As political VIPs took center stage at the Jan. 20 inauguration, former San Diegan Tim Mitrovich played an important role, as he has in past presidential inaugurals. This year, as in 2017, he was “chute manager” of the U.S. Senate/Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. His responsibility was a weighty one — making sure the names, identifications and information were correct for former presidents and first ladies, key members of the House and Senate, VIPs, speakers and performers — as they filed into the ceremony. Plus, he was tasked with ensuring that the event ran on time. As U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and Jill Biden walk under the U.S. Capitol inauguration curtain on Jan. 20, 2021, Chute Manager Tim Mitrovich, wearing a face mask, is visible at the far right.