International Soap Box Derby names Ohio native Scott Taylor as CEO, president

Bryce Buyakie, Akron Beacon Journal
Updated ·2 min read

The International Soap Box Derby named 37-year nonprofit veteran Scott Taylor as its next president and chief executive officer Tuesday, according to an ISBD press release.

Currently the executive director of the community-focused Portage Foundation, Taylor will start his new job Aug. 21.

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"I am looking forward to working with the board, staff and volunteers to help grow the racing and education programs of and participation in the Soap Box Derby throughout the country and, of course, in Akron at the world championship," he said in a press release.

The announcement comes during a week full of events culminating Saturday with the 85th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championships at the Derby Downs Track in Akron.

What to know about Scott Taylor

Scott Taylor has been named the next president and CEO of the International Soap Box Derby.
Scott Taylor has been named the next president and CEO of the International Soap Box Derby.

Born in Wintersville, Taylor began his career on the opposite end of Ohio in Tiffin. There he was the program director of the city's YMCA in 1986 before moving to other nonprofits throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York for the next 25 years.

Among those moves was to the Akron Area YMCA, where he was the executive director of the Firestone Park branch from 2003 to 2007 and the old Canal Square branch from 2006 to 2010, according to a press release.

Following his time at Canal Square, he became a district executive. In charge of three YMCA branches, he also managed the Kohl Family YMCA connected to Summa Health.

In 2011, he left Akron for New York, Lake County in Ohio and then Youngstown. Almost a decade later in 2022, he joined the Portage Foundation.

Today, Taylor and his family live in Tallmadge.

“The Soap Box Derby is thrilled that Scott Taylor is joining our organization,” Soap Box Derby Board Chair Bret Treier said. “His record of leadership roles in operations, fund-raising and volunteer efforts focusing on youth is a perfect fit for the Soap Box Derby mission to build knowledge, leadership skills and character among the boys and girls who participate in our racing programs.”

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: International Soap Box Derby names Ohio native as CEO, president