A descendent of the late Carlos “Wassaja” Montezuma and the late granddaughter of Margaret Dickens, Bernadine Burnette has led the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation for more than two decades – during which time she has held the position of Secretary, Vice President and, most recently, President (Burnette was re-elected to this office in 2020). Leveraging her work experience for four decades, her hard work and dedication have resulted in substantial tribal economic growth. This includes opening the new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort; establishing a definite place in Tribal, County, State and Federal government; and continuing much-needed services and programs for Tribal Members. Recently named one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business, Burnette also currently serves as President of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) and Vice President of the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona (ITAA), and has held previous positions as President and Vice President of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association and Secretary of the National Indian Gaming Association. Her current and past memberships also include the National Congress of American Indians, the National Tribal Environmental Council, the National Indian Education Association, and the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council. A firm believer that family is the foundation of every community, Burnette is proudly married to Wayland Burnette and has a son, daughter, niece, three grandchildren and many relatives. Her ongoing commitment to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is to Work with The People and For the People.

Kari is responsible for new client development, maintaining client satisfaction throughout the life of a project, while assuring cultural competencies and compliance with our clients. Nearly twenty years working in Indian Country she is committed to advancing the lives of Native peoples through economic and community development. Her respect for learning about each unique Tribal culture, honoring the traditions and history of Indigenous Nations and helping the construction and design industry find a common language to bring progressive and meaningful development to Indian Country is her passion. Wenaha Group, Native Owned, is an Owner's Representative, Construction Management & Consulting Firm that specializes in education, tribal, gaming/hospitality, public agency, housing and healthcare projects. Celebrating 10 years and over 30 employees, Wenaha Group manages projects from $2M to over $400M serving clients and their communities in Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington.