Brian Nilsen
Owner and Founding Member
Brian Nilsen has been deeply involved in the motorsports industry for more than 40 years. A native of Washington and Kitsap County, Brian’s first motorcycle was a Honda Z50. He dreamed of following in his dad’s footsteps by learning to ride as well as him on a Bultaco, an iconic Spanish motorcycle, and pursuing a career in the motorsports industry. Circuit of the Northwest has been a labor of love and he's proud to partner with best-in-class designers, engineers and experienced operators and marketing professionals for the facility.
Andy Vertrees
Executive Vice President & Chief Motorsports Officer
Andy has been involved in Motorsports most of his life. From 1979, he has been involved in ownership and consulting for many historic tracks, adding his flair and eye to the success of every project he is involved with. Through decades of management experience, a winning formula has been developed. It is now the core methodology: helping clients and friends in business achieve successful, sustainable and measurable results.
Joel Cohen
Owner, COO & Director of Motorsports
joel@callcohen.com
Joel and The Joel Cohen Group LLC., are long-standing contributors to the world of motorsports. Joel and his team have opened countless new racing facilities and attracted numerous best-in-class racing events in IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and USAC.
Todd Melfi
Vice President of Sales
todd@circuitofthenorthwest.com
Todd is an experienced marketing and sales professional in the world of motorsports. During his career he has opened and secured sponsorships for racing venues in Pennsylvania and Iowa, among other destinations. Todd serves the Circuit of the Northwest in Corporate Team Memberships, as well as facilitating brands to secure sponsorship rights within the venue.
Andy Gerdom
Chief Engineering Officer & Director of Motorsports Design
Andy has more than 30 years of experience in the Motorsports industry. Holding two Bachelors of Science from Purdue University in Land Survey and Structural Engineering, and a Masters of Science in Business Administration. He has led the development of design, motorsport and entertainment projects like Iowa, Jukasa, Mansfield, Lawrenceburg, Monroe, Pacific Northwest Motorsport Park, Bluegrass Motorsport Park, Prairie Hills Motorsport Park, and Canadian Motor Speedway.
Daniella Lewis
Director of Sales, Member Services, Business Development
daniella@circuitofthenorthwest.com
Tim Duncan
Chief Information Officer
Technology Director
Tim has worked over 30 years with the Joel Cohen Group focusing on technology. He is a Bachelor of Science Graduate from Purdue University. He has utilized his technology skills in many jobs over the years from a Systems Engineer at Apple to Technology Director for Disney's Town of Celebration. Having been born into a KFC family franchise, he views every new project with an eye to his hospitality and customer service heritage.
Darren Rivers
Condominium Sales Specialist
darren@circuitofthenorthwest.com
Darren Rivers, The Northwest Realtor, has become a leader in the real estate market throughout the Puget Sound. Darren is a top producing agent who ranks year after year in the top 1% of all agents, not only in Washington State, but nationwide. Darren’s area of expertise includes residential, multi-family, and commercial properties. He prides himself on a direct approach, transparent and frequent communication, and solving the problems that nobody else can. Darren takes pride in offering world class service and ensures his client’s best interests are always the number one priority.
Architecture and Engineers
Some of our great groups of architects and engineers who have worked on this project.
K. Patrick Fuhrer
PE - Map Ltd