IAIABC Member Spotlight

Each month, the IAIABC highlights one of its member organizations, asking about what the organization does; what challenges it sees workers' compensation facing; and why they're involved with the IAIABC. Find past member spotlights here. 

IAIABC: Please provide an organizational overview (number of employees, years in business, vision)

Molly Flanagan, Assistant Vice President, Workers' Compensation Claims at Nationwide: Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information about Nationwide and Nationwide’s ratings, visit www.nationwide.com or Company Ratings -- Nationwide.

IAIABC: How does your organization serve the workers’ compensation industry?

MF: Nationwide plays a critical role in supporting the workers’ compensation industry by delivering comprehensive claims management solutions tailored to a diverse portfolio of accounts, from agriculture to national programs. Our tenured team brings deep expertise in handling complex claims across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance and accuracy at every step. What truly sets Nationwide apart is our customer-focused approach: we prioritize clear communication, timely resolutions, and proactive strategies that help employers and injured workers navigate the claims process efficiently. By combining industry knowledge with innovative practices, Nationwide strives to reduce claim costs, improve outcomes, and maintain the highest standards of service within the workers’ compensation industry.

IAIABC: What do you see as some of the major challenges the industry is facing, and how can we as a community address them?

MF: One of the most significant challenges facing the workers’ compensation industry is the evolving regulatory landscape. Both federal and state requirements continue to change, creating complexity and increasing the need for organizations to remain agile and compliant. These shifts demand ongoing investment in technology, training, and process adaptation to ensure accuracy and avoid costly penalties.

Another emerging challenge is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into claims management and operational workflows. While AI offers tremendous potential for improving efficiency and reducing cycle times, it also raises questions around data security and its ethical use. Nationwide’s promise is to harness AI thoughtfully, and our approach is to always have a human in the loop.

As a community, we can address these challenges by fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among carriers, regulators, and technology partners. Standardizing best practices, investing in education around regulatory changes, and creating clear guidelines for responsible AI implementation will help us navigate these complexities together. By embracing innovation while prioritizing compliance and transparency, we can strengthen the industry and deliver better outcomes for all stakeholders.

IAIABC: Are there any projects/programs/initiatives going on at your organization that you are particularly excited or enthusiastic about?

MF: One initiative Nationwide is particularly proud of is our Return-to-Work Program, which has become a cornerstone of our workers’ compensation strategy. A successful return-to-work process is critical for both employees and employers as it helps injured workers safely resume productive roles as soon as medically appropriate, while reducing claim costs, improving morale, and increasing retention for employers. Nationwide focuses on early and proactive communication with employers regarding work status and modified duty options, ensuring that recovery is supported and claim durations are minimized. This approach not only enhances outcomes for injured employees but also strengthens overall productivity and engagement.

In addition, we are actively working on strategies to increase profitability within our workers’ compensation portfolio. This includes leveraging data-driven insights, refining operational efficiencies, and exploring innovative solutions that balance cost management with exceptional service delivery. These efforts reflect our commitment to sustainability and long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.

IAIABC: What's an interesting fact about your organization that most people don't know?

MF: An interesting fact about Nationwide that many people don’t know is that 2026 marks our 100th year as a mutual carrier. This milestone reflects a century-long commitment to serving our members and maintaining financial strength and stability. As a privately held mutual, we can prioritize customer needs and deliver long-term value rather than focusing on shareholder returns.

In addition, Nationwide offers a diverse portfolio that spans multiple industries, including agriculture, specialty programs, and national accounts, while consistently delivering top performance in the small market segment. This breadth of experience enables us to bring unique insights and best practices from different sectors into our workers’ compensation strategies, ensuring innovative and tailored solutions for our clients.

IAIABC: Why is your organization a member of the IAIABC? What would you tell others about the benefits of membership?

MF: Nationwide chooses to be an active member of the IAIABC because it provides insight into the ever-changing landscape of workers’ compensation reporting requirements. By staying engaged with regulators, industry leaders, and other stakeholders, we ensure that the carrier perspective is represented in meaningful discussions that shape future standards. This involvement helps us remain prepared and responsive to regulatory changes, ultimately benefiting our clients and partners

The benefits of membership extend beyond compliance. IAIABC offers exceptional resources that equip our associates for success, including educational materials, best practice guidance, and forums for collaboration. Additionally, the networking opportunities are exceptional; connecting professionals who specialize in workers’ compensation roles fosters knowledge-sharing and innovation across the industry. For any organization committed to staying ahead of regulatory changes and driving positive outcomes, IAIABC membership is an invaluable investment.

Previous Member Spotlights

2026 Member Spotlights

Louisiana Works - January 2026