Peter Groff facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Peter Groff
Member of the Colorado Senate from the 33rd district
In office February 17, 2003 – May 9, 2009
Preceded by	Penfield Tate III
Succeeded by	Mike Johnston
Member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 7th district
In office January 10, 2001 – February 14, 2003
Preceded by	Ben Clarke
Succeeded by	Terrance Carroll
Personal details
Born	(1963-04-21) April 21, 1963 (age 62) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Regina
Education	University of Redlands (BA) University of Denver (JD)

Peter C. Groff, born on April 21, 1963, is an important figure in Colorado politics and a former member of the Obama administration. He is a lawyer and a dedicated public servant. Groff made history as the first African-American to lead the Colorado Senate as its President. He first served in the Colorado House of Representatives, elected in 2000 and re-elected in 2002. In 2003, he was appointed to the Colorado Senate, where he represented Senate District 33 in northeastern Denver, Colorado. After his time in the Senate, President Barack Obama chose him in May 2009 to lead the faith-based initiatives center for the U.S. Department of Education.

Peter Groff: A Leader in Colorado

Early Life and Education

Peter Groff was born in Chicago, Illinois. He studied communications and political science at the University of Redlands. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1985. Later, he earned a law degree (called a J.D.) from the University of Denver College of Law in 1992.

Starting in Public Service

Groff began his career helping others in public service. From 1991 to 1994, he worked as an assistant for Denver city council member Allegra Haynes. He then served Denver mayor Wellington Webb from 1994 to 1997. In 1997, Groff helped create the Center for African American Policy at the University of Denver. He has been the executive director of this center. He also worked as an attorney with Vaden and Evans, LLC.

Groff is married to Rev. Dr. Regina C. Groff. She was a pastor at Campbell Chapel AME Church in Denver. They have two children, Malachi Charles and Moriah Cherie.

A Career in Colorado Politics

During the 1990s, Peter Groff was very active in Colorado politics. He helped manage several political campaigns. For example, he was a deputy political director for Roy Romer's 1994 campaign for governor. He also led the 1998 Denver Public Schools Mill Levy and Bond Campaign. This campaign helped raise money for schools. He also managed Allegra Haynes' 1999 re-election campaign for city council.

Serving in the House and Senate

In 2000, Groff successfully ran for a seat in the Colorado House of Representatives. He was re-elected in 2002. In February 2003, he was appointed to the Colorado Senate. This happened after Senator Penfield Tate III resigned. Groff became only the sixth African-American state senator in Colorado's history. He held the same Senate seat that his father, Senator Regis Groff, had occupied.

Leading the Colorado Senate

Peter Groff was known as a thoughtful and effective leader. Some people called him the "Conscience of the Senate." In 2005, he was named Senate president pro tem. This role means he could lead the Senate when the main President was absent. When Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald resigned in November 2007, Groff was chosen to become the new Senate President. He officially took on this important role in January 2008. He became the highest-ranking African-American elected official in Colorado. He was also the first to lead either the House or the Senate in the Colorado General Assembly.

During the 2007 legislative session, Groff served on several important committees. He was a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also served on the Senate Legal Services Committee. He chaired the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee.

Working with the Obama Administration

In 2009, Senator Ken Salazar was chosen by President-Elect Barack Obama to be the United States Secretary of the Interior. Many people considered who might replace Salazar in the Senate. Governor Bill Ritter considered several names, and Peter Groff was among them. Later, in May 2009, President Barack Obama selected Groff for a different important role. Groff became the head of the faith-based initiatives center for the U.S. Department of Education.