COLUMBUS - The Ohio State University Board of Trustees newest member is determined to make Columbus a big-league city.

Dimon R. McFerson, who recently announced his impending retirement as chairman and CEO of Nationwide, knows that Ohio State is a major player in building the city's national reputation.

"Much of what makes Columbus a dynamic place is attributable to having such a renowned center of learning right in the middle of the city. Ohio State contributes so much to the city and the state," McFerson said. "From the Wexner Center to the James Cancer Hospital to the Fisher College of Business, from its research labs to its classrooms to its athletic fields, Ohio State is a vital part of our lives here."

McFerson was appointed by Gov. Bob Taft earlier this month to a nine-year term as a university trustee. He replaces Michael Colley, whose term expired on May 13.

"Ohio State is a world leader in higher education and is Ohio's premier academic research facility," said Taft. "Its continued success depends on attracting top talent to teach, study and lead.

"I am pleased that Dimon McFerson has accepted my offer to help lead Ohio State as a member of its board of trustees. His support of Ohio State and his expertise in financial management, in organizational leadership and in community service is well documented and will be a tremendous benefit to Ohio State and our state," he said.

McFerson intends to stay in the area when he retires at the end of this year. "I would like to enjoy all the exciting new things this community can offer," he said.

In fact, many of those things are his doing. During his tenure as Nationwide's chief, he has helped change the face of Downtown Columbus. He convinced Nationwide to become the lead investor in building a privately funded downtown arena to attract a National Hockey League expansion team. As chairman of the Center for Science and Industry (COSI)'s board, he played a leading role in the center's move to a new home on the banks of the Scioto River.

The Los Angeles native joined Nationwide, an international insurance and financial services organization based in Columbus, in 1979 as vice president of internal audits. He was named vice president of individual life and health operations in 1981 and was promoted in 1983 to senior vice president if finance. In 1988 he was elected president of the Nationwide property/casualty companies. He was named CEO in 1992. He previously held senior positions with The New England Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Boston and with Surety Life Insurance Co. in Salt Lake City. He began his career with six years at Ernst and Young.

A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, McFerson also holds a master's degree from the University of Southern California. He is a certified public accountant and holds the chartered life insurance underwriter professional designation.

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