College football is undergoing one of the most dramatic transformations in its history—from sweeping conference realignment to the expanded College Football Playoff, which is redefining how champions are crowned and where iconic games like the Rose Bowl Game fit into the national spotlight. Once defined by its historic Big Ten vs. Pac-12 tradition, the Rose Bowl now plays a pivotal role as a playoff quarterfinal or semifinal, blending legacy with the future of the sport.
Join us for an inside look at this evolution with Kevin Ash, a cornerstone of the game’s leadership for decades, who has guided operations and strategy since 1998 and helped shape its role on the global stage through experiences with the Olympics and World Cup. His perspective from behind the scenes of “The Granddaddy of Them All” promises an exciting, insider’s view into the forces transforming college football—and why the Rose Bowl Game remains at the heart of it all.
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Kevin has spent his professional career working in collegiate and international amateur sports management. In May 2026, Kevin transitioned from his full-time role to a contractor position. In this capacity, he continues to support both the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl Game, helping ensure continuity across key operational areas, stakeholder relationships, and strategic initiatives.
Kevin began as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Rose Bowl Game in 1998.
He has also served in similar roles with FIFA World Cup 94, the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, and thirteen years at the University of Southern California managing their athletic ticketing and game management program.
Kevin is a graduate of the University of Southern California, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism/Sports Information. While at USC, Kevin played men’s volleyball, and was a member of the 1977 national championship team.
Kevin is married to Kathleen Ash, who is the Associate Vice President for Development at Loyola Marymount University. Kevin and Kathy have two adult children, Hilary and Connor.