The board of directors of International Soap Box Derby, Inc. has appointed Dennis VanFossen Jr., as its chief executive officer effective immediately.

He has been serving as interim executive director since mid-June.

Soap Box Derby Board Chair, Jill A. Kolesar, says Van Fossen has demonstrated “exceptional leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to their mission” in his role as interim director.“

All staff departments will report to VanFossen, who will be responsible for overseeing operations of the organization’syouth 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, who lives in Canton, 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.

Dennis Von Fossen-Soap Box Derby