National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton, Ohio.
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton, Ohio.
An ideal opportunity to amplify the stories of Ohio's contributions to the U.S. for the past 250+ years
The Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (also referred to as America 250-Ohio) was formed through the OH. Rev. Code § 149.309 and announced on March 1, 2022, on Ohio's Statehood Day by Governor Mike DeWine. The 29 member commission is charged with preparing the state to participate in the United States of America's 250th anniversary which culminates on July 4, 2026.
America 250-Ohio is a multi-year commemoration where Ohioans from all 88 counties will be in the spotlight of the impact Ohio’s unique role in our nation’s story.
Ohio and Ohioans have contributed much to the United States from statesmen to artists, from actors to Nobel laureates, and so much more. We will tell the story of Ohio, from the Native Americans who were here before Europeans to people who call Ohio home today. Ohio is a content-rich environment for anyone who wants to commemorate and celebrate Ohio’s contributions to national stories.
“…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” —Ohio Revised Code (149.309)
Ohio’s approach to commemorate/celebrate the U.S.A.’s 250th Anniversary in 2026.
All of Ohio’s 88 counties to get involved and create local plans while joining other efforts in the region, across the state and throughout the nation.
A public awareness campaign, a collaborative vision, and a strategic approach to creating and implementing local, regional, and statewide plans.
Opportunities with partners, stakeholders, and others to create a collective approach to expand impact and share resources.
To plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.
To plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.
To raise awareness, instill pride, and lead the strategic direction to showcase Ohio’s contribution to the nation.
To raise awareness, instill pride, and lead the strategic direction to showcase Ohio’s contribution to the nation.
To honor, recognize, celebrate, and highlight Ohio’s indispensable contributions to our nation’s past, present and future.
To honor, recognize, celebrate, and highlight Ohio’s indispensable contributions to our nation’s past, present and future.
The word “Ohio” and so many of its local communities have place names reflecting the American Indian tribes with Ohio ties. Native people and their customs have a long history here in Ohio that has shaped who we are.
Co -Chairs
Co-Chairs
Michael B. Coleman is the former mayor of Columbus, OH and now serves as a partner at Ice Miller LLC.
Doug Preisse serves as a principal at Van Meter-Ashbrook & Associates.
Michael B. Coleman is the former mayor of Columbus, OH and now serves as a partner at Ice Miller LLC.
Doug Preisse serves as a principal at Van Meter-Ashbrook & Associates.
State Sen. Hearcel Craig, Ohio Senate, District 15
Michael B. Coleman, Commission Co-Chair, former Mayor of Columbus, OH and partner at Ice Miller LCC.
Kathryn Dean-Dielman, board president of the Lorain County Historical Society
Kelly Falcone-Hall, President & CEO of the Western Reserve Historical Society
John Fleming, Ph.D., museum professional
Steve Hambley, Ph.D., Medina county commissioner
Thomas Hankins, Chapter President of the Sons of the American Revolution: Hocking Valley Chapter, and member of the Friends of Fort Laurens
Nancy Putnam Hollister, former governor, lieutenant governor, and legislator
State Rep. Adam Holmes, Ohio House of Representatives, District 97
Melinda Huntley, Executive Director of the Ohio Travel Association
Vincent Keeran, Clerk of the Ohio Senate
Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy, Supreme Court of Ohio
Megan Kvamme, Muskingum County entrepreneur
Adam Levine, Director of the Toledo Museum of Art
Susan Manchester, Ohio Senate, District 12
State Rep. Joe Miller, Ohio House of Representatives, District 53
Charley Moses, Board President of the Ohio History Connection
Kimberly Murnieks, Director of Ohio’s Office of Budget and Management
Paul Oyaski, Co-Chair, former Mayor of Euclid, and former Director of Cuyahoga County’s Department of Development
David Painter, Clermont county commissioner, current president of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio
Elizabeth Pierce, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Museum Center
Doug Preisse, Commission Co-Chair, principal at Van Meter-Ashbrook & Associates.
Sharetta Smith, Mayor of Lima
Ted Strickland, former Governor of Ohio and former member of Congress
Samantha Turner, Youngstown Councilwoman
Leslie Wagner, immediate past president of the Ohio Local History Alliance, historian, Dawes Arboretum
Ginger Warner, Board Chair of the Ohio Arts Council
Sarah Wickham, state tourism director and chief communications & marketing officer
Mackensie Wittmer, Executive Director of the National Aviation Heritage Area
Megan Wood, Executive Director of the Ohio History Connection, Ex-Officio, and Commission Secretary
Watch this space for opportunities to serve with the America 250-Ohio Commission. To stay up to date, please subscribe to our e-newsletter (bottom of the page) or follow us on social media.
Executive Director
Todd grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where some of his earliest memories were made during the nation’s bicentennial in 1976. He was appointed to the role of executive director of the America 250-Ohio Commission on March 1, 2022 – the day the Commission was announced. Prior to that, Todd served as the director of community and government relations for the Ohio History Connection from 2005-2022. Previously, Todd worked for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, former U.S. Rep. Deborah Pryce and he helped form the nonprofit now known as the Greater Ohio Policy Center. Todd is an Army veteran of Operation Desert Storm and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He lives in Columbus with his wife, Lisa, and their daughter, Grace.
Communications Director
Chris is an experienced senior marketing and communications leader with extensive experience that includes nonprofit museum marketing, professional services and consumer packaged goods. Chris is a native Ohioan from the Dayton area, a graduate of The Ohio State University and lives in Gahanna with her husband Larry and dog Maxi. Her two young adult children are pursuing their careers in healthcare and law. She enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and kayaking and is excited to help Ohio celebrate our contribution to the richness of America’s story in 2026.
Community Outreach
and Engagement Specialist
Taylor Tomu is the Engagement and Outreach Specialist at the America 250-Ohio Commission. She received her Masters degree in Anthropology in 2018 and has focused much of her career on addressing health disparities in the Black communities. As a certified community healthcare worker, she understands the importance of getting the full story and connecting people to the proper resources. She enjoys learning new facts about her chosen home of Ohio and is excited share more of Ohioans stories with the world.
Executive Assistant
Abby joined America 250-Ohio in August 2023 and spends her days supporting the team and the Commission’s many exciting projects and programs. Prior to her current role, Abby worked in the Ohio History Connection’s development department for seven years where she managed the annual fund, corporate sponsors relationships and gift processing. In her spare time, Abby enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, reading and drinking coffee.
Operations Director
Quanta is a seasoned professional with comprehensive experience in public sector leadership, process improvement, and business transformation. Throughout her career she has successfully managed budgets of over $20 million, implemented strategic initiatives, and improved operational efficiencies across many industries. Quanta is an avid runner and enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring the great outdoors including Ohio parks.
Ohio Goes to the Movies
Program Director
Molly has more than 23 years in the film industry and has served in many roles. Most recently she was the founding Director of the Cinema Columbus Film Festival in Ohio, previously she was a founding member and later a Board Member of the BendFilm Festival, the Executive Director of Film Southern Oregon, and both Director of Marketing and Director of Operations for the Ashland Independent Film Festival all three in Oregon. Molly was a Co-Producer of the film Phoenix, Oregon, as well as the Director and Producer of the internationally distributed documentary film Earth Seasoned…#GapYear. Currently she is co-producing the narrative feature Down To The Felt and producing the documentary The Forgotten Chord.
