Celebrating Heritage: Joe Moglia Named Grand Marshal for Columbus Day Parade 2025

Columbus Citizens Foundation Names Joe Moglia as Grand Marshal for 2025 Columbus Day Parade

The Columbus Citizens Foundation has officially named Joe Moglia, a distinguished business executive and former Head Football Coach, as the Grand Marshal for the upcoming 81st Annual Columbus Day Parade. This prestigious event will take place on Monday, October 13, 2025, and will see Moglia leading the procession along Fifth Avenue in New York City, a celebration of Italian-American heritage.

Joe Moglia has an impressive background, having served as the CEO and Chairman of TD Ameritrade and as the Head Football Coach at Coastal Carolina University. His career success spans over two decades in the business sector and a remarkable coaching tenure that includes multiple championship wins. Moglia transitioned from coaching to business after 16 years on the field, starting with the MBA Training Program at Merrill Lynch where he quickly rose to become the top producer. In 2001, he took the helm at TD Ameritrade, and under his leadership, the company's net worth skyrocketed from $700 million to a staggering $24 billion.

In addition to his business achievements, Moglia returned to coaching in 2012, leading Coastal Carolina to the National Playoffs five consecutive years. His overall coaching record stands at an impressive 56-22, earning him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year award. He has recently been recognized in 2023 with the renaming of Fordham University's football and soccer field to Moglia Stadium.

Christopher Loiacono, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, spoke highly of Moglia's dual accomplishments in both business and sports, saying, "His unparalleled success is a testament to his work ethic. We are honored to have him lead this year's parade and celebrate his Italian-American heritage."

Moglia expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating, "As a New Yorker and Italian-American, it fills me with pride to celebrate our rich heritage and the contributions of those who shaped our city and nation."

The Columbus Day Parade is recognized as the largest celebration of Italian-American culture in the United States. This year, the parade will begin at 11:30 a.m., featuring various marching bands, floats, and over 100 participating groups from across the country and Italy. The festivities will be broadcast live on ABC-7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The tradition of the Columbus Day Parade dates back to 1929 when Generoso Pope led a group of Italian Americans from East Harlem to Columbus Circle. The event was formalized as an official celebration of Italian heritage in 1944, marking this year’s 81st anniversary of the parade.

Apart from the parade, the Columbus Citizens Foundation is also organizing a Gala on October 11 to raise scholarship funds, and a Wreath-Laying ceremony on October 12 to honor civil servants and first responders who contribute to the community's safety.

Last year's Grand Marshal was Michael Strianese, CEO of L3 Technologies, followed by a list of illustrious past honorees including luminaries like Sophia Loren, Frank Sinatra, and Joe DiMaggio.

The Columbus Citizens Foundation was formed as a non-profit organization in New York City, devoted to promoting Italian-American heritage. Through various philanthropic efforts, the foundation aims to help deserving Italian-American students with scholarship and grant programs. They play a vital role in organizing New York City’s Columbus Celebration and the parade that has highlighted Italian-American culture since 1929.