Vernon hails from the Thunder Clan and is Chairman of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska & Iowa. He left his position as a business teacher with the Umonhon (Omaha) Nation Public Schools on the Omaha Tribal Reservation when he was elected to the Omaha Tribal Council. His vision for the future includes lowering unemployment, ensuring equitable services for students and language preservation. He served as western regional director and election chair for the American Indian/Alaska Native Caucus for the National Education Association. He has also served on the board of directors for the Nebraska State Education Association.