COLUMBUS, OH — On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will commemorate the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of its founding, and Derrick Clay, Senior Vice President of Shumaker Advisors, will support Ohio’s contribution to the national America250 initiative as a member of the Travel, Tourism & Economic Development Committee (the Committee) for America250 Ohio. The Committee will focus on travel and tourism initiatives leading up to America250 from Ohio’s perspective and will work with national, state, and local tourism organizations to ensure that Ohio’s travel and tourism efforts are cohesive, strategic, effective, and sufficiently resourced to strengthen this industry.
“We are delighted that Derrick is joining the Travel, Tourism & Economic Development Committee for America250 Ohio,” said Doug Preisse, co-chairman of the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial. “Derrick brings with him a depth of knowledge about our state, and his experience in public affairs, economic development, and cultural initiatives will help us prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary.”
America250 is a multiyear effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States that is being led at the national level by the non-partisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress, and its supporting nonprofit, the America250 Foundation. The mission of America250 is to catalyze a more perfect union by designing and leading the most comprehensive and inclusive celebration in our country’s history.
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.
On March 1, 2022, Governor DeWine announced appointments to the Ohio Commission (the Commission) for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, which will lead Ohio’s commemorative work. The Commission serves as Ohio’s contribution to the national America250 initiative. The America250 Foundation’s mission is to commemorate our 250th anniversary with inclusive programs that inspire Americans to renew and strengthen our daring experiment in democracy while igniting our imaginations, elevating our diverse stories, inspiring service in our communities, and demonstrating the lasting durability of the American project.
“I am honored to serve on the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial! This celebration is a very important part of our nation’s history,” said Derrick. “The work we do over the next several months will ensure that the history of the United States of America and the State of Ohio is preserved for generations to come.”
As Senior Vice President of Shumaker Advisors, Derrick’s leadership skills and strong public policy background make him an effective and efficient advocate when assisting clients with government and regulatory affairs. Drawing from his combined experience working with legislative and regulatory matters, Derrick guides his clients through the complexities of the social, economic, and political landscape of government.