11/11/2025
An exciting announcement from the Board of Directors!
SOAP BOX DERBY NAMES DENNIS VANFOSSEN JR. AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AKRON, Ohio (November 11, 2025) – The board of directors of International Soap Box Derby, Inc. (the “Soap Box Derby”) has appointed Dennis VanFossen Jr. as its chief executive officer effective immediately. He has been serving as interim executive director since mid-June.
“In his role as interim executive director, Dennis VanFossen has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to the mission of the Soap Box Derby," said Jill A. Kolesar, chair of the board of directors. "The board has been extremely pleased with his performance and the positive momentum he has helped create. We are confident that under Dennis's continued leadership, the organization will build on this success and ensure a bright future for the Soap Box Derby."
Kolesar said that all staff departments will report to VanFossen, who will be responsible for overseeing operations of the organization’s youth racing and education programs, as well as relationships with volunteers, sponsors, donors and community leaders, and for fundraising.
Local Soap Box Derby racing in more than 80 communities throughout the United States and several foreign countries will send champions to Akron for a week of activities leading up to the 88th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby world championship at Derby Downs on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
VanFossen competed in the Akron local Soap Box Derby from 2001 through 2010 and was the Rally Super Stock world champion at the 2007 All-American Soap Box Derby. He later raced for three years in the Ultimate Speed competition.
While a student at the University of Akron, he was a member of the events management staff at Derby Downs in 2013 and 2014 and is an alum of the Disney College Program. He previously served as a member of the Soap Box Derby’s board of directors from 2020 until being named interim executive director in June.
VanFossen earned a bachelor of science degree in sports studies from the University of Akron. He later served as executive manager of events at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, and as an independent sales consultant in recent years. He lives in Canton.
About the Soap Box Derby
The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculums, and other community-focused activities. The Derby’s Core Values and Drivers include Youth Education and Leadership Development; Family Engagement and Enrichment; Honesty, Integrity, and Perseverance; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Teamwork and Collaboration; Mentoring; Volunteerism; and Commitment to Community. The Derby’s two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby dates back to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit www.soapboxderby.org
