Richard Chinen, 2015 T of R President, photo courtesy Pasadena T of R, click to enlarge
Press Release posted 1/18/14 – In a ceremony on January 16th, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Association’s Board of Directors confirmed Richard L. Chinen as President for the 2014-2015 Tournament year. Chinen will provide leadership for the 126th Rose Parade and the 101st Rose Bowl Game®, which will host the first College Football semifinal, on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015.
Chinen revealed “Inspiring Stories” as the theme for the 126th Rose Parade. “The 2015 theme allows us to reflect on and appreciate the many people around us who elevate the human spirit by who they are, what they have done and what they continue to do,” said Chinen. “Inspiring Stories pays tribute to those who have loved unconditionally, persevered courageously, endured patiently and accomplished much on behalf of others. Whether for justice, for charity or for any other good, these stories stand out because they are about those who reach out beyond themselves with humility and resolve.”
Chinen has been a volunteer member of the Tournament of Roses Association since 1989 and was elected to the Executive Committee in 2007. Throughout his extensive Tournament career, Chinen has served on and chaired various committees including Alumni, Float Entries, Judging and Queen & Court.
In addition to Chinen’s many years of service with the Tournament of Roses, he currently is an Advisory Board Member for Elizabeth House. Chinen also is the past president of a number of local organizations including the Pasadena Bar Association, Pasadena Christian School and the Pasadena area chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also has served as a member of the Dean’s National Advisory Council for Fuller Theological Seminary School of Psychology and adjunct professor of law at Trinity Law School in the past. Professionally, Chinen is an attorney and partner at Palermo, Barbaro, Chinen & Pitzer, LLP.
Chinen was born in Tokyo and raised in Hawaii. He earned a degree in history and political science from the University of Hawaii, followed by a law degree from Southwestern Law School. He and his wife, Kimberly, have two adult daughters, Megan Oakes and Erin Pommer. Chinen currently resides in Pasadena.
Established in 1983, the Foundation is a tax exempt, non-profit public benefit corporation established to receive and manage contributions from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, its supporters, and the general public. The Foundation supports charities in the Pasadena area by funding sports and recreation, visual and performing arts, and volunteer motivation and leadership development. The thirteen member board of directors is comprised of community leaders and Tournament members, appointed by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. Organizations or individuals interested in making a contribution or requesting a grant application may contact the Foundation at (626) 449-4100 or visit our website at http://www.tournamentofroses.com/pasadena-tournament-of-roses/foundation .