Ron Rodriguez is a proud 31-year member of the Tournament of Roses and a lifelong advocate for community service. Born and raised in El Monte, California, Ron is one of six children from a close-knit Mexican family who instilled in him the values of faith, hard work and doing the right thing. He met his wife while attending Bishop Amat High School in the early 1970s, and the two were married in 1976. They now live in Arcadia, near their two adult children and four grandchildren, and cherish the tradition of weekly Sunday dinners that has brought their family together for more than 25 years.
Ron’s journey with the Tournament of Roses began in 1995, when a fellow volunteer encouraged him to sign up. At the time, Ron was already deeply involved in youth programs, including coaching Little League, AYSO, the YMCA and serving as a Cub Scout leader. What began as a volunteer opportunity quickly grew into decades of meaningful friendships and service. Ron often reflects that it is difficult to imagine who he would be today without the opportunities and sense of community the Tournament has provided.
Professionally, Ron dedicated more than 45 years to Engineering and Construction Management, supervising emergency response teams and managing large-scale infrastructure projects such as bridges, tunnels, dams and pipelines. He recently retired from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, noting that his work there mirrored many of the same values he found at the Tournament — teamwork, service and being part of something greater than oneself.
As a Director Chair, Ron currently leads the Queen and Court Committee. Working alongside a dedicated committee to select seven outstanding young women to represent the Tournament has been one of his most meaningful accomplishments. He proudly describes the Rose Court as a reflection of the Tournament’s diverse community and its future leaders.
Throughout Ron’s time with the association, he has volunteered on numerous committees, including Student Ambassadors, Music, Heritage and Executive At-Large. One of his most cherished memories is traveling to Panama with past President Ed Morales and witnessing firsthand the global impact of the Rose Parade. Seeing students visit Pasadena for the first time — and their joy upon receiving a pin, poster or even a simple handshake—remains unforgettable.
As Ron looks back on his 31 years with the Tournament of Roses, what he treasures most is the family atmosphere, lasting friendships and the shared commitment to serving the community first. From standing overnight at Orange Grove Boulevard and Del Rosa Drive awaiting sunrise on Parade Day to working alongside fellow volunteers and staff, Ron’s story is one of dedication, service and heart.
