The richest person in Alabama will have a role in how America celebrates its 250th birthday after U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., appointed Jimmy Rane to the semiquincentennial commission.

Rane, the founder and chairman of Abbeville-based Great Southern Wood Preserving who is worth $1.5 billion, according to Forbes, will sit on the commission created by Congress in 2016.

Known as the “Yella Fella” from his company’s commercials, Rane is Alabama’s only billionaire.

Efforts to reach Rane were not immediately successful.

His appointment was announced Tuesday on the House floor.

According to the commission’s website, the body will commemorate and celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026 “with inclusive programs that inspire Americans to renew and strengthen our daring experiment in democracy.”

Rane’s appointment was praised by Republican members of Alabama’s congressional delegation.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., noted Rane — an Auburn University trustee and a champion of his alma mater’s athletic programs — “embodies the type of entrepreneurial spirit, civic leadership, and patriotism that fuel the American story we’ll celebrate on our nation’s 250th birthday.”

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, said he looks “forward to serving with [Rane] and the other members as we work toward celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, referenced Rane’s Auburn connection with a War Eagle hashtag in his tweet on the appointment.

“Congrats to a dear friend and a leader in the state of Alabama!” Rogers said.

Rane has made occasional political donations to federal officeholders, candidates and organizations, including $20,000 to Johnson’s leadership PAC in February.