is a positive offshoot of business leaders setting the example as stewards of our community and encouraging multi-organizational initiatives that move our region forward, such as public-private partnerships.

Central Ohio, and Ohio at large, is seeing tremendous growth in the technology industry. Tech is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the state, with more than 6,000 tech graduates annually (according to JobsOhio), an emerging hub for data centers, significant manufacturing facility investments from major tech companies, and government initiatives supporting tech across the state. Ohio really is the heart of it all!

Every day at Nationwide, we are making investments in the future through our people, platforms and partnerships. We’re leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance customer experiences, modernize our infrastructure to drive agility, and upskill our teams to lead in a rapidly changing world.

But we’re also focused on something deeper: building trust. Our customers expect effortless, personal and reassuring interactions — and we know that delivering those experiences starts with innovative, secure and ethical technology.

Shaping the future – together

The CIO Tomorrow conference made one thing clear: the future of Central Ohio will be shaped by the decisions we make today. It’s up to all of us — business leaders, technologists, educators and policymakers — to ensure we’re investing in the right capabilities, cultivating the right talent, and creating the right environment for innovation to thrive.

Let’s continue to lead with purpose, collaborate with intention, and build a future that reflects the best of who we are and who we aspire to be.

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