The following statements have been provided by candidates who are running for the three available seats. for a term of three years beginning with 2026-27, on the nine-member Board of Directors of the Bishop Museum and Historical Society, dba Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site. Ballots are being issued to members May 5, and the closing deadline for members to cast votes and return their ballots is June 5, 2026.
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS:
Marshall Rudolph
It has been my pleasure to serve on the Society's (Laws) board of directors since July of 2022 and I am currently the vice president. Like many other board members, I am also a Laws volunteer, specifically as a member of the train crew where I help to operate the Brill Car. I am a retired attorney. Before retiring, I served as Inyo County Counsel and, prior to that, as Mono County Counsel. I believe my legal background has been useful in my service on the board, particularly with contractual matters. The Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site is truly one of the most unique and beloved attractions in the Eastern Sierra. And it has only gotten better over time as more buildings have been restored and opened to the public and as new artifacts and exhibits have been added. Our historical archives have also been improving – a valuable aid to researchers. Even the grounds are more beautiful than ever. Of course, none of that happens by itself. Laws is a surprisingly complex organization with much that goes on behind the scenes. During my time on the board, I've learned a lot about the organization, its history, and the many dedicated people who keep it going, including our paid staff, fabulous volunteers, and generous donors/members. I believe that such institutional knowledge comes in handy as a board member. I would be happy and honored to continue serving on the board if so elected.
Tom Simpson
Hello, my name is Tom Simpson, and I am interested in returning to the Laws board. A brief history of my background starts after high school joining the Air Force. After 3 years overseas as a crash rescue fireman, I returned and became a crash rescue fireman for Lockheed Aircraft. In 1977, my wife and I had the opportunity to move to Palm Springs. During that time, we owned several businesses and I also worked for the Palm Springs Police Dept. In 1997 we moved to Bishop and both of our careers involved community service. During that time, I became a Laws board member, oversaw the boneyard cleanup and supervised the remodel of the gift shop. At the present time both my wife and I volunteer in the engine house.
Beverly Schroeder
I have been a volunteer at Laws for the past six and half years, and on the Board of Directors for the past three years. At present I serve as Train Crew Chief, supervising operations, operator training, and maintenance of track and rolling stock, and also as President of the Board. In the past year I have worked with auditors and accountants to promote improved fiscal responsibility and accountability, and with staff and volunteers to create volunteer and visitor services programs pertinent to the museum’s mission. I hope to continue to serve the Museum as an active member of the Board with the goal of continuing to promote the growth, credibility, and reputation of this very special Heritage Site within our community and within the larger community that we serve.