Mike Matthiessen Elected President of 2016 Tournament of Roses; Reveals Parade Theme

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Board of Directors confirmed Mike Matthiessen as president for the 2015-2016 Tournament year in a ceremony tonight. Matthiessen will provide leadership for the 127th Rose Parade presented by Honda and the 102nd Rose Bowl Game® presented by Northwestern Mutual on Friday, January 1, 2016.

Matthiessen announced “Find Your Adventure” as the theme for the 127th Rose Parade. “This theme has grown out of a unique relationship between the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and the U.S. National Park Service. The 2016 Rose Parade will help shine light on the centennial celebration of our nation’s national parks,” shared Matthiessen. “As proponents of the American spirit, we encourage people to find beauty in the landscape that builds the backdrop of their lives. From coast-to-coast, we will add stories of adventure to our collection while protecting our unique heritage and looking to the future.”

Matthiessen has been a volunteer member of the Tournament of Roses since 1979 and was appointed a Tournament Chairman in 2000 and a Tournament Director in 2003. Throughout his extensive Tournament career, Matthiessen has served on and chaired several Tournament of Roses committees including Communications & Credentials, Coronation/VIP Tailgate, Decorating Places and Parade Operations. He was elected to the Executive Committee in 2008.

Professionally, Matthiessen is the general manager for Space Bank, Ltd. in Pasadena. In addition to his many years of service for the Tournament of Roses, Matthiessen is the past president of the Pasadena Optimist Club and a former board member of Foothill Vocational Opportunities and the San Marino Tennis Foundation. He is also a past member of the Pasadena Jaycees, Boys’ Club Advisory Council, Pasadena Kiwanis Club and the South El Monte Rotary Club. Prior to joining the Tournament, he participated as a float observer in the 1967 Rose Parade and a float driver in the 1969 Parade.

Matthiessen was born in Pasadena and attended Pasadena City College and San Diego State University. He and his wife, Ann, have three adult children, Lisa, Jennie and Greg. His interests include tennis, golf, reading, gardening, bike riding and watching sports on television.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade, the Rose Bowl Game® and a variety of associated events. The Tournament’s 935 volunteer members act as ambassadors of the organization within the community and serve on one of 31 committees that ensure the success of the parade and game. Collectively, they contribute upwards of 80,000 hours of manpower each year. The 127th Rose Parade presented by Honda and themed “Find Your Adventure” will take place Friday, January 1, 2016, followed by the 102nd Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual. For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.