When tragedy strikes, few people find the strength to turn it into something greater—but that’s exactly what Casey McGovern, Executive Director of Every Child a Swimmer, has done. After losing her daughter in a preventable drowning, Casey made a promise to dedicate her life to saving others. Today, that promise has become a powerful movement to make water safety education and swim lessons accessible to every child.
In this heartfelt conversation, Casey shares the story behind her mission, the challenges of growing a grassroots program into a national initiative, and the leadership lessons that have guided her along the way. From advocacy and legislation to fundraising and team building, this episode offers nonprofit leaders a rare blend of personal insight and professional wisdom.
Whether you lead a nonprofit, support one, or care deeply about community safety, this conversation is a reminder that even the deepest pain can inspire purpose—and that one person’s promise can ripple into impact for generations to come.
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Standout Quotes
- “When times get tough, I use my pain for a greater purpose—to help someone else. That’s what keeps me going.” (10:21)
- “Reaching a zero drowning rate would be my ultimate dream come true.” (08:12)
- “You may hear ‘no’ repeatedly, but just keep trying to figure out the solution—don’t give up.” (23:24)
Chapters & Timestamps
- 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to IMPACTability®
- 01:17 – From Tragedy to Advocacy: Casey’s Promise Begins
- 04:30 – Building Every Child a Swimmer: Access Meets Advocacy
- 08:12 – The Dream of Zero Drownings
- 10:21 – Turning Pain Into Purpose: Finding Strength Through Service
- 13:15 – Leading with Heart: Building a Passion-Driven Team
- 19:48 – Fundraising with Purpose: Growing a Mission That Saves Lives
- 23:24 – Lessons in Leadership: Resilience, Faith & Authenticity
- 37:11 – Empowering Boards to Champion the Mission
Guest Bio
Casey McGovern leads with extraordinary courage and compassion. As Executive Director of Every Child a Swimmer, a division of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Casey has dedicated her life to preventing the heartbreak her own family endured.
After the loss of her 19-month-old daughter, Em, in a tragic drowning accident, Casey made a promise to turn her pain into purpose. That promise evolved into a mission—first through her work with the Florida Department of Health, and now through Every Child a Swimmer, where she champions legislation, education, and access to swim lessons for families in need.
Today, Casey’s advocacy reaches across states, communities, and generations. Her leadership is both personal and powerful—a reminder that one mother’s determination can transform grief into a movement that saves lives.
Learn More & Connect
- Website: https://everychildaswimmer.org
- LinkedIn (Casey): https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-mcgovern-234b9b23a/
- LinkedIn (Organization): https://www.linkedin.com/company/every-child-a-swimmer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EveryChildaSwimmer.ISHOF
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everychildaswimmer/
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