Tuesday, October 15, 2024
1:00pm-3:00pm
Todd Kleismit - Celebrating Ohio at the Nation's 250th
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Along with the National Semiquincentennial Commission established by Congress, each state has been charged with forming a commission to design a celebration that reflects its unique character and contributions to the nation over the last 250+ years. The America 250-Ohio Commission is leading Ohio's efforts to commemorate this significant milestone and is rolling out numerous programs, activities, and events now through 2026. Programs include the 4th Grade History Pass, Trails & Tales statewide driving tours, America 250-Ohio Communities, Ohio Goes to the Movies, monthly celebration themes for 2026, and many more! Come learn how you, your community, employer, neighborhood, and family can get involved.
About Todd Kleismit
Todd Kleismit was appointed as the executive director of the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (America 250-Ohio) in March of 2022. America 250-Ohio Commission is charged with leading Ohio’s participation in the nation’s 250th anniversary, which culminates on July 4, 2026. Prior to becoming the Commission’s director, Todd worked for 17 years as the director of community and government relations for the Ohio History Connection. Todd has decades of experience in the public, nonprofit and private sectors that includes roles with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, the Office of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, the Ohio Senate, and he helped create what is now the Greater Ohio Policy Center. Todd is a native of Dayton, Ohio, and spent four years in the U.S. Army as a photojournalist out of high school. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Following his time in the military, Todd returned to Ohio where he earned a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and later a master’s degree in Public Administration from Ohio University. He served a term on the Bowling Green City Council while a student. Todd currently serves on the board of the Ohioana Library and remains active with Leadership Ohio (class of 2013) where he served three years as its board president. Todd lives in Columbus with his wife, Lisa, and their daughter, Grace.