Dennis Groenenboom spent his entire professional career working to provide access to the justice system to low-income people. After graduating from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1978, he joined the Legal Services Corporation of Iowa (now Iowa Legal Aid), and served as a staff attorney, senior staff attorney, managing attorney, Deputy Director and then as the program’s Executive Director for over 25 years. Since “retirement“ in 2018, Dennis has worked on a part-time basis as a consultant with legal aid programs in many states and a variety of not-for-profit organizations in Iowa. Work has included, mergers, strategic planning, program assessments, policy review and executive searches.

Major accomplishments as Executive Director included vastly expanding the number of funding sources and total funding provided to support the legal services provided to low-income Iowans. Mergers with two other legal aid programs in the state were accomplished during his tenure. He promoted a commitment to a client-centered program structure that led to many cases that positively impacted the legal rights of low-income Iowans.  Also, Iowa Legal Aid had a robust community legal education program.  Prior to taking on exclusively administrative tasks, Dennis handled significant cases, particularly issues related to low-income people with disabilities. 

A lifelong Iowa resident, Dennis and his husband enjoy traveling, gardening, managing a neighborhood event center and supporting political candidates and programs committed to improving the environment and serving vulnerable people.