News Article

Soap Box Derby Re-Elects Officers, Directors and Adds New Member

AKRON (Dec. 14, 2022) Directors of International Soap Box Derby, Inc. (ISBD) re-elected directors whose terms expired in 2022 and elected a new board member at the organization’s recent annual meeting.

Board members who were re-elected to another three-year terms are:

  • Rob Gerberry, senior vice president and general counsel, Summa Health Systems
  • Jay Griffith, executive vice president, Welty Building Company
  • Jesse Hurst, president, Impel Wealth Management
  • Bethany Lawrence, senior associate, Apple Growth Partners
  • Dennis VanFossen, Jr., direct sales representative, Safe Step Walk-In Tub

Joining the board of directors for her three-year term is Jill Kolesar, a founder and chief client officer at Mobile Health Consumer, Inc. Kolesar is a dedicated International Soap Box Derby volunteer and is the current treasurer of the Greater Ohio Area SuperKids Classic. She has also volunteered for many community organizations including The Girl Scouts of the USA and The Boy Scouts of America. Her passion is in working with organizations that benefit the lives of children. Kolesar resides in Green, Ohio with her husband, Scott and daughters, Emily and Sarah who are also active in Soap Box Derby racing and volunteering.

Continuing as officers of the organization are:

  • Chair:  Bret Treier, managing partner of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
  • Vice chair:  Nathan Sargent, attorney, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
  • Treasurer:  Ollie Pannell, director of State regulatory compliance, FirstEnergy
  • Secretary: Patricia Roy, director of human resources and development, Child Guidance & Family Solutions

Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer of ISBD, said, “We are pleased to have such talented individuals willing to serve in furthering the mission of the International Soap Box Derby.”

There currently are [15] members on the ISBD board of directors.

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. Visit www.soapboxderby.org for more information.

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