“Echoes of Success” was announced as the theme of the 2017 Rose Parade by newly named 2016-17 Tournament of Roses President Brad Ratliff late Thursday.
“ ‘Echoes of Success’ celebrates those people, organizations and institutions that play a part in the stories of the success of others,” Ratliff said in a statement.
“Success cannot be achieved alone. It takes the support, dedication, compassion and love of many others to help in finding that satisfaction of success. Family, friends and teachers contribute selflessly and tirelessly to the success of many. These influences in our lives, these people of selfless commitment, these echoes of success make us who we are.”
Ratliff will oversee the 128th Rose Parade, which will be held Jan. 2 because of the Tournament’s “Never on Sunday” policy, which requires the parade to be held on Jan. 2 when New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday. He also will oversee the 103rd Rose Bowl Game.
Ratliff has been a Tournament volunteer since 1988 and was appointed a chairman in 2004 and a director in 2007. Ratliff has served on and chaired various committees including Equestrian, Queen & Court and Services & Properties. He was elected to the Executive Committee in 2009.
Professionally, Ratliff is a member of the executive management team for Inline Distributing Co. headquartered in Sylmar.
Ratliff is a third-generation Pasadenan and a UCLA graduate. He and his wife, Susan, reside in La Cañada Flintridge and have two adult children, Christen and Sarah. He enjoys spending time with Susan, waterskiing, reading, running and hiking.
The Tournament commitment also runs in the family as Ratliff’s father, Dick E. Ratliff, served as Tournament president in 1999.
The Tournament Board of Directors also elected Ed Morales, a Tournament volunteer since 1992, to the Executive Committee. He will serve as the Tournament of Roses Association’s president and oversee the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game in 2024.
