Led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (too challenging to pronounce), America250 is gearing up for 2026 when the nation reaches the ripe old age of 250 years.
America250 represents a coalition of public and private partners all working to create initiatives and programs that honor our first 250 years and inspire Americans to imagine our next 250. The commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027. For more information: www.america250.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Eleven advisory councils across a variety of industries and specialities are formed to expand the reach, resources, and inclusivity of the main commission. The current roster of Advisory Councils includes: Arts & Culture; Health & Wellness; History Education; Hospitality & Tourism; Innovation, Science & Entrepreneurship; International; Parks, Preservation & Public Spaces; Sports & Entertainment; Veterans, Military & Family Members; Youth Engagement; and Young Leaders. As America250 continues planning and preparations, additional Advisory Councils will be created.
Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Council
The hospitality and tourism industry will be essential in Americans’ engagement in the semiquincentennial, with national and international visitors welcomed into every region and community of the country. From big cities to small towns, American culture has been shaped and influenced by our nation’s rich travel traditions, and the Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Council will uplift and highlight our collective commitment to exploring America’s places.
Members:
- Brad Dean, CEO, Discover Puerto Rico
- Gretchen Hall, CEO, Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director, Historic Hotels of America
- Laura Huerta Migus, Deputy Director, Office of Museum Services, Institute of Museum and Library Services (Ex-Officio)
- Parker McMullen Bushman, Chief Operating Officer, Inclusive Guide
- Travis Owens, Vice President, Cultural Tourism, Cherokee Nation Businesses
- Dee Patel, Managing Director, The Hermitage Hotel (Co-Chair)
- John Ricks, Executive Director, Nebraska Tourism Commission
- Sherry Rupert, CEO, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (Co-Chair)
- Stephen Wolter, Executive Director, Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University
Other appointments:
Joseph C. Daniels is President & CEO of America250, formerly head of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.
Also named are Kyle Anderson as Senior Vice President and Matt Schatzle as Chief Development Officer.
Anderson was Executive Director of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Congressional Black Caucus and director of communications and marketing with the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.
Schatzle has successfully conducted major multi-million dollar campaigns, including the Naval Academy’s $275 million Leaders to Serve a Nation campaign, the Ocean Conservancy’s $35 million Campaign for the Oceans, and the United Services Organization’s (USO) $100 million campaign in response to 9/11.
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