Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan announces 2027 theme

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Association's newly installed President Terry Madigan (pictured right) has announced the 2027 theme, "Welcome." The theme celebrates the simple joy of belonging—that feeling that you're always welcome, no matter who or where you are. It's the warmth of family—whether related or chosen, the love of good friends, and the© Pasadena Tournament of Roses welcoming embrace of community.

The Tournament of Roses' Board of Directors confirmed Madigan as President and Chairman of the Board for the 2027 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, providing leadership for the 138th Rose Parade presented by Honda and 113th Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential on Friday, January 1, 2027.

Madigan has served as a volunteer Member of the Association since 1993 and was appointed a Tournament of Roses Chair in 2010 and a Director in 2013. During his many years of service, he has led the Host, Judging, Parade Operations, and Special Events Committees. He has also served as Vice Chair for Float Entries and Post Parade, and as a committee member on Community Relations, Decorating Places, Equestrian, Formation, Parade Operations, Post Parade and TV/Radio.

In addition to his Tournament of Roses involvement, Madigan serves as a member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer for the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center.

Professionally, Madigan is a Certified Personal Chef and owner of Just No Thyme, a personal chef service serving Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Before turning his passion for cooking into a full-time career, he had a career in marketing and communications.

© Pasadena Tournament of Roses

A sixth-generation Californian, Madigan grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. While attending South Pasadena High School, he twice drove the City of South Pasadena's float in the Rose Parade, an experience that deepened his lifelong connection to the event. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and journalism from the University of Southern California and later received a Diplôme in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts from the California School of Culinary Arts.

Madigan resides in South Pasadena with his husband, Kevin Sommerfield.

2026-2027 Tournament of Roses leadership announcements
The Tournament of Roses also announced the 2026-2027 leadership and organizational structure.

The Executive Committee elected Brian James to serve as the Association's President in 2034. He has been a volunteer Member since 1993 and will provide leadership for the 145th Rose Parade® and 120th Rose Bowl Game® on January 1, 2034.

For more than 30 years, Brian has dedicated his time and leadership to the Tournament of Roses, contributing institutional knowledge to America's New Year's Celebration. During his leadership tenure, he has Chaired Community Relations, Membership Services, Services & Properties, Special Events and most recently, the Post Parade Committee.

Brian has a lifelong connection to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses that began in early childhood, watching his father and godfather skillfully navigate floats down Colorado Boulevard. His personal journey with the organization continued with Pasadena High School, marching the 5 ½ miles as a sousaphone player in the last self-contained Pasadena Unified School District high school band to march in the Parade (1977), and later riding his horses as a proud member of The New Buffalo Soldiers.

Recently retired from a distinguished career as a secondary school administrator, Brian is transitioning into a new role as an adjunct professor at a local college, continuing his commitment to education and mentorship.

He earned a B.A. from the University of Southern California, J. D. from Southwestern University School of Law and Ed.D. from Bradley University. Brian is supported by his wife, Bridget, and their blended family of seven adult children.

In addition, the following officers were elected to serve with James on the 14-member Executive Committee: Pam Knapp, Executive Vice President; Craig Washington, Treasurer and Jason Melillo, Secretary. Mark Leavens, President of the 2026 Tournament of Roses, serves as Immediate Past President. Re-elected to the Executive Committee as Vice Presidents are Ruth Martinez-Baenen, Greg Custer and Jim Ciampa.

Five Directors/Members are elected to the Executive Committee, each serving a two-year term. This year, we express our gratitude to the outgoing Director/Members— Rafael Sanchez III and Charlotte Bland —for their dedication and contributions to the Association. Continuing into their second year of service, Susan Marasco, Nanette Fish and Quinn Tang will be joined by newly elected Director/Members Robert Lowe and Katherine Hunter-Blyden.

Madigan also announced the election of new Members to the Tournament of Roses Board of Directors: Lily Harada, Krysty Leckrone and Kevin Walsh.