Bill Kent
Dr. Bill Kent, PhD is the Chairman of the Board of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and leads the mission of Every Child A Swimmer. He is a Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation Honorary Life Member.
Dr Bill Kent (born 1 September 1942) learned swimming at the age of 10. He has accomplished everything: family, business, and volunteerism. He holds a BSc in Physics and a PhD in Global Business. He worked in General Electric Company, Chester Products, Team Horner Group in numerous roles from the bottom to the top. Team Horner is a group of companies focused on different functions within the swimming pool and spa business worldwide. His export company, HornerXpress Worldwide, has customers in 105 countries.
As a Chairman of the Board of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, he inspires and blesses the fields of swimming and water safety by sailing the Mecca of Aquatics to new and safer horizons.
To cope with the burden of drowning, he leads the mission of Every Child A Swimmer, changed the state legislation and implemented a water safety program for public awareness in hospitals.
He is a frequent speaker and article contributor to national and international conferences and papers in topics like business leadership, company culture and philanthropy.
He has founded the Bill Kent Family Foundation, and served the National Swimming Pool Foundation and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance in numerous leading roles.
Honors
- Lifetime Achievements Award (Florida Swimming Pool Association, 2023)
- Service and Commitment Award (ISHOF, 2021)
- Outstanding Public Leadership Award (Florida Tax Watch, 2021)
- Philanthropist of the Year (Florida Swimming Pool Association, 2020)
- recognition as one of the 10 most impactful people by Swimming World Magazine, 2017
- Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award (American Psychological Association National, 2014, 2015)
- Honorary Dean (University of Pools and Spas continuing education program, 2000)
- Presidential Honor Award (ISHOF & Kalos Kagathos Foundation, 1995)
- Florida Pool & Spa Association Hall of Fame Award 1987
- Treasure Coast Chapter Special Support Award 1987
- U.S. Department of Energy Award 1985
- San Juan Pools Special Achievement Award 1984
- TEC Innovation Award 1993
- Florida Man of the Year Award 1976
