The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) congratulates Daniel DiLella and Frank Giordano for their appointments as Chair and Executive Director of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, respectively, in Spring 2018. The U.S. Semiquincentennial will celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence and the founding of the United States of America. It will be celebrated in 2026.

In April 2018, DiLella, CEO and President of Equus, a leading private-equity real-estate fund, and former NIAF board member and current supporter, was appointed Chairperson of the Commission by the U.S. Senate, to lead the 32-member body comprised of members of Congress, private citizens and federal officials.

In May 2018, DiLella named Giordano as the Commission’s Executive Director. Giordano is NIAF’s Executive Vice President for National Membership and is also the Chief Executive Officer for The Philly POPS and the Atlantic Trailer Leasing Corporation in Philadelphia.

“On behalf of NIAF, we want to congratulate Daniel DiLella and Frank Giordano for being appointed to these extraordinary positions to serve our country in preparing for its 250th anniversary celebrations. Their leadership capabilities and expertise are impressive—the Semiquincentennial Commission is in excellent hands,” said NIAF Chair Gabriel A. Battista.

“We are so very pleased that two outstanding Italian Americans are at the helm of the Semiquincentennial Commission. Italian Americans have played important roles throughout the founding of our country with their service in the American Revolutionary War fighting for American independence. Philip Mazzei, a promoter of liberty, was a close friend and confidant of Thomas Jefferson and his words about freedom and independence were incorporated into the Declaration of Independence. Daniel DiLella and Frank Giordano will bring expertise, leadership skills and love of their heritage and our country to these positions,” said NIAF Chair Patricia de Stacy Harrison.

The Commission will observe and commemorate not only the American Revolution, but also the full history of the United States leading up to the 250th anniversary. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 directed the establishment of the Commission; the Commission’s official meetings will be held at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in the years leading up to 2026.

For more information about the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, please visit www.battlefields.org/america-250.