Rosie Rios chaired the United States Semiquincentennial Commission from July 2022.
Rios became chair of the congressionally appointed body responsible for promoting and coordinating the United States Semiquincentennial. Her chairmanship placed her at the center of the federal America250 planning effort during the key years before the 2026 anniversary.
The commission is a public body, while the America250 Foundation is its private nonprofit partner. That distinction can cause confusion when people refer broadly to “America250” without specifying the organization involved.
The commission was established in 2016 and later expanded and amended through federal legislation. Its responsibilities include coordinating anniversary plans with government agencies, nonprofit partners and outside stakeholders. The commission’s work is scheduled to continue through December 31, 2027, after the main anniversary year.