Get to know the landowners leading the association
At the heart of the Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA) is a leadership team deeply rooted in agriculture, committed to empowering landowners with honest guidance and a strong voice in the evolving renewable energy landscape. These are the people shaping REFA’s mission and serving as its steady foundation.
Jeff Risley, Executive Director
Jeff Risley brings a lifetime of connection to the land and more than three decades of professional experience to his role as REFA executive director. Raised on a farm in western Kansas that is still maintained by the family today, Jeff has worn many hats over his career: farm management, marketing and communications professional, trade association manager, NGO leader, and community engagement expert for renewable energy developers.
Jeff helped found REFA to fill a need he witnessed firsthand. Farmers and ranchers were being asked to make long-term land-use decisions about wind, solar and transmission projects without clear or trusted support. His passion is grounded in three beliefs: landowner rights matter, renewable energy can support rural resilience, and farmers and ranchers are stronger together.
With Jeff at the helm, REFA is better equipped to serve landowners as they navigate a challenging renewable energy landscape.
REFA Board of Directors
REFA’s board is composed of landowners and industry professionals who have firsthand experience with renewable energy development and its nuances on agricultural land. Their insights help shape REFA’s services and advocacy to reflect the needs of farmers and ranchers across the country.
Tom Murphy – President
As REFA president, Tom brings a broad strategic lens shaped by experience in multiple energy projects and extension outreach near his farm in Cogan Station, Pennsylvania. Currently, Tom serves as senior managing director with Team Pennsylvania, where he focuses on strategic energy initiatives. He also has a rich background with Penn State University and its extension service.
Pete Ferrel – Vice President
A fourth-generation rancher from Beaumont, Kansas, Pete has first-hand experience establishing and managing a wind turbine project on his land. He was the primary initiator and remains the landholding member of the Elk River Wind Farm, which was built in 2005. He has also worked as a project development consultant for a wind power development company and serves on the board of directors for The Land Institute. Pete’s early adoption and long-time experience in renewable energy make him a cornerstone of REFA’s vision and a trusted advocate for farmers and ranchers looking to understand what renewable energy could mean for their own land and legacy.
Greg Brophy – Secretary and Treasurer
Greg, of Wray, Colorado, is a farmer and former member of the Colorado Legislature who now works with The Western Way, a nonprofit affiliated with the Conservative Energy Network. He has supported multiple renewable energy projects in Colorado and brings deep policy and government affairs expertise to REFA’s board of directors.
William J. Barber III – Board Member
William is a renewable energy professional with deep roots in North Carolina agriculture, where his family has owned land for generations. He founded The Rural Beacon Initiative (RBI), which is a North Carolina-based social enterprise, committed to advancing business sustainability and local ownership in regenerative and renewable supply chains. William also has a background in law, bringing an important perspective to REFA’s influence on rural economic development.
Wayne Greier – Board Member
Wayne brings firsthand knowledge of community engagement and local opposition to the REFA board of directors. He has been actively working with Property Rights Ohio to advocate for landowner choice. A negative experience attempting to gain approval for a solar project on his farm in Salem, Ohio, inspired him to get involved in advocacy efforts.
Read Wayne’s story here
Shelly Mueller – Board Member
Shelly and her husband have raised and trained horses for 45 years on their farm in Montfort, Wisconsin. For nearly two decades, they have hosted wind turbines on their farm – the first wind farm in Wisconsin. Her experience and practical perspective help REFA ensure members understand the realities and rewards of hosting wind projects.
Neil Shaffer – Board Member
Neil is a former dairy farmer from Lime Springs, Iowa, where he still owns land today. He is the watershed project coordinator with the Howard County Soil and Water Conservation District and serves as a board member with his local electric cooperative. He is also equipped with experience as the county president of his local farm bureau and has been involved in renewable energy development projects in his region.
Ex-Officio Board Members
Brian Kuehl – Pinion (service provider representative)
Brian is a partner and director of government and public affairs at Pinion, a food and agriculture advisory firm, and the executive director of Farmers for Free Trade. He brings deep knowledge of agricultural policy and business strategy to the REFA board of directors.
Derrick Worden – AES (developer representative)
Derrick is the director of land acquisition at AES, a global energy leader, and has led numerous successful land campaigns and projects. He has a strong background in renewable energy and oil and gas, especially in community outreach and stakeholder analysis to ensure transparent communication and effective landowner relations. His input will help REFA maintain constructive relationships with the developer community while keeping farmers central to the project.
These individuals form the backbone of REFA – an organization built by farmers, for farmers. Their knowledge, commitment and leadership ensure that landowners have the support they need to protect their land, livelihood and legacy in an evolving energy landscape.
