Last night in Fort Lauderdale, American Politician, and former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from California, Barry Goldwater, Jr. entertained the crowd with his speech, more of a talk, as he accepted his award for the Every Child A Swimmer Award. (see ISHOF Facebook for full speech). At 87 years old, he was sharp as a tack and “entertaining as hell” to quote one of the guests.
Bruce Wigo, Barry Goldwater, Jr. and ISHOF Chairman Bill Kent
Goldwater’s father, Presidential Candidate, Barry Goldwater Sr. was also an award recipient at ISHOF, the very first winner of ISHOF’s Gold Medallion, back in 1983; pictured below when he visited and was presented his award by then ISHOF Chairman, Jack B. Kelly.
Barry Goldwater, Sr. and ISHOF Chairman Jack Kelly
Barry Goldwater, Jr. was instrumental to ISHOF’s Every Child A Swimmer Program, and current Chairman, Bill Kent, and Casey McGovern in getting the ECAS Legislation passed in Arizona.
Barry Goldwater Biography
Barry M. Goldwater, Jr. is a distinguished American leader whose influence spans public service, business, and civic advocacy. The son of legendary Arizona Senator and 1964 Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater, Barry Jr. has carved out his own legacy over decades of service and leadership.
He represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives for seven terms (1969–1983), where he championed conservative values, limited government, privacy rights, and innovative policies in aviation, space, energy, and telecommunications. A licensed pilot with over 3,000 hours of flight time, he played a key role on the House, Space and Aviation Committee, helping authorize programs such as Apollo 11. He also co-authored the landmark Privacy Act of 1974, guiding federal data privacy protections.
A passionate environmentalist, Goldwater served on the Energy Research and Development Committee, advocating for renewable energy and promoting rooftop solar access in both state and federal forums. His work helped jumpstart clean energy conversations following the 1974 oil embargo.
In the private sector, Goldwater excelled as a stockbroker and institutional partner at Wedbush Noble, moving large blocks of stock for major financial clients and co-managing syndicates valued at three-quarters of a billion dollars. As a founding partner in NTG Consultants, he has spent the past two decades guiding insurance industry clients—including Guggenheim and Nationwide—on governance and compliance, working closely with state regulators and governors.
As a respected business consultant and advisor, Barry also served as Government and Public Affairs officer for Eagle Picher, initiating direct dialogue between employees and political leaders. At Hormel Enterprises, he advised on financial strategy for dozens of corporate investments.
Goldwater is also a New York Times bestselling author, having co-authored Pure Goldwater with John Dean, offering a personal portrait of his father’s ideals and influence.
Among his most recent and impactful civic achievements, Barry Goldwater, Jr. played a key advisory role in the passage of Arizona’s “Every Child a Swimmer” legislation—a critical child safety law that ensures swimming instruction is accessible to all young students across the state. This initiative aligns with Barry’s lifelong dedication to protecting families and promoting public well-being.
Known for his charisma, tenacity, and deep understanding of both business and government, Barry remains an influential figure across the U.S., continuing to shape policy, advise leaders, and inspire community impact.
#ISHOF #EveryChildASwimmer #CityofFortLauderdale #WorldAquatics #Swimming #Masters #Diving #WaterPolo #ArtisticSwimming #HighDiving #Coach #LifetimeAchievementAward #ASCA #FortLauderdaleAquaticCenter #27meterTower