(Cheyenne, WY) – Governor Mark Gordon has announced the members of the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force. Created by Executive Order, the task force will make recommendations on the planning of projects, events and activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.
The Governor has named the following individuals to the Task Force:
Senator Wendy Schuler and Representative Sandy Newsome, Co-Chairmen, Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee
Justice Kari Gray, Wyoming Supreme Court
Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder (or designee)
Councilwoman Teresa His Chase, Northern Arapaho Business Council
Designee from Eastern Shoshone Business Council
Nick Neylon, Deputy Director, Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources
Diane Shober, Director, Wyoming Office of Tourism
Dr. Paul Flesher, Director, University of Wyoming American Heritage Center
Greg Blikre, Wyoming Community College Commission
Cindy Brown, President, Wyoming Historical Society Executive Committee
Kevin Voyles, Wyoming Arts Council Board of Directors
Joanna Kail, Chief Executive Officer, Wyoming PBS
Shawn Reese, Executive Director and CEO, Wyoming Humanities Council
Rebecca West, Executive Director, Buffalo Bill Center of the West
“I want to thank all those who expressed an interest in the planning to commemorate this important anniversary,” Governor Gordon said. “Wyoming is a patriotic state. This celebration is certain to reflect our enthusiasm for the fundamental values our country was founded on.”
The Task Force created by the Executive Order (EO) will prepare proposals for projects, events and activities that will occur as part of the celebration in 2026. There will be opportunities for the public to engage with the task force and provide suggestions as they develop their recommendations. The EO does not authorize the Task Force to expend or obligate funds, unless those funds are specifically appropriated by the Legislature in a future session.