Event
National Convening of States and Partners – Philadelphia 2024
Presented in partnership with:
PDF Program
Download this weekend's full program!
Agenda
Welcome Reception at The Liberty View at the Independence Visitors Center
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Registration: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Event time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Our weekend kicks off with Friday evening Welcome Reception at The Liberty View at the Independence Visitor Center with special guest, and Carson Kressley, TV and Film Personality, Best-Selling Author, World Champion Equestrian, and Native Pennsylvanian. Dinner on your own to follow.
EMCEE: Ryan Leckey, Emmy Award Winning Marketer and TV Host
Special performances by Historic Philadelphia History Makers and Sixers Stixers!
The Welcome Reception is generously presented by:
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America250PA National Convening General Session at the National Constitution Center
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106,
Registration and Breakfast in the Grand Hall Overlook: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 am (Weekend credentials must be picked up by 10:15 a.m.)
Event Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
EMCEE: Ryan Leckey, Emmy Award Winning Marketer and TV Host
- Welcome
- Presentation of Colors – First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry
- Pledge of Allegiance – Page Weinstein, Miss Pennsylvania, and Arianna Spurlin, Miss Pennsylvania's Teen
- National Anthem – MarQuita L. Danzy, Cheyney University
- Opening Remarks
- 250th Across the Nation Panel Discussion
Panel moderated by Niall Stanage, White House Columnist, The Hill
Panelists:
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- The Honorable Bob Casey, United States Senator, Pennsylvania
- The Honorable Gregg M. Amore, Secretary of State of Rhode Island and Chair of RI250
- The Honorable Kim Driscoll, Lt. Governor of Massachusetts
- The Honorable Nancy Hollister, former Lt. Governor of Ohio
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- Video Welcome: The Honorable Lonnie G. Bunch, III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
- Remarks by Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity
- A Walk Through Pennsylvania History with Pennsylvania's Former Governors
Hayley Haldeman, Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Board Chair, introduction of panelists and moderator
• Video greetings from The Honorable Tom Ridge
Panel moderated by David Thornburgh, Senior Advisor and former President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy
Panelists:- The Honorable Mark Schweiker
- The Honorable Edward G. Rendell
- The Honorable Tom Wolf
Panel generously presented by:
- Welcome by Philadelphia’s Historical and Cultural Leadership
- Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO, National Constitution Center
- Steve Sims, Superintendent, Independence National Historical Park
- Remarks by Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor
- Voices for All for the 250th: Diverse Stories, Unique Communities Panel Discussion
George Stark, Coterra Energy, Director of External Affairs, introduction of panelists and moderator
Panel moderated by Jane Campbell, President and CEO, US Capitol Historical Society
Panelists:
- Dr. Noelle Trent, President & CEO, Museum of African American HIstory of Boston & Nantucket
- Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, President & CEO, Museum of the American Revolution
- Dr. Josh Perelman, Senior Advisor, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
- Frank Barrows, Senior Advisor for Commemorations, Anniversaries, and Community Engagement, National Park Service
Panel generously presented by:
- Building Toward the Semiquincentennial: A Conversation of Host Cities Panel Discussion
Panel moderated by John Dichtl, President & CEO, American Association of State and Local History
Panelists:- Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia 2026 Director, Office of the Mayor, City of Philadelphia
- Major General William Grimsley (ret.), Chair, South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission
- Meaghan Brown, Chief of External Affairs, City of New York
- Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion, Office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
- Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia 2026 Director, Office of the Mayor, City of Philadelphia
Lunch in the Grand Hall Overlook, National Constitution Center
Saturday, September 21, 2024
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (Keynote to begin at 11:50 a.m.)
- The Honorable Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, Keynote Speaker
America250PA National Convening Afternoon Breakout Sessions*
*Pre-registration required. America250PA Official Partners only.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
1. State/National Partners
Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Welcome by Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, President and CEO, Museum of the American Revolution
- Panel moderated by The Honorable Mark Schweiker, former Governor of Pennsylvania and Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director, America250PA
- Panelists:
- Romel L. Nicholas, Esq., Chair, National Flag Foundation
- Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO, Keep America Beautiful
- Vice Admiral Fritz Roegge (ret.), Board Member, Homecoming250
- Panel Q & A
Generously presented by:
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2. Counties and Local Governments
African American Museum in Philadelphia, Jack T. Franklin Auditorium, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Panel moderated by Anne Ryan, Deputy Secretary, Tourism, Department of Community and Economic Development
- Panelists:
- Dawn Lamuth, A250PA Westmoreland County Advisory Member, GO Laurel Highlands
- Danielle DiLeo Kim, President and CEO, Philadelphia250
- Ed Stoddard, A250PA Centre County Advisory Member, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
- Panel Q&A
Generously presented by:
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3. Nonprofit Affiliates
F.M. Kirby Auditorium, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Presentation on upcoming Semiquin Grant opportunities by Marie Conley, Director of Strategic Partnerships, America250PA
Generously presented by:
250th Anniversary of the First Continental Congress & America250PA National Convening of States and Partners Press Conference
Saturday, September 21, 2024
2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Featuring:
- Michael Norris, Executive Director of Carpenters’ Hall
- Patrick Burns, America250PA Chairman
- Cassandra Coleman, America250PA Executive Director
- Rosie Rios, Chair of America250
- Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts
- Sec. Gregg Amore, Rhode Island Secretary of State
- Tim DeFoor, Pennsylvania Auditor General
- The Honorable Mark Schweiker, Former Governor of Pennsylvania
Presented in partnership with:
Private visits to Independence Hall and Congress Hall
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | Meet at Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Open to all America250PA weekend attendees
- Security screening required
Evening Cocktail Reception at Carpenters’ Hall*
*Pre-registration for this event is required
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Join us at an Evening Cocktail Reception at Carpenters’ Hall to raise a glass to this great American experiment and to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress at Carpenters’ Hall in 1774.
Featuring:
- First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry
- Philly Fife and Drum Corps
Generously presented by:
Philly Phlash buses will pick up guests at Carpenters’ Hall between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and bring them to the Please Touch Museum.
Closing Dinner, Memorial Hall at the Please Touch Museum*
*Pre-registration for this event is required
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Cocktail Reception in the Carousel House from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Carousel Entrance)
Closing Dinner in Memorial Hall from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Join us as the evening culminates in a Closing Dinner at the beautiful Memorial Hall at the Please Touch Museum, site of the America’s Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876.
EMCEE: Ryan Leckey, Emmy Award Winning Marketer and TV Host
Program:
- Video Greeting: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
- America250PA Chair, Pat Burns
- America250PA Executive Director, Cassandra Coleman
- Patricia Wellenbach, President & CEO, Please Touch Museum
- Yolanda Wisher, former Philadelphia Poet Laureate, reading her poem commissioned by PA Humanities and ArtPhilly of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia
- Patricia Treacy, Ireland's Premier Violinist
- The House of Maci Lago, Chester-based fashion, runway modeling and dance program empowering young women artists to love themselves by building self-esteem and fighting against depression, mental health and anxiety
- Chloe Flower, Classical Hip Hop Crossover Composer and Pianist
- Keynote: The Honorable Tom Wolf, Former Pennsylvania Governor
- Frzy, Emmy Award-winning Hip Hop artist, Pittsburgh native
The evening will end with a celebratory display of Pyrotechnico fireworks immediately following dinner outside of Memorial Hall.
This evening is generously presented by:
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Also supported by:
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Philly Phlash buses will pick up guests at the Please Touch Museum and make a stop, one at each of the three partner hotels (Hotel Monaco, Marriott Old City, Hilton at Penns Landing) between 10:45 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Celebration of Pennsylvania Sports Brunch, Daskalakis Athletic Center, Drexel University*
*Pre-registration is required
Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 3301 Market Street, Philadelphia, 19104
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
With one final opportunity to gather before your journey home, please join America250PA and its partner, Philadelphia Soccer 2026, at Drexel University for a Celebration of Pennsylvania Sports Brunch! There will be a panel discussion about the many marquee sporting events planned for the Semiquincentennial.
Jennifer Nagle, Vice President, Special Projects, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, introduction of panelists and moderator
Moderator: Britt McHenry, national on-air sports reporter, anchor and public speaker
Panelists:
- Meg Kane, Host City Executive, Philadelphia Soccer 2026
- Michael Harris, Vice President, Marketing and New Media, Philadelphia Phillies
- Derek Dawson, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, VisitPITTSBURGH
- Jill Bodensteiner, Vice President and Director of Athletics, St. Joseph’s University, Vice Chair, PHL Sports
- Ryan Ogle, Championship Director, PGA Championship
Additional Special Guests:
- Milt Thompson, former Phillies coach and player
- Mickey Morandini, former Phillies coach and player
Mascots:
- Franklin the Dog, Philadelphia 76ers
- Dugout, Little League World Series
- Phang, Philadelphia Union
- Phillie Phanatic, Philadelphia Phillies
- The Keystone Kid, America250PA
- Mario the Magnificent, Drexel University Dragons
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Panel generously presented by:
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Lunch generously presented by:
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Krapf Coach buses will pick up guests at our three partner hotels (Hotel Monaco, Marriott Old City, Hilton at Penn's Landing) and bring them to the Daskalakis Athletic Center, Drexel University, on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Buses will leave the hotels no later than 8 a.m. and will return all guests to partner hotels at the conclusion of the brunch.
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Official Weekend Wine Sponsor:
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Official Weekend Beer Sponsor:
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Official Weekend Signature Drink Sponsor:
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Official Weekend Non-Alcoholic Beverage Sponsor:
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FAQ
What is the America250PA registration process?
The weekend conference registration desk will be open:
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Friday, September 21, 2024, Independence Visitors Center
7:15 am – 10:15am, Saturday, September 21, 2024, National Constitution Center
Weekend credentials must be picked up before 10:15 am on Saturday, unless prior arrangements have been made. Please contact info@america250pa.org to request additional accommodations.
An America250PA National Convening badge is required for entry to all events. We ask for your cooperation as all events are currently at capacity and there will be no exceptions for entry without a pre-registration.
For those only attending the Closing Dinner on Saturday, September 21 at the Please Touch Museum, there will be a registration table for you and/or your guest(s) at the Carousel House entry. There will be staff and signage directing you to the proper location. Entry to the event will not be permitted if you have not pre-registered and do not receive a credential from the registration desk.
Can I give my ticket to someone else if I can no longer attend?
No. Tickets are non-transferable. Those who are not registered will not be permitted to the venues.
What is the suggested attire for the America250PA National Convening?
Friday Welcome Reception: Business
Saturday General Session and Breakout Sessions: Business Casual
Saturday Cocktail Reception: Dressy Cocktail Attire
Saturday Closing Dinner: Dressy Cocktail Attire
Sunday Celebration of Sports Brunch: Smart Casual
Where can I find the program for the America250PA National Convening?
Please find the weekend's agenda listed above. A downloadable PDF of the full weekend's program will be COMING SOON.
What are the transportation options for the America250PA National Convening?
No formal transportation will be provided for Friday evening or Saturday General Session and Breakout Sessions as they are within walking distance from our America250PA-designated hotels. Should you prefer not to walk, taxi/Uber/Lyft are all accessible options.
Formal transportation for Saturday evening will be provided by the Philly Phlash buses for REGISTERED guests from Carpenters’ Hall to the Please Touch Museum. Upon conclusion of the entire Closing Dinner, transportation will return guests back to the America250PA-designated hotels. Please note there will be no looped transportation from the Please Touch Museum throughout the duration of the Closing Dinner.
Formal transportation for Sunday morning will be provided and will pick up at each America250PA-designated hotels on Sunday morning to transport registered guests to the Daskalakis Athletic Center on Drexel’s Campus and return them at the event’s conclusion.
All of this information will be outlined on your materials throughout the weekend.
What and where are the America250PA-designated hotels?
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, 433 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 - (215) 925-2111
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City, One Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 - (215) 238-6000
- Philadelphia Hilton Penn’s Landing, 201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 521-6500
Where can I find parking during the America250PA National Convening?
Please visit your hotel website for your private parking for the weekend. America250PA will not be responsible for your personal parking logistics. To learn more about on street and off street parking in Philadelphia, visit https://www.visitphilly.com/parking/
What are the street addresses of the America250PA National Convening events?
- Welcome Reception at The Liberty View at the Independence Visitors Center, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 599 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Breakfast, General Session, and Lunch, Saturday, September 21, 2024 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Grand Hall Overlook, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
- America250PA National Convening Afternoon Breakout Sessions, Saturday, September 21, 2024, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
—State/National Partners: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
—Counties and Local Governments: African American Museum of Philadelphia, Jack T. Franklin Auditorium, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
—Nonprofits: F.M. Kirby Auditorium, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 - Visit to Independence Hall and Second Bank of the United States, Saturday, September 21, 2024, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Meet at Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
- Evening Cocktail Reception at Carpenters’ Hall, Saturday, September 21, 2024, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Carousel Entrance, 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Cocktail Reception, Carousel House, Please Touch Museum, Saturday, September 21, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
- Closing Dinner, Memorial Hall. Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
- Celebration of Pennsylvania Sports Brunch, Sunday, September 22, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Daskalakis Athletic Center, Drexel University, 3301 Market Street, Philadelphia, 19104
Where can I find information about attractions, restaurants, and events in Philadelphia while at the America250PA National Convening?
Philadelphia is full of history, culture, and fun. For suggestions of places to go and things to do, please visit https://www.visitphilly.com/ or see the Visit Philadelphia card in your Swag Bag for details about attractions and restaurants in Philadelphia.
What is on the menu for the America250PA National Convening?
At each event at the America250PA National Convening, meals with vegetarian/vegan/dairy free/gluten free options will be served. We will honor those who have provided us with their preferences throughout the online registration process.
More questions?
Contact:
| Corinna Wilson (717) 979-3407 corinnawilson@wilson500.com |
Marie Conley (717) 579-1426 marie@america250pa.org |
Speaker Bios
Ryan Leckey, Emmy Award-winning Marketer and TV Host
Ryan Leckey is a high energy, innovate, and Emmy award-winning content creator & storyteller who pivoted from a 20-year career in television broadcasting to launch Ryan Leckey Media in 2022.
A respected and sought-after social media influencer, TV and digital host, and on-air talent, Ryan is a master of brevity and purveyor of positivity who knows how to convey interesting information in an innovative way.
In 2022, Ryan founded Ryan Leckey Media – a firm of visionary creators, storytellers, photographers, graphic designers, and platform management professionals dedicated to producing original, organic, and hyper local authentic content that positions clients to be at the “center-of-attention” universe.
Prior to founding Ryan Leckey Media, Ryan was best known in Pennsylvania for creating non-traditional television and engaging the community through his morning show segment called Leckey Live, which aired on WNEP-TV, one of America’s Highest rated ABC television stations (Nielsen Media Research, 2020).
Ryan is also a force in the world of fundraising. For 12 years, he’s helped raise nearly $5-million dollars to help kids and adults with disabilities as part of the charity campaign he chaired called “WNEP’s Ryan’s Run.”
Patrick Burns, America250PA Chairman
Patrick J. Burns is an accomplished business leader in the real estate, food retail, food and beverage, and hospitality industries with over 30 years of experience building a series of retail supermarkets and shopping centers, managing food service for upscale restaurants and catering facilities, and operating hotel establishments throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. His vision and expertise in business performance and new business development have created notable enterprise growth of sales and profits in these sectors. He has been recognized by the Obama administration as being a champion of healthy food access and economic development. His achievements have been featured in a variety of local, national, and industry news outlets including Good Morning America, USA Today, and the New York Times.
His most notable accomplishments include the development and operation of supermarkets in underserved areas in and around Philadelphia including the first “Fresh Grocer” concept store in 2001. In 2009, Patrick eradicated Philadelphia’s two largest food deserts with the development of two new Fresh Grocer supermarkets at the Shoppes at La Salle on Chew Ave and in the historic Progress Plaza Shopping Center on North Broad Street. With a steadfast commitment to bringing first-class stores into communities that need them most, Patrick has continuously expanded and enhanced his supermarket footprint under both The Fresh Grocer and ShopRite banners.
Patrick has also successfully developed a number of retail shopping centers throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, all of which contain supermarket anchor tenants along with other quality retail franchise stores.
Cassandra Coleman, America250PA Executive Director
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) appointed Cassandra Coleman as Executive Director for the America250PA initiative in September 2019.
Prior to her appointment, Cassandra served as Special Advisor to the Office of Governor Tom Wolf and Director of Governor Wolf’s Northeast & Central offices. In this role, she was responsible for intergovernmental and constituency services on behalf of the Governor in 28 counties.
In 2014, Ms. Coleman founded and served as President of Coleman & Associates, a company engaged in charitable, private, and political creation of fundraising networks and community and political event planning. Coleman & Associates maintained a client base of state, county and local political candidates, large and small companies, and non-profit organizations.
Ms. Coleman has spent a lifetime in public service beginning at a very young age. At the age of twenty, Cassandra was appointed Mayor of her hometown of Exeter Borough to fill her late grandfather, Mayor Joseph Coyne’s unexpired term. Following her appointment, Cassandra was re-elected Mayor twice.
Ms. Coleman was one of the youngest female mayors in the history of the United States. She was featured in Oprah Magazine in a segment titled “Women Who Defy Age.” Cassandra was also featured in a national NBC segment called “The Smart Woman”. The Times Leader Media Group honored Cassandra twice for her accomplishments; in 2008 as a Top 40 under 40 recipient and named her in 2019 as one of 14 Distinctive Women. In addition, she has been chosen one of Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business, named by City & State PA as a Top 40 under 40 in PA and honored with the Young Professional Women’s Leadership Award by Athena International.
In her community, Cassandra is active on the Board of Directors for her alum, King’s College, Leadership Northeast, Children’s Service Center and Junior League of Wilkes Barre.
Carson Kressley, TV and Film Personality, Best-Selling Author, World Champion Equestrian, and Native Pennsylvanian
Carson Kressley hails from the Lehigh Valley. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Gettysburg College, Kressly went on to become an internationally known TV and film personality. He has been awarded multiple primetime Emmys for his work as one of the stars and producers of the groundbreaking shows QUEER EYE and RUPAULs DRAG RACE. Kressley is also a New York Times Best Selling Author and World Champion Equestrian, with a family-owned Century Farm in Lehigh County.
Niall Stanage, White House Columnist, The Hill
Niall Stanage is White House Columnist for The Hill. His reported column, “The Memo,” focuses on the Biden White House, the 2024 election and national politics. He is one of The Hill’s most frequent TV commentators, appearing most often on NewsNation, as well as on MSNBC, CNN, Fox News and the BBC. A native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, in the past he has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian, among others. Stanage has covered every presidential election since 2004.
The Honorable Bob Casey, United States Senator, Pennsylvania
U.S. Senator Bob Casey fights every day for Pennsylvania families. He is a strong advocate for policies that improve the health care and early learning of children and policies that will raise wages for the middle class. Senator Casey serves on four committees including the Senate Finance Committee, Senate HELP Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He is also the Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, where his agenda is focused on policies that support seniors and individuals with disabilities. Senator Casey and his wife Terese live in Scranton and have four adult daughters.
The Honorable Gregg M. Amore, Secretary of State of Rhode Island and Chair of RI250
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore is a proud lifelong resident of East Providence, where he has been a teacher, coach, and community volunteer for over thirty years. Amore was elected in November of 2022 and sworn into office on January 3, 2023 as the thirtieth Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Prior to serving as Secretary of State, Amore taught history, civics, and government courses at East Providence High School for twenty-seven years until becoming the East Providence School District Athletic Administrator in 2017.
Amore was elected as a State Representative in 2012 and served the residents of East Providence for ten years.
During his time in office, he served as a Deputy Majority Leader, chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, chairman of the House Finance Subcommittee on Education, and second vice chair of the House Committee on Education. He is widely credited with advancing the House of Representatives’ education agenda, which included key education reform legislation related to curriculum and site based management, as well as championing efforts to significantly increase English Language Learner categorical funding, school construction initiatives, the retention and recruitment of teachers of color, and making college more affordable for Rhode Islanders.
Amore and his wife, Lee, have two daughters, Tess and Megan. Amore earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Providence College in 1988 and a master’s degree in public policy from New England College in 2010.
The Honorable Kim Driscoll, Lt. Governor of Massachusetts
Kim Driscoll is the 73rd Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Together, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll are the first all-women executive team to lead Massachusetts.
Since taking office, Driscoll has spearheaded several administration priorities and initiatives, including significant involvement in the state’s affordable housing production, economic development, improvements to the public education system, and serving as liaison to cities and towns across Massachusetts. Driscoll also chairs the Governor’s Council, the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking, the Seaport Economic Council, and co-chairs the STEM Advisory Council.
Prior to Beacon Hill, Driscoll served for seventeen years as the Mayor of Salem, Massachusetts and is a proud graduate of Salem State University.
The Honorable Nancy Hollister, former Lt. Governor of Ohio
Nancy P. Hollister was appointed to the America 250-Ohio Commission in 2022 by then-Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor. She served on the Marietta, Ohio City Council from 1980 to 1984 and became the city’s first female mayor from 1984 until 1991. Governor George Voinovich then appointed her Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia. In that capacity, she advised the governor on how to improve economic life for people living in areas of Ohio. In 1994, Hollister was elected Lieutenant Governor. Hollister succeeded to the governorship in an acting capacity when Voinovich resigned. She became the first woman to hold the office of Governor of Ohio, despite having served for 11 days. Hollister later won election to the Ohio House of Representatives, serving from 2000 to 2004.
The Honorable Lonnie G. Bunch, III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
In June 2019, Lonnie G. Bunch III became the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian. As Secretary, he oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers and several education units and centers.
Previously, Bunch was the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Driven by optimism, determination and a commitment to build “a place that would make America better,” Bunch transformed a vision into a bold reality. In 2019, the creation of the museum became the first Smithsonian effort to be the topic of a Harvard Business Review case study.
Before his appointment as director of the museum, Bunch served as the president of the Chicago Historical Society (2001–2005). He previously worked with the National Museum of American History and the California African American Museum in Los Angeles all while publishing books covering a variety of topics.
Highly awarded, Bunch was appointed by President Bush to the Committee for Preservation of the White House in 2002 and reappointed by President Obama in 2010. In 2019, he was awarded the Freedom Medal, one of the Four Freedom Awards from the Roosevelt Institute,the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal from the Hutchins Center at Harvard University, and the National Equal Justice Award from the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund.
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity
As Pennsylvania’s 78th State Treasurer, businesswoman and retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel Stacy Garrity is focused on transparency, cutting waste and fees, returning more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners, and making education affordable for Pennsylvanians. She is a fiscal watchdog tasked with protecting more than $150 billion in state assets.
In the Army Reserve, she served three overseas deployments including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. As a businesswoman, she worked as one of the first two female vice-presidents at Global Tungsten & Powders in Towanda, the largest tungsten smelter in the western world.
Hayley Haldeman, Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Board Chair, introduction of panelists and moderator
Hayley Haldeman is an attorney and nonprofit leader with a decade of hands-on experience in nonprofit strategy and administration. She currently works as Chief Administrative Officer for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the region’s premiere nonprofit performing arts organization. Prior to her role with the Trust, Haldeman worked with Dentons Cohen & Grigsby’s Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Organizations group, frequently serving as outside general counsel. From 2019 through 2022, Haldeman served as interim, then permanent, Executive Director of the Mattress Factory, a contemporary installation art museum in Pittsburgh. Prior to her role at the Mattress Factory, she was a litigator for seven years in the Pittsburgh office of Jones Day.
A Pittsburgh native, Haldeman is active in civic and community affairs. In 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro appointed her as Chair of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. She sits on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and co-chaired the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Nonprofit Law Committee, among other engagements. Haldeman is also an adjunct faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. Her courses focus on museum operations and human resources management for nonprofits, respectively.
Haldeman graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law and George Washington University.
The Honorable Tom Ridge, Former Pennsylvania Governor
Tom Ridge was born in Munhall, Pennsylvania to a working class family. He won a scholarship to Harvard University, graduating with honors in 1967. While attending Dickinson School of Law, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam, winning the Bronze Star for valor. Afterwards, he completed law school. He went on to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in Erie before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982. The first enlisted Vietnam veteran to become a member of Congress, he served six terms before winning the governorship. Ridge’s gubernatorial administration saved families and employers nearly $8.7 billion through tax cuts, workers compensation reform, a reduction in red tape, and electric and natural gas competition, all of which helped create nearly 300,000 new jobs. Ridge also made Pennsylvania a technology leader, winning the nation’s first model e-commerce law. In addition, he focused on education, winning legislation to create charter schools, alternative education for disruptive students, and professional development for teachers. He won reelection, but was chosen before completing his second term to become head of the nation’s new Office of Homeland Security, created in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. When the Office achieved Department status, Ridge became Secretary of Homeland Security, serving until 2005. He went on to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of Home Depot and of Savi Technology.
David Thornburgh, Senior Advisor and former President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy
David Thornburgh's career has been spent at the intersection of public policy, good government, and economic development. He has held significant civic leadership roles in the Philadelphia region and has been recognized nationally as a "civic entrepreneur" who has shown the ability to develop and execute innovative approaches to tough public problems. Currently, he is serving as Chair of Ballot PA, an effort to open PA's primary elections to our 1.3 million independent voters. PA is one of only 7 states that completely excludes independent voters from voting in every election.
The Honorable Mark Schweiker, Former Pennsylvania Governor
Mark Schweiker was born in Levittown, Bucks County. After college, he entered the business world and advanced to executive positions at Merrill Lynch, McGraw Hill, and his own management consulting firm. He was first elected to public office in 1979 as Middletown Township Supervisor, and in 1987 he was elected Bucks County Commissioner. He was elected lieutenant governor in November 1994 and reelected in November 1998. He was sworn in as Pennsylvania’s 44th governor on October 5, 2001, following Governor Tom Ridge’s appointment by President Bush to head the nation’s Office of Homeland Security. He worked tirelessly to make the safety and security of Pennsylvania’s neighborhoods his top priority. As his first official act, Governor Schweiker signed an executive order that established a security task force charged with creating a comprehensive antiterrorism strategy. Delivering on another promise to increase safety and security in Pennsylvania, he signed legislation increasing the state police complement by 100 – the first increase since 1972. To make Pennsylvania more attractive to employers and employees, he focused on worker training and retraining, creating a rapid response team to deliver accelerated assistance to dislocated workers.
The Honorable Edward G. Rendell, Former Pennsylvania Governor
Governor Ed Rendell, former Governor of Pennsylvania and a current partner at Ballard Spahr, devotes his practice to public-private partnerships and housing, with an emphasis on infrastructure.
In 2003, Governor Rendell was elected governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he served two terms. From 2008 to 2009, Governor Rendell was chair of the National Governors Association. He served as general chair of the Democratic National Committee during the 2000 presidential election. Governor Rendell, along with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, founded Building America’s Future, a national infrastructure-investment coalition.
He also served two-terms as mayor of Philadelphia from 1992 to 2000. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Governor Rendell joined the Philadelphia district attorney’s office upon completing law school, rising to Chief of Homicide in 1972. He was also elected as district attorney for two terms.
Governor Rendell has served on numerous nonprofit boards including Building America’s Future and is Vice Chairman of the National Constitution Center’s Board of Trustees.
Governor Rendell received a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965 and a J.D. from the Villanova University School of Law in 1968.
The Honorable Tom Wolf, Former Pennsylvania Governor
Thomas W. Wolf was the 47th governor of Pennsylvania from 2015 to 2023. He previously served as chairman and CEO of his business, The Wolf Organization, and later as secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue from April 2007 to November 2008. He received a B.A. in government from Dartmouth College in 1972, an M.Phil. from the University of London in 1978, and a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981. While a student at Dartmouth, Wolf took a leave of absence and joined the Peace Corps, with which he spent over two years in India.
Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO, National Constitution Center
Jeffrey Rosen is the President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, where he hosts We the People, a weekly podcast of constitutional debate. He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic. He was previously the legal affairs editor of The New Republic and a staff writer for the New Yorker.
Rosen’s new book is The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America. His other books include the New York Times bestseller Conversations with RBG: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Life, Love, Liberty, and Law as well as biographies of Louis Brandeis and William Howard Taft.
Rosen is a graduate of Harvard College; Oxford University, where he was a Marshall Scholar; and Yale Law School. In 2024, the French government recognized him as a Chevalier in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Steve Sims, Superintendent, Independence National Historical Park
Steve D. Sims has been the Superintendent of Independence National Historical Park since November 2023. Previous assignments include Superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, and the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail. Sims has also worked in the National Park Service’s Northeast Regional Office, previously at Independence National Historical Park and at the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Prior to Steve’s NPS career he was an engineering consultant as well as a commissioned army engineer officer after completing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy. Currently, Sims is pursuing a graduate certificate in Environmental Policy from George Washington University.
Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor
Timothy L. DeFoor was sworn in as Pennsylvania’s 50th Auditor General on January 19, 2021. Beginning his career in public service as a Special Investigator with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Inspector General, DeFoor has since accumulated more than 25 years of combined experience in law enforcement and auditing .He is uniquely qualified to serve Pennsylvanians. In 2015, DeFoor was elected as Dauphin County Controller, where he quickly earned a reputation as a fiscal watchdog and trusted leader, saving and recovering more than a million taxpayer dollars during his first term in office. His efforts while in office earned Dauphin County its first award for financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. Growing up in Harrisburg, DeFoor values giving back to his beloved community through various community service involvements.
Jane Campbell, President and CEO, US Capitol Historical Society
The Honorable Jane L. Campbell is the fourth President/CEO of the United States Capitol Historical Society. Before joining the Society in February 2019, Ms. Campbell served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and as Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ms. Campbell held elected office as an Ohio state legislator, a Cuyahoga County Commissioner, and as Mayor of Cleveland (the first, and to date only woman to serve in this position). Ms. Campbell has also run small businesses, led the Washington office of a national community development organization, and led a significant women’s political advocacy group. Ms. Campbell earned a Master of Science in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University, a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Michigan, and held a Fellowship in the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Institute of Politics. She is the proud mother of a medical doctor and a minister.
Dr. Noelle Trent, President & CEO, Museum of African American HIstory of Boston & Nantucket
Dr. Noelle N. Trent, President & CEO of the Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket, combines her passion for history with professional expertise to craft empowering experiences about Black history. As an accomplished public historian, Dr. Trent has served on committees in national museum organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums, American Association of State & Local History, the Association of African American Museums, and the International Sites of Conscience. She has collaborated with notable institutions including the National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Previously, Dr. Trent served as Director of Interpretation, Collections & Education at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, spearheading major exhibitions as well as collections and educational initiatives, including the commemorative service for the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination, MLK50. Her contributions have garnered media attention from outlets such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Today Show. Dr. Trent graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude from Howard University and holds a doctorate in United States History.
Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, President & CEO, Museum of the American Revolution
Scott Stephenson’s broad public history experience spans nearly three decades and has been marked by public and professional acclaim for his innovative and engaging work. He has developed exhibits, films, and interpretive programs for historical sites and organizations such as the Smithsonian, the Heinz History Center, the National Park Service, and the Museum of the Cherokee People. From 2007-2018, Stephenson led the development of the Museum of the American Revolution’s award-winning exhibitions, multimedia experiences and educational programming. He oversaw the care and expansion of its rich collections. The Museum opened in April 2017 to national and international acclaim, including rave reviews in the New York Times, Washington Post, and New York Review of Books. In November 2018, Stephenson was named President and CEO of the Museum.
Dr. Josh Perelman, Senior Advisor, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Dr. Josh Perelman is Principal of Studio Perelman and Senior Advisor at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in advancing cultural organizations through capital projects, exhibitions, and programming. As former Chief Curator at the Weitzman, Perelman directed the curatorial, collections, education, and public programming departments. He led the development of the Weitzman’s award-winning core exhibition that launched the museum’s new building on Philadelphia's Independence Mall. Josh holds PhDs in Jewish Studies and American History from NYU and serves on multiple boards.
Frank Barrows, Senior Advisor for Commemorations, Anniversaries, and Community Engagement, National Park Service
Frank Barrows is the Senior Advisor for Commemorations, Anniversaries, and Community Engagement for the National Park Service, part of the core team leading the planning and preparing for the semiquincentennial. Frank started his career with the NPS after the exploration of his cultural identity as a Cape Verdean American led to a position at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. He studied Marketing and African American history at UMass Amherst and UMass Dartmouth, including the history of the Cape Verde Islands. His role with the NPS allowed him to deepen his understanding of the role of Cape Verdeans in the whaling industry and the role of African Americans in the New Bedford community. Sharing those stories with others, especially youth, sparked his passion for the NPS and the beginning of his 25-plus year career with the agency. He also served as superintendent of Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome, New York and project lead responsible for standing up the newly-established Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn, New York. He is a two-time recipient of the Northeast Region Freeman Tilden award. Frank lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey with his wife, Amy and their two sons.
John Dichtl, President & CEO, American Association of State and Local History
John Dichtl is the President & CEO of the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), an organization dedicated to helping public history organizations and practitioners to thrive and to make the past meaningful for everyone. For seven years, AASLH has made a priority of helping the history community to prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary. Dichtl was the executive director of the National Council on Public History (NCPH) from 2006 to 2015 and was Deputy Executive Director of Organization of American Historians from 1999-2005. He received his MA and PhD in early American history from Indiana University and is the author of the book, Frontiers of Faith: Bringing Catholicism to the West in the Early Republic. Dichtl also helped to found the History Relevance Campaign and the International Federation for Public History.
Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia 2026 Director, Office of the Mayor, City of Philadelphia
In 2023, Michael Newmuis was appointed by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to serve as 2026 Director for the City of Philadelphia. He is responsible for aligning opportunities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States for the nation’s birthplace, Philadelphia.
He previously led impact initiatives across the United States for FS Investments and served as Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff at Visit Philadelphia. At Visit Philadelphia, Michael contributed to the success of visionary events including the 2017 NFL Draft, the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and the 2015 World Meeting of Families commemorating Pope Francis' first United States visit.
He is a passionate advocate for Philadelphia, and works to increase inclusive economic opportunities, community empowerment, and civic pride.
Major General William Grimsley (ret.), Chair, South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission
Will Grimsley is the Chairman of the South Carolina Commission for the Commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
He graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina in May 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and was commissioned in the US Army as an Infantry officer.
Throughout the next 33 years he served in assignments throughout the United States, Germany, Korea, Kuwait, multiple combat tours in Iraq, and operational deployments around the world. Grimsley held command and leadership positions at every level from platoon through corps, and served on staffs from small unit levels up to both the Joint Staff and as Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense; with his last tour as Chief of Staff of United States Strategic Command. Among his many awards and decorations, Grimsley earned the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, multiple awards of the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat; along with the Combat Infantryman Badge and Combat Action Badge.
Meaghan Brown, Chief of External Affairs, City of New York
Meaghan Brown is currently the Chief of External Affairs on the First Deputy Mayor’s team, a role in which she manages partnerships with the private and philanthropic sectors on behalf of the City of New York. Brown previously served as chief of staff to First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, both in the month since she was promoted to first deputy mayor and when she served as deputy mayor for strategic initiatives.
Before starting these positions, Brown served as chief operating officer for the Adams administration’s mayoral transition.
Previously, Brown was the executive vice president and chief advancement officer at the United Way of New York City, where she oversaw development and operations of more than $50 million in annual revenue from corporate partners and private donors. Brown built and executed the COVID-19 Recovery Fund, raising over $20 million in support, and launched the 2021 “Campaign for Equity.”
Additionally, Brown previously served as the senior vice president and chief development officer, with a focus on transforming traditional giving campaigns and reimagining corporate partnerships into year-round engagement and philanthropic support.
Brown earned her Bachelor of Science in family studies from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in health care and social services from St. Joseph’s University.
Brown reports to First Deputy Mayor Wright.
Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion, Office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
In January 2022, Segun Idowu began his role as the Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion in the Wu Administration. Most recently, he served as the President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, Inc. (BECMA). He helped transform the organization, including growing membership by 300 percent and helping to reshape the procurement process for Massachusetts. In 2018, he was elected to serve as the first Vice President for the Boston chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 2019, Idowu left the NAACP board to join the board of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Massachusetts. In his current position, he is focused on making Boston a resilient, economically equitable, and vibrant city that centers people and creates opportunities to build generational wealth for all communities.
The Honorable Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress
Dr. Carla Hayden was sworn in as the 14th Librarian of Congress on September 14, 2016.The first woman and the first African American to lead the national library, Hayden was nominated to the position by President Barack Obama on February 24, 2016, and she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate later that year on July 13. Her vision for America’s national library, connecting all Americans to the Library of Congress, has redefined and modernized the Library’s mission. Investing in technological infrastructure, Hayden has made the Library more accessible. She also launched the Of the People Initiative, which is creating new opportunities for underrepresented people and inspiring the next generation of diverse libraries, archivists and knowledge workers. Hayden has diligently served her libraries and their communities, consistently dedicating resources and efforts to create equitable programming and expand youth services.
Romel L. Nicholas, Esq., Chair, National Flag Foundation
Romel Nicholas is a Partner in the long-established Pittsburgh law firm, Gaitens Tucceri & Nicholas, PC. He is a practicing trial attorney and has volunteered significant time over his career to serve the Pittsburgh community, including participating for over 20 years on the Board of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Romel also chairs the Pittsburgh-based National Flag Foundation – a national, non-political Foundation dedicated to educating Americans about the US Flag historically and currently, and honoring those who serve to protect the Flag.
Under his leadership, the NFF has created a number of local and national initiatives, the most recent of which is Project Purple Heart. This effort seeks to honor American Soldiers who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal during 2022, the 240th anniversary of the establishment of the award.
Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO, Keep America Beautiful
Jennifer Lawson is President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, a national nonprofit that works to inspire and educate people to improve and beautify their community environment. Previously, Jenny served as Chief Civic Innovation Officer at Points of Light where she led programs to help companies achieve their social change goals through the actions of their employees. She was also the executive sponsor of Listen. Learn. Act to End Racism, Points of Light’s partnership with Morehouse College, and served as an advisor to the National Trust for Civic Infrastructure. Jenny came to Points of Light from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change (now C2ES), where she led Make an Impact, a global campaign focused on energy efficiency and environmental awareness with some of the nation’s largest companies. Her career began with community development and affordable housing advocacy in Northern Virginia, where she served as the founding Executive Director of the Alliance for Housing Solutions. Jenny graduated from the University of Virginia where she studied Philosophy and Mathematics.
Vice Admiral Fritz Roegge (ret.), Board Member, Homecoming250
Fritz Roegge became President of Holtec Government Services in 2021 following a 30+ year Navy career. He also serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Holtec International – a billion-dollar technology and manufacturing innovation company in Camden, NJ supporting the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and clean energy industries that has been “A Generation Ahead by Design” since 1986.
A career submarine officer, Roegge led organizations of progressively increasing size, budget, and complexity ranging from command of a single nuclear-powered submarine to command of the entire US Pacific Submarine Force – an enterprise of 40 submarines, 12,000 people, $160B capital assets, and $560M budget distributed across six states/territories, partner nations, and twelve time zones. His military career culminated as a three-star Admiral as President of the National Defense University in Washington, DC.
Anne Ryan, Deputy Secretary, Tourism, Department of Community and Economic Development
The power of brands has always fascinated me. When a brand is built to be meaningful and relevant, it has the ability to remind us of our values, impact cultural trends, confront tensions, and create community. As for me, I've been living and breathing the world of marketing for 20+ years. I began my career developing marketing programs for Citibank and Capital One. Then, I went agency-side and learned all things digital, which is where I became obsessed with the brand experience. So, I decided to focus exclusively on brand strategy at Brownstein Group, where I nerd out on brands such as IKEA, XFINITY, Wawa, Humana, TruGreen, DuPont, Western Union, GIANT, NJM, and Philadelphia's Global Identity. I lead with conviction. I love my team. And, I'm relied on by my clients. I believe I have a responsibility to build brands in such a way that helps people find and connect with products and services that will transform their lives.
Dawn Lamuth, A250PA Westmoreland County Advisory Member, GO Laurel Highlands
Dawn Lamuth is the Westmoreland County America250PA Advisor. She is also the Director of Culture and Community Connections at GO Laurel Highlands. She enjoys promoting the rich culture and history of the Laurel Highlands and encouraging people to explore like she and her three sons have. She is an entrepreneur and the founder of MommyGear.com, a boutique for expectant and new moms. Lawmuth has previous experience in corporate communications, news writing and broadcasting.
She is the founding Scoutmaster for BSA Scouts Troop 1372 for Girls in Ligonier and the Assistant Scoutmaster for the linked BSA Troop 372 for boys. She serves on the Board of the Ligonier YMCA and volunteers at La Leche League Leader who facilitates peer-to-peer meetings and support groups for new parents.
Danielle DiLeo Kim, President and CEO, Philadelphia250
Danielle DiLeo Kim, AIA, is the President and CEO of PHILADELPHIA250, the nonprofit bringing the 250th anniversary of the United States to the people and neighborhoods of Philadelphia for long-lasting civic, cultural and economic impact. For over 25 years, Danielle has been instrumental in the design and realization of buildings, master plans, and community engagement processes with clients such as the Mann Center, Temple University, Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Planning Commission, and PIDC. Danielle currently serves as the President-elect of the American Institute of Architects Philadelphia; she is full member of the Carpenter’s Company; and she is an active member of the Urban Land Institute. Danielle holds a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech. She lives with her husband and two daughters in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia where you’ll find her running or riding her bike.
Ed Stoddard, A250PA Centre County Advisory Member, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
Edward Stoddard is the Communications Director at The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping and amplifying consumer-focused narratives that drive visitation to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. With a strategic emphasis on content development, Stoddard ensures the bureau’s messaging reaches a broad audience through platforms like HappyValley.com and Bellefonte.com. He oversees the creation of engaging content, manages the production of visitor guides and publications, and collaborates with travel media. His work is integral to solidifying Happy Valley’s reputation as a premier tourism destination.
As the Centre County Advisory Member for America250PA, Stoddard champions the rich history of Centre County within the broader context of Pennsylvania’s legacy. He is committed to showcasing these contributions and ensuring that #HappyValleyPA’s indelible mark on history is recognized during the America250PA initiative.
Rosie Rios, Chair of America250
Rosie Rios is the CEO of Red River Associates, an investment management consulting firm and a co-host of several reality series focused on pre-IPO investments. She was appointed by President Joe Biden as Chair of America250, the United States Congressional Commission planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. She served as the 43rd Treasurer of the United States and was the CEO of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Mint, including Fort Knox with oversight over 4,000 employees and a $5 billion budget. She also initiated and led the efforts to place a portrait of a woman on U.S. currency for the first time in over a century. Following her tenure, she was appointed as a Visiting Scholar at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University with a focus on Millennials and Post-Millennials.
Rosie’s entire career has focused on real estate finance, economic development, and urban revitalization in both the public and private sectors. Prior to her presidential appointment in Treasury, she was Managing Director of Investments for MacFarlane Partners, a $22 billion real estate investment management firm based in San Francisco. She is a graduate of Harvard University and was selected as the first Latina in Harvard’s 388-year history to have a portrait commissioned in her honor. The portrait was unveiled in Winthrop House in 2019. She currently serves on the board of American Family Insurance, Ripple Labs, Inc., and Fidelity Charitable Trust and was previously a board member for the Alameda County Employees Retirement Association (ACERA) prior to her time in the Obama Administration. Her personal passion includes serving as Founder and CEO of EMPOWERMENT 2026, an initiative that facilitates the physical recognition of historical American women in classrooms and public spaces across the country. Rosie is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and was honored as one of USA Today’s Women of the Century. Most recently, Rosie served on the Treasury Transition Team on behalf of President Joe Biden.
Patricia Wellenbach, President & CEO, Please Touch Museum
Patricia Treacy began her studies at the age of seven and has gone to gain a reputation as Ireland’s top concert violinist. After studying at the highest level and winning first prize of all national music awards, Treacy went on to perform as soloist in major venues around the world including Carnegie Hall, The Royal Albert Hall, and for the Kennedy Center.
Her unique and refreshing interpretation of Irish music has earned her an invitation to perform as a soloist for several Presidents. President Biden personally asked her to perform at his Inaugural Mass, on St. Patrick’s Day at the White House in 2022, and a third time in Ireland during his official tour. Currently, Treacy is featured in an internationally screened IMAX Film “Ireland,” narrated by Liam Neeson.
Yolanda Wisher, former Philadelphia Poet Laureate, reading her poem commissioned by PA Humanities and ArtPhilly of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia
Yolanda Wisher is a poet, musician, educator, and curator. In 1999, Wisher became the inaugural Poet Laureate of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She later earned the title of third Poet Laureate of Philadelphia for 2016 and 2017. A Pew and Cave Canem Fellow, Wisher received the Leeway Foundation’s Transformation Award in 2019 for her commitment to art for social change and was named a Philadelphia Cultural Treasures Artist Fellow in 2022. Yolanda taught English for a decade, co-founded the youth-led Germantown Poetry Festival, and served as Director of Art Education for Philadelphia Mural Arts Philadelphia. Whisker will be developing a statewide curriculum to inspire youth poetry for the Semiquincentennial on behalf of PA Humanities, ArtPhilly, and America 250PA.
Patricia Treacy, Ireland's Premier Violinist
Patricia Treacy began her studies at the age of seven and has gone to gain a reputation as Ireland’s top concert violinist. After studying at the highest level and winning first prize of all national music awards, Treacy went on to perform as soloist in major venues around the world including Carnegie Hall, The Royal Albert Hall, and for the Kennedy Center.
Her unique and refreshing interpretation of Irish music has earned her an invitation to perform as a soloist for several Presidents. President Biden personally asked her to perform at his Inaugural Mass, on St. Patrick’s Day at the White House in 2022, and a third time in Ireland during his official tour. Currently, Treacy is featured in an internationally screened IMAX Film “Ireland,” narrated by Liam Neeson.
Chloe Flower, Classical Hip Hop Crossover Composer and Pianist
Emerging as classical music’s boldest 21st century star, Korean-American virtuoso pianist and sought-after composer Chloe Flower ushers classical music into the future on her own terms. She has distinguished herself as a powerhouse performer equally at home on stage at the Kennedy Center Honors in front of the President of the United States as she is accompanying the likes of Cardi B. Beyond a litany of unforgettable performances, she has released original music at a prolific pace in between composing for films, television series, and major brand campaigns. Simultaneously, she has earned widespread recognition for her efforts to fight human trafficking and support music education. As a powerful force in music, she maintains complete creative control, directing every aspect of her vision.
Frzy, Emmy Award-winning Hip Hop artist, Pittsburgh native
Harvey “Frzy” Daniels is collaborating on a historic one-night concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony at Heinz Hall on November 8, 2023, which will be the world premiere of an orchestration of the nationally known rapper’s new album.
Frzy is a 2018 regional Emmy Award winner for his collaboration with WQED on his hip-hop version of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.” The City of Pittsburgh was inspired to officially declare January 11, 2018, as “Frzy Day.’ Since then, Frzy has become a 2020 Guinness World Record holder for longest freestyle rap at 31 hours, the Smiley Face Cookie at Eat ‘N Park, and has had a mural created in his likeness by famous muralist, Jeremy Raymer. Frzy is a member of the Recording Academy (which bestows the annual GRAMMY Awards) and is a Governor of the Board for the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy.
Frzy also serves on the Board of Directors of The Lindsay Theater, all this while being the face of Steve Madden’s “Self Made” Campaign. He has helped to raise more than one million dollars for charities and this year helped to increase diversity and inclusion awareness via the successful “Books to Bars” campaign with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Instagram <@frzy>, TikTok <@therapperfrzy>, and Facebook <OfficialFrzy>.
Jennifer Nagle, Vice President, Special Projects, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, introduction of panelists and moderator
Jennifer Nagle is the Vice President of Special Projects at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), playing a pivotal role in spearheading strategic initiatives related to the PHLCVB’s focus on citywide conventions, sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup 26™ and 2026 MLB All-Star Game, and international tourism in the lead up to and throughout 2026. Nagle collaborates with PHLCVB leadership to ensure alignment, engagement and facilitation of key projects on behalf of the PHLCVB and its closest partners, including the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and Visit Philadelphia.Nagle previously served as executive vice president and interim president & CEO at the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (PVCC). She holds an MBA from Saint Joseph’s University and a B.S.B.A in Marketing and Finance from University of Massachusetts Lowell. Nagle was an adjunct faculty member at Rowan University from 2016 – 2018 and is currently an adjunct faculty member in the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University. She is also serves as a Board member with the Philadelphia Police Foundation and is Board Chair of the Old City Business Improvement District in Philadelphia.
Britt McHenry, national on-air sports reporter, anchor and public speaker
Britt McHenry is a national reporter, anchor and public speaker. She was a Fox News contributor and was selected as one of the main hosts hired to launch Fox’s OTT streaming service Fox Nation. Additionally, she was a political news host on WTTG/Fox 5 in Washington D.C. McHenry appeared on two primetime shows at the Fox affiliate including the hit program, “Like It or Not.”
McHenry offers a unique perspective as a young female who spent a large part of her career working in the male dominated industry of sports media. She has experience handling the positive and negative effects of social media attention. On numerous occasions, Britt has taken time to address the highs and lows of the digital landscape.
McHenry worked at ESPN for 4 years as a reporter, host, and writer focusing primarily on the NFL and MLB. While at ESPN, she led network coverage of Muhammad Ali’s death, former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice’s domestic violence altercation and the Charlotte riots that broke out near Bank of America Stadium. She began her career as a sports anchor at WJLA-TV/ABC-7 in Washington DC, where she worked for 6 years. McHenry is a graduate from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She also was a Division I soccer player at Stetson University, where she graduated magna cum laude.
Meg Kane, Host City Executive, Philadelphia Soccer 2026
Meg Kane’s expansive professional experience earned her expertise in high impact and high-pressure projects and prestigious leadership awards. Kane currently serves as Host City Executive/CEO for Philadelphia Soccer 2026. Since joining the effort in 2019, Kane has served as the liaison between the City of Philadelphia key partners/venues, and FIFA, focusing on the development of the City's narrative case for hosting and the delivery of all technical responses. In her role, Meg leads the operationalization of the Local Organizing Committee, which is responsible for ensuring the successful hosting of World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field.
Concurrent with her leadership work for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, Meg is the President and CEO of Signature 57, a strategic communications firm with special focus on hospitality, tourism, large-event strategy, as well as arts and culture.
Michael Harris, Vice President, Marketing and New Media, Philadelphia Phillies
Michael Harris was promoted to vice president, marketing & new media, in August 2017. His department primarily focuses on the organization’s brand, digital and consumer marketing. Areas of responsibility include marketing campaigns, advertising, content marketing, social & digital media, branding projects, and the implementation of various fan engagement technologies. He also manages aspects of government relations and city affairs.
Michael previously held titles of director of marketing & special projects, development & financial specialist, and ticket office representative. Prior to a focus on modernizing the club’s marketing strategy and expanding its digital footprint, he assisted on a wide range of matters related to the development of Citizens Bank Park including securing private financing, acquiring city and state approvals, and leading the internal committee responsible for the organization’s transition out of Veterans Stadium.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Michael has a BA in political science from the University of Michigan and an MBA in both marketing and finance from Drexel University. He serves on the board of PHL Sports, a division of the PHLCVB; Phillies Charities, Inc., the organization’s charitable foundation; and is board president of the Sports Complex Special Services District, which coordinates efforts between elected officials, venue operators and the surrounding community.
Michael and his wife Joy live in Center City. They founded the Miso Harris Fund for Canine Cancer Research at the University of Pennsylvania’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital in honor of their late cocker spaniel, Miso.
Derek Dawson, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, VisitPITTSBURGH
As the Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives, Derek Dawson leads VisitPITTSBURGH’s efforts to create growth, sustainability, and economic development within Pittsburgh’s tourism community. This includes oversight and implementation of VisitPITTSBURGH’s 10-Year Tourism Development Plan, Emerging Festivals & Cultural Events Fund, tourism and leisure experience development, and community engagement. Dawson is a graduate of Penn State University.
Jill Bodensteiner, Vice President and Director of Athletics, St. Joseph’s University, Vice Chair, PHL Sports
Jill Bodensteiner is in her seventh year as Director of Athletics at Saint Joseph’s University in 2023-24, leading the Hawks’ 480 student-athletes who compete in 21 NCAA Division I sports and the Campus Recreation Department. During her time on Hawk Hill, Bodensteiner has helped St. Joe’s develop a holistic approach to college athletics with a comprehensive focus on the field, in the classroom, on campus, and as an industry leader. Under her guidance, Bodensteiner has built a foundation that has led to competitive excellence across multiple sports.
In addition to her efforts on Hawk Hill, Bodensteiner has provided significant leadership within intercollegiate athletics. She is currently a member of the NCAA’s Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and the Committee on Academics, has served on numerous additional NCAA and conference committees, and is a frequent speaker on legal issues facing college athletics. Bodensteiner joined the Hawks after a 20-year career at her alma mater, the University of Notre Dame. Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, Bodensteiner received her undergraduate degree and her MBA from Notre Dame, and her JD from Washington University in St. Louis.
Ryan Ogle, Championship Director, PGA Championship
Ryan Ogle is the championship director for the 2026 PGA Championship, set to be hosted atAronimink Golf Club in May of 2026. Since joining the PGA of America in 2012, Ryan has garnered extensive experience in the planning and execution of major golfing events.
Throughout his career at PGA of America, Ryan has demonstrated his versatility and dedication through various roles. He previously served as the director for the 2021 and 2024 PGA Championships and the 2016, 2018, and 2020 Senior PGA Championships. Before being named championship director, he was the volunteer operations & finance manager for the 2014 and 2015 Senior PGA Championships and the corporate hospitality assistant for the 2012 Ryder Cup.
Milt Thompson, former Phillies coach and player
An outfielder for the 1993 National League champs and hitting coach for the 2008 World Series champions, Milt Thompson returned to the Phillies organization as a community club ambassador in March 2022. In this role, he serves as a club resource for community outreach with an emphasis on youth baseball and softball development, working with the Phillies RBI program and the Phillies Urban Youth Academy.
Milt previously served the Phillies as major league hitting coach (2005-10) following one season as first base coach (2004). From 2005-09, Milt guided Phillies hitters to the National League lead in home runs, RBI, runs, extra-base hits and total bases. He also served as a coach on the NL All-Star team in 2009.
Originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves out of Howard University in 1979, Milt played 18 years of professional baseball, including 13 seasons in the majors with the Braves (1984-85), Phillies (1986, 1993-94), St. Louis Cardinals (1989-92), Houston Astros (1994-95), Los Angeles Dodgers (1996) and Colorado Rockies (1996). He hit .313 with six RBI in 1993 World Series and set a Phillies record with five RBI in Game 4 at Veterans Stadium.
Milt began his coaching career in 1997 as minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator for Tampa Bay before joining the Phillies minor league system as a coach at Reading (1998-99) and outfield/baserunning coordinator (2001-03).
Born in Washington, D.C., Milt lives in Sewell, N.J. with his wife Carole. He has four daughters: Torri, Jennifer, Courtney and Alyssa.
Mickey Morandini, former Phillies coach and player
Mickey Morandini transitioned to his role as club ambassador in 2018. He had spent the previous two years with the team as first base coach and baserunning instructor. Prior to joining the major league staff, Mickey spent five years in the Phillies minor league system as a coach for triple-A Lehigh Valley and double-A Reading and manager for single-A Lakewood and single-A Williamsport. He also spent four years as head coach for the Valparaiso High School varsity baseball team.
A 1995 National League All-Star, Mickey played nine of his 11 major league seasons (1990-2000) with the Phillies and was a member of the 1993 NL champions. He ranks fourth in Phillies history in most games played at second base (926) and was the recipient of the Paul Owens Award in 1989 as the best player in the Phillies minor league system. Mickey was originally selected by the Phillies in the fifth round of the June 1988 draft out of Indiana University.
As an amateur, he won a gold medal as a member of the 1988 Olympic baseball team.
Born in Leechburg, Pa., Mickey and his wife Peg currently live in Glen Mills, Pa. They have three sons: Jordan, Griffin and Braydon.