Golden State Today

Jennifer M. Haley, President and CEO of Kern Energy, has been appointed as the 2025 chair of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education (CFCE) Board of Directors. Haley expressed her gratitude for being part of CFCE's mission to strengthen California's economy through championing a healthy business environment and providing objective research.

"As the new Chair of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education, I am grateful to be a part of CFCE’s mission to strengthen California’s economy. By championing a healthy California business environment and providing objective research, we establish foundational data and insight that empower informed policy decisions and meaningful progress. Our state’s potential is limitless, and I am excited to work alongside CFCE Incoming President Luis Quiñonez, our board, and leading experts to advance research that fuels job growth, economic resilience, and innovation across the state," said Haley.

Luis A. Quiñonez, CFCE Incoming President, welcomed Haley's appointment by stating: "It is a privilege to work with Jennifer Haley as CFCE’s new Chair. Jennifer’s expertise in energy policy and the role of private enterprise in driving innovation will be instrumental in advancing our research on California’s evolving energy landscape. At CFCE, we are committed to conducting research that supports economic growth, and Jennifer’s deep understanding of the energy sector will add a critical perspective to the discussions we’ll be having this year. I look forward to our work together and the opportunity to further strengthen California’s economy."

Haley became CEO of Kern Energy in 2018 as one of few female CEOs in the refining industry at that time—the first in California. Under her leadership, Kern Energy has produced over 57 million gallons of renewable diesel while maintaining its supply contributions to gasoline and diesel fuel within the state.

Haley also holds leadership roles on various boards including serving as an at-large member on the Executive Committee for the California Chamber of Commerce in 2024.

The CFCE is a nonprofit think tank affiliated with the California Chamber of Commerce focused on preserving and strengthening California's business climate through education about private enterprise virtues along with accurate public policy analysis.