Vernard served as a founding member of ACE’s New York City region in 2009 before establishing its Las Vegas region in 2011.

He spearheads initiatives to improve ACE’s understanding of how social issues intersect with climate change so its programming best assists youth in infusing their values into the climate movement.

He is also skilled at supporting young people to discover their authentic selves, which he believes best allows them to offer solutions for their communities.

Vernard’s days as a 4-H youth in Brooklyn fostered this passion. While competing against some of the best basketball players in New York City, Vernard planted trees, grew a community garden, and engaged in beautification projects alongside fellow 4-H youth. The lessons Vernard learned working alongside peers to improve his community spearheaded his commitment to earning a J.D. from Howard University School of Law — an institution noted for its leadership in civil and social rights causes.

Vernard is also an engaging speaker and facilitator who has served the United States Court of Appeals as a staff attorney.