Elver Bernal, CHST

• Years of Heavy Infrastructure Experience: 30+ 

• Welcomed to SEMA: 1996 

• Education: Built expertise through hands-on experience and leadership 

• Certifications/Licenses: Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST); Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) 

• Professional Affiliations: American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)  

• Primary Personal Charities: Youth group mentor and mediator for divided families through local church 

"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." - Unknown

As Vice President of Risk, Elver Bernal, CHST provides executive leadership across SEMA’s enterprise, ensuring the company is protected from risk while advancing the well-being of its people — its greatest asset. Reporting directly to T. Brett Ames, CEO and President, Elver leads risk management, safety, and human resources responsibilities across all districts and job sites. His oversight encompasses millions of working hours, proactive risk mitigation, and strict compliance with DOT, MSHA, OSHA, and FRA regulations, positioning SEMA as an industry leader in safety and performance.

In addition to safety oversight, Elver directs SEMA’s Human Resources function, managing compensation, titles, performance keeper scores, and 9-Box development within the company’s distinctive structure. He fosters professional growth, mentors employees, and builds a motivated workforce that thrives within SEMA’s culture. Partnering closely with Eric Strobel, Chief Legal Counsel, he also manages relationships with insurance providers, carriers, and coverages — including workers’ compensation, liability, auto, builders risk, professional, pollution, and project-specific insurances such as CCIP and excess pollution. Elver further oversees all insurance and HR claims prior to litigation and ensures all contracts are delegated for legal review and execution.

Remaining actively engaged with all districts, Elver provides comprehensive support in HR, Safety, and Enterprise Risk, driving alignment with SEMA’s mission, values, and purpose. By prioritizing people — employees, clients, and stakeholders — he reinforces a culture of well-being, operational excellence, and accountability. His leadership ensures that SEMA continues delivering The Project and The People — safely, sustainably, with high quality, and profitably. Elver advances SEMA’s mission of being the best partner in the industry and fulfills its brand promise — SEMA, More to Look Forward To — by cultivating a culture of safety, resilience, and trust.

Elver has been happily married since 2015 and is a proud father to four children — three boys and one girl. Family is the cornerstone of his life, and he treasures time spent together. Outside of work, he has a passion for volleyball as both a player and a fan, enjoys watching soccer, and is an avid reader of leadership books that fuel his personal and professional growth.

HUMBLE