Jeff Risley, MBA (he/him/his)

Executive Director
Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA), Colorado

Jeff Risley serves as the executive director of the Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA), where he leads the organization’s strategic plan, works closely with the board of directors to shape direction and policy, and helps members navigate renewable energy opportunities on their land.

Raised on his family’s farm in western Kansas, Jeff brings both firsthand agricultural experience and more than three decades of professional leadership to his role. His career spans managing trade associations in Washington, D.C., guiding siting and community engagement efforts for renewable energy developers and building a successful career in marketing and communications serving clients in agriculture, energy, food and consumer industries.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Kansas and an MBA from Benedictine College.

A son of Kansas farmers, Jeff remains passionate about protecting landowner rights, keeping family farms in family hands and helping producers explore renewable energy opportunities on their own terms. He and his wife are proud parents of five children. In his free time, Jeff enjoys fly fishing.

Presentation(s):

• Ranchers, Farmers, and Clean Power—Landowner Perspectives on Energy Development Partnerships

  Wednesday, June 3, 2026
  1:00 PM - 1:45 PM CT