About VCAT : Executive Team

Clifford LaChappa

Vice President, Native American Business Development

Clifford LaChappa, serves as VCAT's Vice President of Native American Business Development. His role at VCAT is to assist other Tribes in understanding the importance of their role as business owners and provide insight as to how to develop meaningful relationships with people and organizations that can assist in their successful business development.

Prior to joining VCAT, Clifford served as the Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians from 1989 through 2004 and as a member of the Tribal Council from 1988 through 1989.

Throughout his career, Clifford's achievements were focused on moving the Barona Tribe towards economic self-sufficiency and success. His vision and leadership helped transform Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino into a major economic force of over 3,400 employees and eliminated tribal unemployment and reliance on welfare.

Guided by his commitment to excellence in business, technology and innovation - the award winning Mariposa CRM Software was developed during his tenure - Clifford helped establish the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino as a leading gaming destination resort in California. He was one of the first tribal leaders to recognize the importance of tribal ownership and successful relationships with non-tribal entities. His acumen, vision, and legacy have been an inspiration to gaming tribes throughout the United States.

Committed to community service, his leadership also helped establish Barona as a major contributor within the San Diego community and reinforced pride among the members of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. That pride, in part, stems from accomplishments such as the establishment of trust funds, loan programs and college scholarship programs for members; the creation of educational incentives; the improvement of roads, utilities, housing and emergency services; and the groundwork for economic diversification beyond the casino.

Born on the Barona Reservation, Clifford studied at San Diego State University and California State University, Long Beach. He is the proud father of four children and grandfather of eight.