Gerald Freeny (’83), Co-Chair
Past President, Tournament of Roses Parade Association
Gerald Freeny has had a nearly three-decade career in law enforcement and serves in several leadership positions in the field, including the San Gabriel chapter of NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives), where he serves as president, the Pasadena Police Foundation Board, and the Pasadena Police Citizens Academy. He is involved in many other community groups, including the Pasadena Rose Bowl Aquatics Board, Pasadena YMCA Board, Black Support Group and Alumni Mentoring at Cal State LA, Urban League Board of Governors, United Way Fundraising Committee, and Pasadena NAACP. Freeny is a member of both the Kappa Alpha Psi and Gamma Zeta Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi fraternities. Gerald earned his bachelor's degree of science in business administration and finance from Cal State LA in 1983.
In his role as the 2019 President, Freeny provided leadership for the 130th Rose Parade and the 105th Rose Bowl Game. He has been a volunteer member of the Tournament of Roses Association since 1988 and was the first African American to serve as president. Freeny chose “The Melody of Life” as the Pasadena Tournament of Roses theme to encourage creativity in float entries, marching bands and equestrian participants. The 2019 theme celebrated music as the universal language. Music has the power to bring us together and inspire us to be our greater selves. He has been a member of the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation since 2016 and also serves on the foundation’s Museum Committee.