(PHOENIX) For nearly 40 years, the Goldwater Institute has been at the forefront of advancing the principles of limited government, economic freedom, and individual liberty across the United States. Today, the Institute is proud to announce the appointment of Arizona entrepreneur and community leader Tom Hatten as Chairman of its Board of Directors. A visionary business leader, Hatten brings a wealth of experience and his fresh vision to the Goldwater’s growing efforts to champion the cause of freedom nationwide.
A native of Arizona, Hatten founded Mountainside Fitness Centers in 1991, transforming it into one of the largest fitness companies in the country. Now he’s bringing his experience as a business owner and passion for innovation to the chairmanship of the Goldwater Institute.
“The Goldwater Institute has become a national leader in the effort to preserve our constitutional freedoms and rights. This incredible team has tirelessly worked to defend our liberty at every turn. From challenging DEI mandates in education to advancing school choice and safeguarding the right to earn a living. The Goldwater Institute has secured victories in state capitals and courtrooms across the country,” said Hatten. “As chairman my goal is simple, work diligently to ensure the Goldwater Institute continues to be the nation’s leader in defending the American Dream.”
President and CEO of the Goldwater Institute Victor Riches welcomed the news of Hatten’s appointment, saying, “Goldwater has become a national powerhouse in advancing the principles of liberty, economic freedom, and property rights. I’m excited that Tom will help us continue delivering victories for individual freedom across the nation.”
- Hatten also serves as a board member for the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and is a former chairman of Make-A-Wish Arizona. His career has been marked by numerous honors, including his recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year by USA Today. Tom was featured on AZ Newsmakers, CNN, Fox News, Fox Business, Telemundo, BBC and KTAR News.
- His leadership and vision have likewise earned him a place on the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine and features in Forbes, S. News & World Report.
Hatten’s term as chairman began on March 13, 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for the Goldwater Institute as it continues its mission across our nation.
Some Goldwater Institute factoids:
- The Goldwater Institute is unique and doesn’t sit around writing white papers and opining about the law. They enact laws in state after state – and we wage legal battles in courtroom after courtroom – to strengthen and defend individual liberty.
- In 2024, we enacted dozens of laws nationwide, including measures that expanded school choice, protected healthcare freedom (Right to Try 2.0), rolled back DEI in higher ed, and protected the right to earn a living. Already in 2025, Goldwater has introduced over 100 bills in 29 states.
- We have improved lives, changed lives, and saved lives by freeing Americans from the restraints of government.
- We invented Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which empower parents to choose the education that’s best for their children—instead of forcing them to be stuck in failing schools. Over a dozen states have adopted Goldwater’s ESAs, and that number is growing.
- We created the Right to Try, which protects terminally ill patients’ right to access potentially lifesaving treatments—without having to beg the government to give them permission. The Institute passed that law in 41 states and federally in 2018. Now, they are taking it to the next level to protect the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments.
- We defend Americans’ right to earn a living. More than 10,000 Arizonans are able to practice their professions under Goldwater’s universal recognition law. The law allows already-licensed professionals to get to work when they move to the state without having to go again go through the costly licensing process. Goldwater has passed that law in another two dozen states.
- Goldwater doesn’t just pass laws. We defend our laws in court, and we ensure that constitutional rights are respected. Our attorneys sue the government on behalf individuals in state and federal courts across the United States, and we have hundreds of victories under our belt.
- Goldwater attorneys are involved in over 60 lawsuits. The Institute also has over 1,000 attorneys in its American Freedom Network, the Institute’s national network of volunteer attorneys in all 50 states, who defend Americans’ constitutional rights.
