artificial intelligence

AI Applications and Risks for Co-ops

Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating a buzz across sectors. Generative AI tools have the potential to enhance personal productivity, create new operational efficiencies, and more. However, the space can be complex and intimidating for non-experts.

On May 29, 2024, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Center for Cooperatives and Mid America Cooperative Council hosted special guest experts for an online roundtable about artificial intelligence for the cooperative community. Guests shared practical ways their businesses are implementing AI, how cooperatives can develop their capacity to engage with AI tools, and strategies to manage risks associated with AI adoption.

Watch the Recording and Access Experts’ Slides

"AI Applications and Risks for Co-ops featuring experts from Nationwide and GROWMARK" in white text on a blue background with a man and woman in business attire.

A recording of the program along with audio transcript are available via Zoom! Users will be asked to register to view the recording to help us track the reach and impact of the session. Feel free to share the recording link with your colleagues!

An image of a farmer standing next to a combine head with the GROWMARK and FS logos and white text "AI Applications and Risks for Co-ops, Leland Roling"

Slides from Leland Roling, Director, Information Systems Development with GROWMARK Inc.

Meet the Guest Experts

Leland Roling is Director, Information Systems Development with GROWMARK, Inc. Over the past 15 years, Leland has been instrumental in the development, implementation, and maintenance of numerous business-critical digital solutions at GROWMARK. Whether assuming the role as a developer, technical lead, product owner, or overseeing all of the above, he has consistently driven initiatives serving internal operations, wholesale product divisions, and member companies within the cooperative.

In his role as the Director of GROWMARK’s information systems development teams, Leland steers the strategic direction and vision of their development and data platforms. He ensures the delivery of state-of-the-art digital solutions and pioneering technologies, such as generative AI and machine learning, within the ever-changing agricultural landscape.

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving cooperatives, retailers, businesses, and customers in the U.S. and Canada.

Radha Narla is AVP & Chief Architect, Strategy, Data and Innovation with Nationwide. Radha Narla is currently the Chief Architect for Strategy, Data, and Innovation organization at Nationwide in Columbus, Ohio. She leads the architecture function supporting Technology Strategy, Customer Data, Enterprise Analytics, Enterprise Strategic Partnerships, Enterprise Innovation, and Emerging Technology R&D. Radha has been at the forefront of Generative AI enablement in Nationwide, establishing foundational architecture for this cutting-edge technology.

Radha holds a Masters degree in Computer Science from Franklin University, and Bachelors Degree in Electronics Engineering from India. She lives in New Albany, Ohio with her husband. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, biking, and camping with family and friends.

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and 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; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow Nationwide on Facebook and Twitter.