CEO Robert Riley to Speak at Commencement

Longtime entrepreneurial business leader and Simpson College trustee Robert G. Riley will be the keynote speaker for Spring Commencement at Simpson College on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., in Cowles Fieldhouse.

As CEO of Riley Resource Group, Riley is a proponent of balanced, sustainable systems integrating agriculture, innovation, business, and government. His leadership philosophy emphasizes servant leadership and creating synergies within organizations, focusing on achieving the full potential of both people and businesses. Through his work, he continues to shape the future of agriculture, sustainability, and entrepreneurial leadership.

Riley has over 50 years of experience in the agriculture, fats, and oil processing industries. A visionary entrepreneur and leader, Riley’s career is defined by his focus on innovation, research, and science. His achievements include transforming his business, Feed Energy, into a leading provider of energy solutions for the livestock industry that serves more than 80 million animals annually.

His other successful business ventures include launching FEC Solutions to engage with the ethanol and biodiesel industries. He also founded the business consulting firm Riverhead Resources to help entrepreneurial leaders achieve their full potential. Riley has also served as a strategic advisor and investor with Decision Innovation Solutions—a company specializing in stochastic data analysis and dynamic risk-based modeling.

Throughout his career, Riley has been deeply committed to both agriculture and the environment. He has served in leadership roles with numerous organizations, including the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Poultry Association, The Nature Conservancy of Iowa, and the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. He is also involved with Simpson College, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Whiterock Conservancy, and the American Feed Industry Association. Riley has led discussions on the intersection of biofuels, food, feed, and fuel production, advocating for policies that balance environmental sustainability with business innovation.

The ceremony honoring 240 graduates will feature student addresses from Andrew Samountry, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, and Parker Anderson, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communication from the Simpson Online and Graduate Students program. A reception with light refreshments will follow the ceremony on the Pedestrian Plaza in front of the Kent Campus Center. For more information on commencement, visit simpson.edu/commencement.