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by Lynn Snyder

William A. (Bill) Lee has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the year. Lee joined Nationwide in 1969 as a personal lines underwriter. During his 32-year career with Nationwide, he served policyholders in various capacities, including national accounts underwriting manager, director of national accounts sales, agency director – business insurance sales, business development vice president – California, president of Farmland Insurance and vice president – office of business accounts.

For the past six years, Lee has worked closely with Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) as vice president, sponsor relations. He has worked to strengthen ties between Farm Bureau and Nationwide and was diligent in presenting Farm Bureau members' needs to Nationwide.

"For the last few years, Bill has been the key contact for Farm Bureau to Nationwide," said Jack Fisher, OFBF executive vice president. "He is truly one of the biggest supporters of the Farm Bureau/Nationwide relationship. He advocated Heritage Days and the effort to share the Farm Bureau/Nationwide story with Nationwide employees."

Fisher added that Lee was very participatory in Farm Bureau activities. He made it a point to attend every OFBF board of trustees meeting, the OFBF annual meeting and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting.

"Particularly at the AFBF meeting, he and his wife, Mary, were the ultimate hosts, making our members feel comfortable," Fisher said.

Lee has served on the boards and committees of many national and international organizations that support cooperatives and the cooperative way of business, including Allnations, Americas Association, Cooperative Development Foundation and ACDI/VOCA.

He also has been active in the community, serving on a variety of nonprofit boards. In 1998, he led the first Columbus United Way campaign to exceed $5 million.

He and his wife, Mary, plan to spend their retirement enjoying their children and grandchildren.