Jeff Wright is the Iowa State Public Defender. He was appointed to that role on March 1, 2019 by Governor Kim Reynolds. Since his appointment he has focused on modernizing the Public Defender’s Office both technologically and philosophically. Prior to his appointment Jeff served as Chair of the Iowa Board of Parole. He is a graduate of Morningside College (2000) with a degree in International Affairs, and Drake University Law School (2006). Jeff was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 2006. He practiced primarily in the areas of Criminal, Juvenile and Family Law until his appointment as Chair of the Board of Parole in 2018. A significant portion of his practice was dedicated to assisting individuals through the legal process who had suffered trauma. He focused on understanding their needs, and treated them with compassion while protecting their constitutional rights. In 2019, Jeff was appointed to the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. Jeff has been committed to advancing the goal of equal justice both in Iowa and nationally. In 2022, he hosted members of the United States Justice Department’s Office for Access to Justice for an event concluding with a roundtable discussion between local and national leaders seeking to increase access to justice for all. In 2023, he was invited to participate in an event designed to combat rural legal deserts across the country hosted by the Deason Center at Southern Methodist University. He is also actively involved as a leader at the National Legal Aid & Defender Association where he serves as a member of the Defender Council which is dedicated to improving indigent defense across the country. He also sits on the Board of the American Council of Chief Defenders a national community of public defense leaders dedicated to securing a fair justice system and ensuring high quality legal representation for people facing loss of life, freedom, or family.
Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He is actively involved in the community, volunteering for Little League Baseball, Ankeny Parks and Rec., and serving on multiple volunteer committees benefiting youth and education.