Vernelle Chase

Raised on the Fort Belknap Reservation, Vernelle is an enrolled member of the Gros-Ventre Tribe. After successfully completing a healthcare project that contributed to the well-being of her own tribe, Vernelle dedicated her career to strengthening tribal relations and empowering Native communities through her work in construction, business development, and advocacy. As Director of Tribal Relations, she has led initiatives that prioritize tribal sovereignty, economic inclusion, and workforce development across Indian Country.

Since joining Flintco in 1994, Vernelle has helped deliver over $2.6 billion in construction projects for more than 77 Native American nations. Instrumental in ensuring Native utilization on Flintco projects and developing long-lasting bonds across the U.S., Vernelle has tracked our average tribal contractor and workforce utilization rate as exceeding 50% on Native projects since 1994. On display throughout her career, Vernelle places safety first in all she does, and believes in Flintco’s Ethos, that we are humble, and our training is never done.

Vernelle is deeply passionate about supporting tribal communities and consistently goes above and beyond to champion the long-term success and prosperity of each Nation and its people. She developed and provIdes guidance on the implementation of Flintco’s Native American Growth, Opportunity and Utilization Policy (GO UP), partnering cultural diversity training and coordination of preconstruction activities and business development that is customized to each tribal entity’s specific needs. She helps implement Flintco’s corporate strategic goals in Indian Country and works with our local staff on tribal projects. Vernelle’s greatest responsibility is to ensure that, as a builder, the firm continues to promote tribal member growth, employment and tribal-owned company utilization to the greatest extent possible on Flintco projects.

Beyond her role at Flintco, Vernelle served as the Board Chairwoman (2018-2025) for both the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico for seven years. She is the inaugural and current Board Chairwoman for Native Women Lead, where she champions Native entrepreneurship and leadership. Earning a Leadership Certificate from UNM-Gallup and City of Albuquerque, she also serves on the Laguna Development Housing and Management Board and is on the Belknap Investment Board of Directors. Immersed in indigenous rights to honor the responsibilities she values most, Vernelle lives on Nisquilly ancestral lands and her hobbies include commercial salmon fishing, learning to smoke and can salmon, gardening, and outdoor activities with her family and two Shih Tzus. 

Vernelle’s commitment to creating opportunities for the Native people has earned her recognition, including being named Minority Advocate of the Year by the Oklahoma Native American Business Enterprise Center, and being honored with a 40 Under 40 award by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Through her multifaceted efforts to cultivate lifelong skills through training and mentorship programs for tribal workers and businesses, Vernelle continues to provide Native communities with a seat at the table in shaping their economic and infrastructural futures.

 Vernelle is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Leadership with expected completion in spring 2027.