Today, Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order launching the Governor’s Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to honor a quarter millennium of the United States of America marked by the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The task force, led by Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, will plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The task force will recognize Iowa’s integral role in American history and the impact of Iowans on the country’s past, present, and future.
“I am honored to officially sign an executive order launching Iowa’s Task Force Celebrating 250,” Governor Reynolds said. “Ever since President Donald Trump visited the Iowa State Fairgrounds to kick off the 250th celebration, my administration has been working to coordinate our own year-long celebration. I look forward to showcasing the incredible contributions Iowans have made throughout our nation’s history.”
“Iowa has a prominent place in American history more than deserving of displaying for our country’s 250th birthday,” Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer said. “I want to thank Governor Reynolds for appointing me to lead this task force with the goal of acknowledging Iowa’s impact on American excellence over the years.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead Iowa’s America 250 Task Force and showcase our agricultural heritage,” Secretary Mike Naig said. “America 250 is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the people who have and continue to make our nation exceptional, as well as the values that built this country – faith, family and freedom. I look forward to working with partners across the state to highlight Iowa’s important contributions to our nation’s history over the last 250 years.”
Governor Reynolds has appointed 21 Iowans to serve as members on the Task Force Celebrating 250. They are as follows:
- Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer
- Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig
- Secretary of State Paul Pate
- Department of Administrative Services Director Mark Campbell
- Department of Management Director Kraig Paulsen
- Department of Economic Development and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham
- Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow
- Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon
- Iowa National Guard Major General Stephen Osborn
- Department of Veterans Affairs Director Todd Jacobus
- Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons
- Member selected by the Iowa Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
- Member selected by the Iowa Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
- The FAMiLY Leader President and CEO Bob Vander Plaats
- RMA Armament Founder and CEO Blake Waldrop
- Stellar Industries President and CEO Dave Zrostlik
- Cambrex (Charles City) President Joe Nettleton
The remaining four ex officio members of the task force will include one Republican and one Democrat from both the Iowa House and Senate appointed by their respective leaders.
The task force will issue a final report no later than 120 days after the issuance of the executive order.