AMERIND Risk's Derek Valdo Named a Top 30 CEO by Native Business Magazine

Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M. – AMERIND Risk CEO Derek Valdo has been named one of Native Business Magazine’s Top 30 CEOs. This merit-based distinction identifies Valdo as having “professional qualities necessary of business executives who are tasked with successfully operating a Tribal Nation’s economic enterprise.”

“AMERIND’s success can be attributed to making Indian Country the focus of our vision, mission and purpose,” Valdo said. “Cultural sensitivity, tribal understanding and mutual growth are at the root of everything we do. I am truly honored to lead a team of intelligent and passionate professionals who share AMERIND’s commitment to economic stability and growth in Indian Country.”

Valdo joined AMERIND Risk in 2000 and was named CEO in 2012. Under Valdo’s leadership, AMERIND’s annual revenue has nearly doubled, the products and services have been improved while strengthening its financial performance and clients have saved over $4 million dollars in insurance costs each year.

Valdo participates on several board of directors for the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, Native American Rights Funds, the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation, the First Nations Oweesta Corporation, the United Way of Central New Mexico, the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management Foundation and the National Indian Child Welfare Association Board of Trustees. In addition, he served fourteen years as a councilman for his Tribe, the Pueblo of Acoma. Valdo attended Stanford University and obtained his bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in management from the University of New Mexico

Native Business is a leading resource for information about Native American businesses, entrepreneurship and economic development. The list of honorees includes CEOs from various sectors, including gaming, federal contracting, construction, natural resources and financial services.

Founded in 1986, AMERIND Risk is the only 100 percent tribally owned and operated insurance provider serving Indian Country. More than 400 tribes united to create AMERIND for the purpose of providing affordable and sustainable insurance products and services. AMERIND’s mission is to keep Indian money in Indian Country. AMERIND strengthens and invests in the communities it serves with broadband services, infrastructure projects, scholarships, sponsorships and outreach efforts. To learn more about the company, go to http://www.amerindrisk.org/