The Columbus Medical Association Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council brought in the new year on a high note by welcoming a new member as well as awarding two nonprofits that support youth programming in Columbus. 

The Council focuses on developing the next generation of philanthropists by educating youth on the process surrounding youth health and wellness-related philanthropy and grantmaking. The 14 members held their first meeting of the year on January 20, 2026, and awarded grants to two community nonprofits: 

We Amplify Voices was funded in the amount of $1,700 that will go towards their Hilltop Spring Jamboree. This is an outdoor mental health resources fair, which will offer free activities for children and their families through music, art, and creative expression.

Athletes to Aid, a student-founded nonprofit, was given $1,650 for their Free Winter Soccer Program. Each week, student mentors volunteer their time to organize free soccer programs for children who face a financial barrier. This funding will go towards keeping their mission sustained for the rest of the winter.

Since its inception in 2001, the Council has awarded more than $370,000 in grants affecting youth in central Ohio. View the Council’s 2025 grantees here.

The Columbus Medical Association Foundation is proud to extend its appreciation to James L. Nichols for his years of service and commitment to the organization. Jim retired from his longtime role as the Board Secretary-Treasurer in 2025.

Jim was involved with the Foundation for more than 35 years, 20 as Secretary-Treasurer, and has left an enduring imprint on the organization’s governance, financial strength, and long-term vision. 

As a Board member, Jim brought exceptional discipline, expertise, and steadiness to his role as a fiduciary, helping guide the Foundation through periods of growth, transition, and increasing complexity. His commitment to thoughtful oversight and mission-aligned decision-making ensured the Foundation remained financially strong while expanding its impact across Central Ohio through our CMA Affiliates.

Jim’s board leadership was especially transformative in the area of investments and endowment management. Drawing on his deep experience as Treasurer at The Ohio State University, he was asked to lead investment efforts following the significant infusion of funds to the Columbus Medical Association from the sale of the Physicians Health Plan, an insurance plan created and funded by local physicians, in 1992. 

Over the next 25 years, Jim introduced a level of sophistication and long-term strategy that fundamentally strengthened the Foundation’s financial position. Under his stewardship, the endowment grew by more than 200%, while consistently committing 4.5% annually to support the mission and vision of the Columbus Medical Association, its affiliates, and the health of the Central Ohio community. The Foundation’s strong gifting record today is a direct reflection of the framework and discipline he put in place. We are especially grateful as he retires, that he remained engaged to ensure the sustainability of his strategically led investments.

Beyond the balance sheet, Jim was a deeply engaged board member who understood that effective governance is grounded in people. He was a clear communicator, encouraged open dialogue, and modeled this respect in board and committee discussions. His commitment to inclusion and equity shaped board practices and vendor selection. This dedication was formally recognized in 2003 with Ohio State’s Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Award, but its influence was felt most meaningfully in the culture he helped establish.

Jim’s leadership has been defined by genuine care. Care for the mission, for the Foundation’s future, and for the individuals who carry the work forward. From helping secure the Foundation’s current location to mentoring staff and fellow board members, his presence was constant, thoughtful, and generous. His nearly 35-year board commitment represents an extraordinary legacy of service, stewardship, and trust.  His legacy is one that has positioned the Foundation for continued strength and impact for generations to come.

If you are a private employer that did not enroll or qualify for a Group Rating premium discount program in November for the 2026 policy year, Group Retrospective Rating may be an excellent option for your organization to still consider.

Group Retrospective Rating is a performance-based incentive program designed to recover a portion of premium for employers that reduce injury rates and lower associated claims costs. It is similar in concept to Group Rating, as employers are evaluated as if the group was one big organization. However, with this program, organizations continue to pay their own individual premium but have the opportunity to receive retrospective premium adjustments (refunds or assessments based on the performance of the group) at the end of each of the three evaluation periods performed by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). 

To have successful outcomes in a group retrospective rating program, employers must be committed to improving workplace safety and accident prevention and take appropriate action to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents involving their employees. In order for Sedgwick to timely file all July 1, 2026 program year enrollment information with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), we request that your enrollment materials be received by our office on or before Friday, January 23rd, 2026.

If you are evaluating other group retrospective rating programs, we recommend carefully analyzing the savings quote to make sure you are comparing similar discounts, maximum assessment levels, service offerings and of course, past results of the group administrator. 

If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, David Deyo, at david.deyo@sedgwick.com.