Jennifer Haley is President and CEO of Kern Energy (Kern), where she leads a talented team of 185 individuals, directs policy and oversees Kern’s innovative “California Clean” renewable and petroleum refining operation. The company produces more than three-quarters of a million gallons of gasoline and diesel daily for the San Joaquin Valley marketplace. Under Haley’s leadership, the company has personified its “small but mighty” culture to help lead statewide efforts to promote energy resilience, clean energy and collaborative solutions that protect the economy and environment.

Haley took a non-traditional path to refinery leadership. After earning a law degree at the University of San Diego School of Law, she handled litigation for primarily public agency clients – including school and water districts – in state and federal court as a member of Best, Best and Krieger LLP’s San Diego office. Haley also represented public agency coalitions in regulatory issues before the California Public Utilities Commission.

Haley joined Kern in 2011 as Vice President – Legal and Government Affairs and, although she had no industry-specific experience, she brought an open mind and keen desire to understand every aspect of the business and California energy environment. Haley’s on-the-job training gave her a deep appreciation for the complexity inherent in a refining operation, and her fresh perspective helps drive Kern’s ongoing evolution to meet the demands of climate change.

Playing Division I softball for the University of San Diego, Haley pitched, played first base, and batted clean-up, which shaped her competitive spirit and commitment to teamwork. A servant-leader who believes the greatest achievement is helping others be successful, Haley has incorporated an emphasis on communication, culture and professional development into Kern’s business strategy.

Haley earned her BA in History, magna cum laude, from the University of San Diego and her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law, summa cum laude and Order of the Coif. She serves on the board of the California Chamber of Commerce. Haley is married with two young sons and, outside of the office, can be found testing gravity on the ski slopes of Southern California.