Bill’s journey in the world of entertainment is as remarkable as it is varied. He is a creative director, two-time Emmy Award-winning songwriter, playwright, author, event host, guest lecturer, and keynote speaker. Each role he undertakes is infused with his unique blend of creativity and passion.

Bill has established himself as a creative force behind some of the most acclaimed live and televised events in the United States. His extensive experience as a Creative Director includes past projects such as the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the dazzling Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular and large-scale celebrations and commemorations that combined 18th century traditions with a present day sensibility for Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum. Currently, Bill brings his event expertise and patriotic spirit to the semiquincentennial events of the Commonwealth of Virginia as we travel the road to July 4, 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

In a fitting twist of fate, Bill was born on the 4th of July, a date that resonates with the patriotic spirit and celebratory essence that he brings to his work. His career is a testament to his dedication and creativity, making him a distinguished figure in the realm of live entertainment and beyond.

As VP/Creative Director for Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group, Bill is proud of a thirty-four year career bringing joy to millions. From initial ‘blue-sky’ concept through the on-air telecast, Bill brought his creative vision to Macy’s signature events, including the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks. Bill developed original material for a wide range of performers, including Julie Andrews, Walter Cronkite, Whoopi Goldberg, Idina Menzel, Kermit The Frog and the Texas State University Strutters, collaborating with composers Michael Feinstein, Stephen Flaherty, Andrew Lippa, Matthew Sklar and more. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for the song “Yes Virginia (There’s A Santa Claus)” with composer Wesley Whatley and a second Daytime Emmy Award for “(Won’t You) Join Our Parade” with composer Doug Katsaros. He received “Outstanding Original Song” Daytime Emmy nominations for the Christmas song “I Believe” (Wesley Whatley, music) and “Jolly Dream Pirates” (Michael Feinstein, music).

Past projects include a musical adaptation of “Miracle on 34th Street” (Wesley Whatley, music) and the Carnegie Hall premiere of “American River Suite,” a five-piece musical tone poem, with music by Stephen Flaherty. The Americana revue “Free to Dream: The Songs of Katsaros & Schermerhorn” premiered at Joe’s Pub and performed at the Kimball Theatre in Williamsburg, Virginia. “My Gift of Thanks,” a program of Bill’s holiday songs, was presented at Feinstein’s at The Loews Regency to benefit The Actors Fund. One of Bill’s proudest moments was being invited to write “And That’s The Way It Is” (Michael Feinstein, music) for legendary newsman Walter Cronkite’s memorial service at Lincoln Center. That song can be heard in the documentary “One PM Central Standard Time.” Macy’s “Yes, Virginia The Musical” (Wesley Whatley, music), first created as a holiday show for Macy’s Puppet Theatre, had its concert debut with The Cincinnati Pops in 2013; a royalty-free school production was performed by numerous elementary and middle school students throughout the country and was the recipient of a Gold and Silver Lion at the 2013 Cannes International Festival of Creativity and a Gold CLIO Award; a full-length musical version was presented at Twin City Stage in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Additional projects include “Central Park & Other Dreams” (Matthew Sklar, music), a song cycle that premiered at Feinstein’s/54 Below in May 2017 and “The Hope of Christmas,” a recording of Bill’s Christmas songs (with composers Ann Hampton Callaway, Michael Feinstein and Matthew Sklar, among others) interpreted by Ann Hampton Callaway and an outstanding array of jazz musicians, and released on the MCG Jazz label (2015). A vinyl edition was released in 2016. In Spring 2017, Bill was an Artist-in-Residence at William & Mary’s Theater Department, which presented his WWII musical “Swing Wings” (book & lyrics by Schermerhorn, music by Milton Delugg & Mary Ehlinger) in a workshop production. The musical was previously presented in a staged reading at Manhattan’s York Theatre.

Bill’s latest theatrical endeavors include the new play “Snowfall in Eden,” a William & Mary workshop production of “MADam LUCY, deceased” (music by Elise Morris) and “Haunted,” a spirited musical set in the Scottish Highlands (music by Doug Katsaros).

In spring 2023, he was commissioned by Essential Voices USA to provide a poem for “Illumination,” a new choral composition with music by Pierre Jalbert (Christmas Joy/Albany Records) and text for “Listen to The World,” with music by Judith Clurman and arrangement by David Chase, available on the Parma album “Listen to the World” released in April 2025. Another new choral work, “Hymn for the Earth” with words by Schermerhorn and music by Matthew Sklar, is included on that Essential Voices USA recording.

Bill is also the author of “The Magical American Revolutionary Society: The Secret History” (The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Published 2017).