Elver Bernal, CHST

• Years of Heavy Infrastructure Experience: 30+ 

• Welcomed to SEMA: 1996 

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

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

• Professional Affiliations: American Society of Safety Professionals;  

• 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 Safety and Human Resources, Elver Bernal is dedicated to protecting SEMA’s greatest asset—its people. Reporting directly to T. Brett Ames, CEO, Corporate and District President, California, Rocky Mountain, Texas and Mid-Atlantic, he leads safety operations across all districts and job sites, managing millions of working hours while ensuring strict compliance with DOT, MSHA, OSHA, and FRA regulations. His leadership fosters a proactive safety culture where every team member is empowered to prioritize well-being, risk prevention, and operational excellence.

Beyond safety, Elver oversees SEMA’s Human Resources department, ensuring policies support fair compensation, career development, and long-term talent retention. He is passionate about mentoring employees, fostering professional growth, and building a motivated workforce that thrives within SEMA’s culture. By placing people first -employees, clients, and stakeholders - he ensures that SEMA remains a leader in workforce development, engagement, and long-term industry impact.

Elver plays a critical role in advancing SEMA’s Purpose Statement, ensuring the company remains a place where great people come together to build inspiring projects that improve the world around us. His leadership supports The Project and The People — safely, sustainably, with high quality, and profitably. Guided by Hungry, Humble, Tough, and Smart, he fosters a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workforce, making SEMA the best partner in the industry.

Elver has been happily married since 2015 and is a dedicated father to four children - three boys and one girl. Family is the foundation of his life, and he cherishes every moment spent with them. Outside of work, Elver maintains a passion for volleyball, both as a player and a fan, and enjoys watching soccer. He is an avid reader, particularly leadership books that contribute to his personal and professional growth. 

HUMBLE