Peter C. Groff is a nationally respected public servant with more than 35 years of experience in public leadership and policy. Over his career, Groff has held senior-level leadership positions at the local, state, and federal levels.

His barrier-breaking career led to his induction into the Denver Public Library’s Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon Coloradans who are the first African Americans to accomplish a major professional goal in their field. As the 47th president of the Colorado State Senate, Senator Groff made history as the first African American to hold that position. During his time in the Senate, he authored landmark reforms in education, health care, and criminal justice.

His time in the Senate was marked by principled stands that earned him a reputation as the “Conscience of the Senate.” In a joint resolution condemning controversial remarks made by a University of Colorado professor, 99 lawmakers voted to denounce the professor. Senator Groff cast the lone “no” vote, not because he agreed with the offensive remarks, but because he believed the legislature should not use its power to punish academic speech. This moment cemented his reputation as a leader willing to risk popularity for principle.

After his distinguished career in the State Senate, he joined the administration of President Barack Obama to advance national education and equity initiatives, earning distinction for his leadership in national education and equity policy.

Today, he is the co-founder, co-director, and executive-in-residence of the Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program at the University of Redlands. In this role, he prepares the next generation of leaders to be transformative and transcendent in their public service using the same traits that defined his own career. He also serves as principal and chief strategist at MCG2 Consulting, LLC, advising a wide range of educational, nonprofit, political, and policy organizations across the country.

A proud alum of the University of Redlands, Groff also earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver College of Law and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (Ph.D.) from the University of Denver in recognition of his enduring contributions to public service and civic leadership.