When America Turns 250, Joe Daniels L’98 Will Be Leading the Observance

9/11 shook New Yorker Joe Daniels L’98 to his core. On his way to visit a client near the World Trade Center, he watched in disbelief as the Twin Towers, engulfed in flames, crumbled, taking nearly 3,000 lives.

It was a galvanizing moment for the country and for Daniels, launching him into what he calls “patriotic philanthropy.” Before long, he led the effort, as President and Chief Executive Officer, to build the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Following that multiyear project, Daniels served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas-based National Medal of Honor Museum, spearheading the effort to create the United States’ first-ever institution dedicated to preserving the legacies of the recipients of the country’s highest award for valor in combat.

And now, he’s poised to tackle another extremely challenging project: He’s been named President and CEO of the America250 Foundation. As such, he’s charged with organizing a rousing and meaningful commemoration in 2026 that, as the announcement of his appointment noted, will “unleash the American spirit” and “demonstrate the lasting durability” of America. Tall order.

But Daniels is confident he can pull it off, given his experience working with diverse stakeholders, bridging political differences, and overcoming logistical hurdles to erect a magnificent tribute to 9/11 in New York.

And Daniels has a master plan in mind for his new enterprise. He wants to create 50 state commissions, enlist federal agencies, and seek public input through town halls all over the country. He’s got four-and-a-half years and counting.

Based on our national motto, E Pluribus Unum, Out of Many One, we look at that as a mandate to make sure that in celebrating this historic milestone we reach everybody from every walk of life, every ethnic background, socioeconomic class, geography, and age, so that people see themselves in our country’s first 250 years. We have an aspiration to really connect with all aspects of our country. This is a time to have conversations that go way beyond fireworks.

For this commemoration to be successful, if you’re a citizen in Alaska or of a U.S. territory, we’re going to make sure that you feel a part of this. We’re not just honoring our founding, we’re really honoring and reflecting back on our first 250 years, and that includes all the incredible promise and progress.

What it means to be an American 250 years into this great experiment. This is an opportunity to step back and say that America was founded under some pretty incredible ideals. At this point in our history, we’re looking back at all the progress that has been made and recognizing that we still have more to go.

I call it patriotic philanthropy. As challenging as the 9/11 project was, or that this project will be, I really see it as a privilege to be able to contribute to, hopefully, part of the lasting legacy of the country.