2/22/09 

Columbus Dispatch Editorial 

In the history of Columbus, few corporate citizens have built as sterling a reputation for civic leadership as Nationwide.

During his nearly nine years as chief executive officer at Nationwide, Jerry Jurgensen did much to uphold and burnish that reputation. As he relinquishes his post, he deserves the community’s deep appreciation.

In the early 1970s, when N. High Street was decaying, Nationwide faced enormous pressure to leave Downtown and relocate near Worthington. Nationwide CEO Dean Jeffers decided instead to build One Nationwide Plaza, sparking a renaissance at the north end of Downtown.

In the 1980s, CEO John E. Fisher built on Jeffers’ vision with Two Nationwide Plaza and other office buildings in the area.

In the 1990s, CEO Dimon McFerson expanded Nationwide’s footprint by initiating the development of Nationwide Arena and the Arena District.

Through the years, Nationwide has led by example in encouraging philanthropy to many of central Ohio’s leading nonprofit and cultural organizations, such as Ohio State University, the United Way, COSI Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art and the American Heart Association and others.

When Jurgensen arrived in May 2000 from Chicago, he became the first person from outside the Nationwide organization to step into its CEO’s office. Naturally, many civic observers wondered what type of leadership he would bring and what it would mean for central Ohio.

What they discovered over the past nine years is a man who is open and direct, has a self-deprecating sense of humor and cares deeply about a community’s quality of life, especially for the less fortunate.

Jurgenson enhanced and enlarged the Arena District development and at at his recommendation, the Nationwide Foundation bestowed a record-breaking gift of $50 million on Children’s Hospital. The gift — the largest single charitable contribution in central Ohio history — will help establish a national reputation for pediatric care, research and education at the hospital, which appropriately was renamed Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Jurgensen understood the critical importance of economic development. He played a leading role in persuading NetJets to remain and expand in Columbus. He has been an energetic participant in efforts to devise a strategic plan for economic growth in the region.

Jurgensen has a special passion for public education. He encouraged fellow executives to get involved in the Columbus City Schools. He visited its classrooms and learned firsthand of its special challenges.

As chairman of the Ohio Business Roundtable, Jurgensen studied how the state’s business executives might become a bigger force for educational reform and improvement.

Among friends in recent years, Jurgensen, 57, sometimes speculated about which pursuits he might enjoy most once his days at Nationwide were over. He has much to contribute, and no doubt will find more ways to contribute with his drive, intelligence and civic conscience.