COLUMBUS, Ohio - (March 4, 2022) The United States of America will commemorate the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of its founding on July 4, 2026. On March 1, Governor DeWine announced appointments to the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial which will lead Ohio’s commemorative work.
Leadership Ohio Trustee and Immediate Past President, Todd Kleismit (Class of 2013), will serve as Executive Director of the Commission. Among the appointees are Leadership Ohio Alums Kelly Falcone Hall (Class of 2018), Mackensie Wittmer (Class of 2021), and Senator Hearcel Craig (Class of 1998).
The Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial will serve as Ohio’s contribution to the national America 250 initiative. The America 250 Foundation’s mission is to commemorate our 250th anniversary with inclusive programs that inspire Americans to renew and strengthen our daring experiment in democracy. Its vision:
The shared experiences of America250 will have ignited our imaginations, elevated our diverse stories, inspired service in our communities, and demonstrated the lasting durability of the American project.
“It is an honor to serve in this new role and I appreciate the opportunity to work closely with some great Ohioans who care so much about community and history,” said Todd Kleismit, Executive Director of the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial. “Our hope is to have the Commission’s work serve as a platform to bring people together in meaningful ways – I am so excited about what lies ahead!”
The Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial work is now officially getting underway. Please join Leadership Ohio in congratulating Todd, Kelly, Mackensie, and Senator Craig and anticipate more information related to Leadership Ohio’s support of the Semiquincentennial celebration.