Soap Box Derby

Dennis VanFossen Jr. is an experienced Marketing, Events, and Operations professional from Akron, Ohio, who resides in Canton, Ohio. Currently, he’s the Interim Executive Director of the International Soap Box Derby, where he will utilize his over 25 years of Derby Experience and knowledge to grow the Soap Box Derby into its 100th Anniversary.

Prior to this role, Dennis expanded his leadership, storytelling, and sales skills through roles as an Independent Sales Consultant and the Minister of Culture at a local brewery, where he shaped culture initiatives, marketing, and events programming.

Dennis’s deep expertise was honed during his tenure with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he created and sold high-profile private, public, and special events, activated sponsorships, developed relationships and cultivated Gold Jacket Relations.

Early in his career, he was a graduate of the University of Akron and gained training through his time at Walt Disney World in the Disney College Program. He continues to leverage his academic background, coupled with hands-on experience, to deliver engaging experiences, drive sales performance, and cultivate community relationships.