Six years later, Groff’s mayoral term will end this summer following the outcome of the May 4 election, where three candidates are vying for the role.
The results
During his three terms as mayor—the maximum allowed by the city—Groff said he worked to bring leadership and stability after seeing discontent from residents, City Council and the previous mayor.
“I told the council the night I was sworn into office that, at the end of the day, we’re going to have to agree to disagree,” Groff said. “The truth is that disagreement is actually what makes us better, and it makes better policy.”
He said his biggest accomplishments include:
- Creating a sustainable tax rate for the city
- Developing a new city hall building
- Ensuring continued success of the city’s police department
- Completing the Livable Center Study
- Breaking ground on Eagle Landing Park, which will bring soccer fields to the city
Groff, his wife, Melanie, and two daughters moved to Fulshear from Amarillo in 2012 when his wife needed to relocate to Houston for her role at ConocoPhillips.
“We drove into Fulshear and were immediately blown away by the open spaces,” he said.
Before becoming involved in government, Groff served 27 years in vocational ministry, including as a youth and teaching pastor. He also planted a church in the Katy and Fulshear area, and most recently served as a campus development pastor at The Fellowship Cinco Ranch until 2021.
“My background as a pastor uniquely prepared me to lead from a position of influence versus a position of authority,” Groff said.
Groff is also active in the local nonprofit scene, serving from 2019 to December 2021 as the executive director of Abigail’s Place, an organization providing housing to single moms and their families.
He also served for two years as a member of the Fulshear Development Corporation and on the Katy ISD 2015 and 2017 bond committees.
Offering input
As a new mayor steps in to lead the city, Groff said he advises them to be approachable, lead with facts and trust the process.
He also said there are a few areas city officials should stay on top of, including:
- Water
- Mobility
- Economic development
After his time as mayor ends, Groff will grow his co-owned title company, InFocus Title, which opened in 2021 while he was mayor.
As for his political future, Groff said he doesn’t have any government roles he has his eyes on; although, he said he’s going to take the summer to think and pray if there’s one where his skill sets could be useful and meet a need.
