Les Goldman

Leslie ("Les") Jay Goldman, 80, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025. Born April 22, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, Les grew up working in his parents' small-goods-store on the South Side of Chicago. He demonstrated creativity, passion for life, and dedication to hard work from a young age. In high school, Les designed and built a model concept car from scratch, placing third nationally in the prestigious Fisher Body Craftsman's guild competition and earning a scholarship that made him the first member of his family to attend college.
After earning his undergraduate degree in 1967 and a law degree in 1970 from the University of Michigan, Les joined Adlai E. Stevenson's Senate campaign and moved to Washington, DC, after Stevenson's victory, serving as Special Counsel from 1970 to 1977. In 1977, he became Assistant Administrator for Energy Resource Development at the Federal Energy Administration and also contributed to the White House Office of Energy Policy and Planning, helping to formulate the National Energy Plan.
When President Carter established the Department of Energy, Les joined Secretary James Schlesinger in 1977 as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Evaluation. In 1979, the Senate confirmed Les as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Policy and International Affairs. His work included international diplomatic missions, including trips to China and Europe, where he advanced U.S. energy policy on the global stage.
In 1981, Les joined Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom as a partner, working with a team to found and lead the firm's energy practice. Les's legal career spanned more than 30 years and included a diverse array of clients and projects, from energy and technology companies, to a NASCAR team and a vineyard. In 2011, he joined Northwest Biotherapeutics as Senior Vice President of Business Development and General Counsel, contributing passionately to the development of cancer-fighting treatments. Beyond his professional achievements, Les was a Broadway producer for the Tony-nominated play Enchanted April and served as an executive of Smith Television Broadcasting.
Les embraced life fully and pursued new challenges throughout adulthood. He took up tennis at 34, scuba diving at 50, and skiing at 51. Above all, Les cherished his family. He and his beloved wife, Sue, shared 55 years of marriage. He was the proud father of two sons, Scott (Rebecca) and Evan (Rosie); loving grandfather of Michael, Adam, Miriam, and Anna; brother of Idene; and good friend of his cherished Golden Retriever Quincy (and many pets before).
Les's life was marked by generosity and integrity to the very end. Following his passing, his family honored his wish to serve as an organ donor. Les is remembered not only for his extraordinary career and fun spirit, but also for his warmth, humor, and unmatched determination and belief in the future.