Mountainside Fitness founder Tom Hatten has joined the board of directors at the Goldwater Institute.

The Goldwater Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funded by donations, according to a press release, working in state courts, legislatures, and communities nationwide to advance, defend, and strengthen constitutionally-allowed freedoms in all 50 states.

Since 2003, Hatten has been serving Arizona charities including Arizona’s Make-A-Wish Foundation, Diamondbacks Foundation, Arizona Child Crisis Center and Arizona Special Olympics.

“The Goldwater Institute fills another much-needed service area for me,” said Hatten. “As some of us most recently experienced with the mandatory shut downs of certain businesses that occurred during the pandemic, we learned that civil liberties matter. For me personally, I’m passionate about everything the Goldwater Institute stands for, and I love that they are the checks and balances for government overreach.”

Victor Riches, CEO of the Goldwater Institute, said Hatten’s business background combined with his commitment to serving in leadership positions in the community makes him a huge asset.

“The issues we focus on revolve around making sure that people live free from government interference. I can’t think of a better addition to our board than Tom Hatten. He’s been the biggest champion of Arizona businesses and understands the importance of protecting our civil liberties,” said Riches in the press release.

Among the objectives for this new term, Hatten and other board members will be choosing the issues and priorities the nonprofit will focus on in the coming years.

“Tom is a true American success story, and he practices what he preaches. He Had an idea on how you could revolutionize the fitness industry and he did it by himself. We would be hard pressed to find a better advocate for small business than Tom Hatten,” said Riches.

Hatten hopes in turn he can to bring more attention to the Goldwater Institute.

“I want to bring awareness to the business community and let people know about this incredible resource and how valuable the Goldwater Institute is in protecting your civil liberties and keeping us free from government interference,” Hatten said.

For information visit www.GoldwaterInstitute.org.