Libby Evans Wright Elected President of 2006 Tournament of Roses(R)

Libby Evans Wright Elected President of 2006 Tournament of Roses(R) Wright Announces It's Magical as Theme for 2006 Rose Parade PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- In a ceremony today, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association's Board of Directors confirmed Elizabeth Evans Wright as President for the 2005 - 2006 Tournament year. Wright will serve as the Tournament's first woman president in 2006, providing leadership for the 117th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2 and the 92nd Rose Bowl Game, hosting the BCS National Championship on Wednesday, January 4. President Wright revealed It's Magical as the theme for the 117th Rose Parade. "I chose It's Magical as the theme because it perfectly reflects the Parade experience," said Wright. "I often hear people try to describe the Tournament of Roses by talking about the amazing sights and sounds. But they usually sum it up with just two words -- 'It's Magical.'" Wright is proud of her position as president of the Tournament of Roses. "I am deeply honored and excited to be the first female president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses," she said. "It is a great privilege to represent our volunteers and staff in my capacity as Tournament of Roses President." "The creativity and talent that I see travel down Colorado Boulevard during the Rose Parade never ceases to amaze me, and it could not happen without the tireless efforts of our sponsors, volunteers and staff. When you see it all come together, quite simply, It's Magical," added Wright. Wright has the privilege of heading up a unique year for the Tournament of Roses -- with the Rose Parade being held on Monday, January 2 and the Rose Bowl Game hosting the National Championship on Wednesday, January 4. "I hope to make 2006 a landmark year for the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game," stated Wright. "We remain committed to delivering the most exciting and magical New Year's celebration with the Parade and Game and plan to feature even more entertainment at each event. We have a few new ideas in the works and I look forward to revealing them as the year progresses." Libby Evans Wright has been a member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association since 1979 and was elected to the Tournament of Roses Executive Committee in 1998. Throughout her extensive Tournament career, Wright has chaired various committees including Tournament Entries, Television and Radio, Business Development, Government and Community Affairs, Membership and the Budget and Finance Committee. She also served two years on the Tournament of Roses Foundation and has been at the helm of the Tournament's recent strategic planning process. Wright has more than 35 years of leadership experience in the private sector. From 1969 to 1983, she was Vice President and Division Manager of Security Pacific Bank and from 1983 to 1988, she was a Senior Vice President of Corporate Services for Methodist Hospital. From 1988 to 1993, she was Vice President of Product Management and Planning for the San Gabriel Valley Medical Center; from 1994 to 1996 she was Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles; and from 1996 to 1998 she was a consultant for the Southern California Healthcare System. She has served as a director for the United Way, San Gabriel Valley Medical Center Foundation, Methodist Hospital, pacific Clinics and The Wellness Center. She was a trustee for the San Marino Community Church, serves on the LAPD review board and is a member of the Women in Healthcare Administration and the American Marketing Association. In addition, she has been honored with the Woman of Distinction Award from Zonta of Pasadena, the YWCA Los Angeles Achievement Award and the YWCA Pasadena Business Woman of the Year award. Wright was born in Birmingham, Alabama and attended UCLA and University of Michigan Graduate School of Business. She and husband William H. Wright, MD, lived in San Marino, California for many years and now reside in Pasadena. In addition to her community involvements, she enjoys golf, travel and gardening. The 117th Rose Parade themed It's Magical will take place Monday, Jan. 2, 2006 at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands from throughout the nation. On Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 5 p.m. (PST), the 92nd Rose Bowl Game will host the BCS National Championship Game between the two top-ranked teams in the nation, showcasing the best of collegiate football. For additional information on Tournament of Roses activities please visit the official Tournament of Roses website at www.tournamentofroses.com. Source: Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association CONTACT: Caryn Eaves or Adria DeBaca, Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, +1-626-449-4100; or Erica Amestoy, Hill and Knowlton, Inc., +1-949-223-2300, for Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association Web site: http://www.tournamentofroses.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment