PASD CREW
The Portland Adult Soap Box Derby happens with the effort of countless volunteers and charitable donations. As a 501(c)3, the Derby operates with an oversight board that dedicates time and energy to see the derby event become a reality. More hands make for lighter work; contact volunteer@soapboxracer.org to get involved in making this Portland event a reality.
Le' Board
Meet our fabulous board members! These talented individuals bring a wealth of experience and a sprinkle of fun to our team. They're not just leaders; they're innovators, dreamers, the occasional pun enthusiasts. ready to learn about the brilliant minds steering our ship— keeping things light and entertaining!
David Paulsen
President & Board Member
Hi, I'm David. I moved to Portland on my 17th birthday in 1999 running away from foster-care in Idaho and was a homeless youth. I was living in the Bridge House down on Hawthorne and just happened upon the Derby. I knew I had found my people. I've been spectating and racing and helping out ever since. I'm proud to be the new President and I'm focusing on bringing in scholarship teams and making Derby a sustainable, accessible and equitable event for our entire community. We're Portland's largest free single-day event and the whole team is volunteers. Thanks so much for all your support! We Love Derby!
Fundraising-Community Partners-Silliness
Nikki Phillips
Vice President & Board Member
Nikki works in renewable energy by day, and is a gamer/bookworm/crocheter by night. She's been a volunteer and lead for various charity events since 2018, and has been directly involved with PASD since 2022. Earning her MBA in 2024, she brings her nerdy self to the derby board to help manage year-round task items so race day can run without a hitch. She’s a part of the Portland Peaches race team that specializes in good vibes & smooth racing.
Bookish but Fastt
Ernesto Grundseth
Vendor Coordinator & Board Member
Ernesto Grundseth has been a gravity racer since 1997. His first time downhill on Mt. Tabor was in 2008 with a win the next year in 2009. His team, KISS, has been racing every year since and has created an Art car most recently. He has now joined the board and has taken a leadership role as the vice president. Ernesto is head of our volunteer committee working hard to organize the volunteers who are the backbone of this event. His goal is to make Derby an amazing and safe summer event on Mt. Tabor.
Vision-Direction-Suppor
Drew Flint
Fixer & Board Member
Re-writing the rules
Derby racer since 2000 AD, Drew has been a fixture on the hill for over two decades. As co-progenitor of the infamous Team Dung Beetle, and captain of the fastest, weirdest, and most beloved Art Cars to ever barrel down the mountain.
Drew brings deep expertise in event production, honed over years of managing large-scale festivals, outdoor installations, and community gatherings. As head of track operations and build-out, Drew ensures the course is not only safe and functional, but also infused with a sense of adventure and spectacle that defines the Derby experience.
From pre-dawn hammer swings to post-race repairs, Drew is the person you’ll find at every corner of the course—wrench in hand, radio crackling
Fixer of all the Things
Arron Foster
Treasurer & Board Member
Aaron Foster is a racer, competing in the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby since 2007, and applies his many years of sports car and kart racing experience to Soapbox racing. He founded Team Formula Gravity which won the Mt. Tabor race in 2012 and has finished in the top 3 several years. He serves as Treasurer for the Derby and is a founding member of the P.A.S.D. board. From track setup to safety inspections, Aaron supports Derby in many roles and loves the race with a passion, gathering history on the event which goes back to 1997. He enjoys the life-long friendships and camaraderie between teams, volunteers, sponsors, and community.
Beware of the Gold Rush
Stephanie Ladd
Volunteer Coordinator & Board Member
Stephi volunteered in 2022 and has been a part of the volunteer staff since! As a board member in a strong support role, she makes sure no detail is left behind. She loves creating lists and helping with all things on the non-racer side, including volunteer management, merch ordering, and other random tasks.
Task Assassin
Alex Streeter
Secretary & Board Member
Born and raised in Portland, I’ve always been drawn to the city’s vibrant and adventurous spirit. An enthusiastic participant in the PASD, eagerly embracing the fun and chaos of racing gravity-powered cars down Mt Tabor.
In 2023 I joined the PASD board, excited to continue and improve this quintessential Portland tradition. As a dedicated community activist, I am passionate about using these experiences to foster connection, encourage creativity, and promote positive change in the Portland area, all while celebrating the unique culture of the region.
The man himself
Super Volunteers
Meet our incredible super volunteers! They dedicate their time and energy to making a positive impact in our community. With their passion and commitment, they inspire others to get involved and help us achieve our mission. Join us in celebrating these amazing individuals who truly make difference!
Alex Marconi
Safety Crew Lead
Old derby fan Alex saw we needed help picking up the pieces. The literal pieces. He's there to put racers back together and make sure all are well in the spills and chills.
Casey Jones
Webmaster Volunteer
Some say the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby website runs on caffeine and chaos. Others say it’s powered by a mysterious force known as Casey mf Jones. Either way, if it’s online and Derby-related, I probably had something to do with it. I keep the pixels in line, the links unbroken, and the info flowing—so you know where to sign up, show up, and gear up for the madness. When I’m not wrangling code, I’m probably somewhere in Portland, pretending I don’t have 37 browser tabs open.
Keeper of the Internet Tubes
Sara Tomic
Social Media Coordinator
Originally from Serbia, I fell in love with Portland for its creativity, community, and just the right amount of chaos - exactly what the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby embodies. As a video editor and content creator, I love capturing the energy of events and sharing it with others. When I’m not filming or editing, you’ll find me enjoying nature, birding, or working on my next creative project.
She's got your Social
PAUL PHILLIPS
Racing Coordinator
Hi I am Paul, your new Racer Coordinator, an engineer, wood/metalworker, and general maker of things. I’ve been spectating since 2016, racing with the Portland Peaches since 2022, and also have built many of the derby trophies the last couple of race seasons. Mt. Tabor is my favorite place in Portland and look forward to coordinating and advocating for the PASD racing team community!
He Likes Doing Stuff
Bill Dash
Super Volunteer
Originally racing and pushing with team Toe Cutters from the mid 2000s, Bill has always been interested in Portland Soapbox and other non fossil fuel races, mousetrap cars, improvised boats. Morphing into team Kon Tiki, the creations got more wood, animal, and vegetable oriented. Bill makes things out of wood, rock, and metal. Touring and watching other races is on his list of hobbies. Doing track maintenance such as removing brush is also a passion.
Rollin with the punches
Perry Fellman
Super Volunteer
Growing up in the suburbs of NYC with the various clubs I was involved in, volunteering at events became part of everyday life. I was introduced to various training and selected for leadership roles. Having fun was always a part of it. Assisting the community and the participants while keeping everyone safe and informed was paramount. These are values I still hold and pass on in every endeavor I am involved in.
He Likes Doing Stuff
Maddison Stapleton
Board Member
Maddison is from Portland, but lives in Denmark and works as a designer for a toy company there. Sometimes she draws things.
Drawer of Things Sometimes