Meet Our Team

The most important part of Commonwealth Timing is the people who make up our team! We are runners, parents, students, military veterans, and much more. We bring you a wide range of experience as diverse as the causes you support and the races you run. We want to help make your event a Premium Race Experience! Contact us today with your idea for a race!

Reid Sowder
Owner and Lead Timer

Reid was born and grew up in Virginia and has been involved with running since his time in the United States Army. As an  avid runner he s completed several marathons and an ultra-marathon. In addition to his work for Commonwealth Timing, Reid is the General  Manager of a multi-site Orthodontic and Pediatric Dental practice in the Richmond area.   He enjoys church , the great outdoors, history, music and family. He is married and has three adult kids who are all involved in Commonwealth Timing. 

Cheryl Sowder
Logistics

Cheryl was born and raised in Virginia and has been an integral part of Commonwealth Timing since the beginning. She is a Graduate of Radford University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Her main functions with Commonwealth Timing include logistics, support, and operational management. In addition to her Commonwealth Timing duties Cheryl is a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.  Her interests include church activities, music, and her family.  

John Sowder
Race Timer and Technical Support

John grew up in Front Royal Virginia and is  currently an active duty Army Infantry officer serving in many different capacities here and overseas.   John's primary duties with Commonwealth Timing involve the administration of the Commonwealth Timing website, social media, and technical support of all kinds.  John is married to Chelsea and has two children.  John's interests include fitness, skiing, home-brewing, history, the outdoors, and traveling. 

Ellen Sowder
​Race Timer

​Ellen is a travel nurse with a specialty in Labor and Delivery.  She is currently working on a post-graduate degree in Midwifery.  Ellen is married to Dan and looking forward to welcoming her first baby daughter in December.  In her free time Ellen enjoys music, hiking, camping, yoga, and art. Ellen has two cats and loves animals. 

Bill Deutsch
Lead ​Race Timer

Bill is a New Jersey native living in Chesterfield. He ran his first marathon at age 49 and has since competed in half marathons, 10K races, and obstacle course events with Spartan Race, Rugged Maniac, and Terrain Race. In addition to working with Commonwealth Timing, Bill is a Security Consultant based in Richmond and supports the area's largest hospitals. Bill is also a Baptist pastor. He is married to Val, his wife of thirty years, and has six adult children. 

Shayne Collins
​Race Timer
Commonwealth Timing and Race Management