Rosie Rios has chaired the United States Semiquincentennial Commission since July 2022. The commission is the bipartisan body Congress created to promote and coordinate the United States Semiquincentennial, widely branded as America250.
Rios was appointed to the commission on January 11, 2018, before becoming chair several years later. She previously served as Treasurer of the United States during the Obama administration and became the first Latina to hold that position.
Rios replaced Daniel DiLella as chair. DiLella remained a commissioner after leaving the chairmanship, while Joe Daniels served as the commission’s chief executive officer before resigning in 2022. These leadership roles are sometimes confused because the commission works with a nonprofit foundation under the shared America250 identity.
The commission’s work covers national commemorations, educational programs, civic engagement, and partnerships connected to the anniversary year. Former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, along with former first ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, were announced as honorary national co-chairs in 2024.