AKRON, Ohio — A search is now underway to find the next CEO of the International Soap Box Derby as the organization in Akron revealed Monday that its current leader – Mark Gerberich – will resign from his post effective Feb. 24.
“The board of directors of the Soap Box Derby is grateful for Mark’s service and his significant contributions to the organization since he joined it in May 2017 – he has helped the Soap Box Derby achieve financial and operational stability and expand its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-based programming in elementary, middle and high schools” said Bret Treier, board chair.
The Soap Box Derby, which holds the annual championship at the iconic Derby Downs in Akron, dates back to 1934 when the first All-American race was held in Dayton.
This year’s championship event will be held in Akron on Saturday, July 22.
Back in 2011, the Soap Box Derby became the focus of an independent movie known as 25 Hill, which was written and directed by Corbin Bernsen.
Bernsen, who is known for his roles as Roger Dorn in Major League and Arnie Becker in LA Law, also starred in the movie alongside Timothy Omundson, Nathan Gamble, Bailee Madison and Maureen Flannigan.
You can watch the trailer for 25 Hill in the video below:
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Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on Jan. 11, 2023.