Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has been awarded the Merrill Baumgardner Innovation in Information Technology Award by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) for its implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions within its unemployment insurance operations. The award, presented on February 26, 2026, recognizes states demonstrating excellence in leveraging technology to support citizens accessing unemployment services.
The award is named in honor of Merrill Baumgardner, an Ohioan who dedicated 55 years to the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services, including 31 years as data processing manager, according to NASWA. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development received the award in 2025.
ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder stated that the award “reflects the ongoing commitment of the DeWine-Tressel Administration to improve the experience for Ohioans we serve.” He added that the advancements made in the state’s systems have resulted in “faster, more reliable, and more accessible services for individuals who rely on us.”
The “Helping the Unemployed Through AI Solutions” initiative, which earned Ohio the recognition, encompasses five key innovations. These include a multilingual virtual assistant offering 24/7 support in 15 languages, designed to assist with filing weekly claims and checking claim status. An intelligent document processing system has been implemented to automate the classification and indexing of documents, reducing manual effort.
ODJFS has deployed an AI-powered bot within its call centers to expedite resolution times. The department similarly utilized AI to simplify complex unemployment policy manuals, creating plain-language summaries and question-and-answer resources for both claimants and staff.
According to ODJFS, the AI-driven tools are intended to streamline processes, enhance accessibility, and improve the overall experience for both staff and individuals navigating the unemployment system. The department oversees a range of state programs, including job training, unemployment insurance, food assistance, adult protective services, and child support services.
Damschroder emphasized that the award reinforces the importance of continuing to deliver solutions that “create a meaningful difference for Ohio families.”
