Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
The Bishop Chamber of Commerce is a community-based, membership-driven, non-profit organization that works to sustain and improve the local economy. The chamber provides education, advocacy, networking, and referrals for its 300+ local member businesses. The visitor’s bureau division of the organization focuses on destination marketing and development.
The Chamber Board of Directors provides strategy, policy, and oversight for the organization’s small staff. “We are so fortunate to have this committed group of business leaders serving our community. They contribute a diverse array of perspectives, experiences, and talents to the organization,” states Chamber Executive Director Tawni Thomson.
The annual election was recently completed, and the Chamber is pleased to announce the following slate of leaders for 2024-2025.
PRESIDENT
Robert Sharp, Eastern Sierra Community Bank
Robert oversees operations for Eastern Sierra Community Bank in Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Bridgeport. Robert is a native son of the Eastern Sierra, is a graduate of Brigham Young University and studied abroad before returning to our region. Community service is very important to Robert – he enjoys working with many local civic organizations.
VICE PRESIDENT
Sarah Freundt, Grocery Outlet
Sarah is co-owner, with husband Dennis, of Bishop’s local Grocery Outlet Bargain Market. She believes in success through service to the community and is an active community volunteer and supporter of local non-profit organizations. A native of California’s Wine Country, she has a unique understanding of the business of tourism and the importance of balancing the wants of our visitors with the business needs of our local community. Sarah believes a strong, active chamber of commerce is vital to community success and is honored to serve on the Bishop Chamber Board.
TREASURER
Cheryl Underhill, Northern Inyo Hospital, VFW, Elks, Lions, ESCA & Altrusa
Cheryl serves on the Board of Eastern Sierra Cancer Alliance, NIHD Foundation and City of Bishop Parks & Recreation Commission. She is an active member of NIH Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary Post 8988, American Legion Auxiliary, Altrusa International, Bishop Lions Club, United We Ride, Moms Club, American Red Cross (Disaster Action Team), and Salvation Army Shelter team. She participates in many other community activities, events and fundraisers. Married to John for 32 Years, Cheryl has ten grandkids and six great grand children. Cheryl says “It’s my honor and privilege to serve on the Chamber Board and I look forward to another successful year.”
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Sunil Lad, Best Western Bishop Lodge & Comfort Inn
Sunil’s family operates Lad Hospitality Management, focusing on mid-tier franchise hotels. In Bishop, they run the Best Western Bishop Lodge and Comfort Inn. Sunil proudly represents his family’s second generation of hotel ownership in Bishop.
BOARD MEMBERS
Luis Barrantes, Vagabond Inn
We’re excited to announce that Luis, General Manager at Vagabond, will bring a depth of knowledge to both the BTID Marketing Committee and the Chamber Board. His insights will be a valuable asset in our efforts to promote local businesses and enhance our community’s appeal.
Donna Bird, Mule Days Celebration
As a lifelong Bishop resident, I’ve witnessed many changes to our town, yet I believe Bishop has admirably retained its unique small-town charm. I’m eager to join the Chamber of Commerce to help foster this strong sense of community while also inviting visitors to experience our beautiful surroundings. My role as Executive Director of Bishop Mule Days has provided me with invaluable experience in balancing the need for broad outreach to new visitors with the importance of nurturing close community relationships.
Tara Frank, Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center
Tara has been the Director for the Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center since 2014. She continues to inspire others and bring focus to the cultural heritage and local traditions. Tara has seen our community grow and believes we have potential and opportunities to expand, educate, and showcase all that our town has to offer, while preserving and honoring the legacy and heritage of the past.
Gary Gunsolley, Fly Fishing Guide
Gary has decades of experience as a business owner and expert Fly Fishing guide in the Eastern Sierra. He was the owner of Brock’s Flyfishing Specialists from 1989 to 2013, when he decided to sell the retail business and focus wholeheartedly on teaching and guiding. Gary and his wife Pat have been dedicated volunteers for the Bishop Chamber for many years; they transport, set-up and staff the booths at the annual Fred Hall Fishing Shows in Long Beach and Del Mar.
Dustin DelGiudice, Looney Bean Bishop
Dustin, a third-generation Eastern Sierra local, has deep roots in Bishop, where he and his wife, Corrie, have raised their four children. Together, they own Looney Bean Bishop and Little Looney, and previously ran a welding business. Dustin’s passion for the area, its people, and local businesses is evident in his extensive volunteer work, which includes years with AYSO, coaching various high school sports, and participating in Playhouse 395. He even has a background with the US snowboard team, both as an athlete and a coach. Dustin envisions a future for Bishop’s businesses that maintains its quaint, small-town charm while fostering forward-thinking growth through a unified community effort.
John Marko, Individual Member
John is the Retired General Manager at Wayfinder Bishop (Formally Creekside Inn). He previously worked with Independent Hotel in Los Angeles for 25 years. He served on the Executive Committee of Hotel Association of Los Angeles for 20 years; 2 years as President and 15 years as Treasurer. He was a Board Member of the Los Angeles Convention Bureau, 1998 – 2023. John has visited the Eastern Sierra for over 30 years, enjoying all outdoor activities from Lone Pine to Bridgeport. He built a home here and moved to Bishop full time in October 2023. John is a member of Local VFW Post #8988 and is looking forward to becoming more involved in local events and activities.
Jason Brown, Laughing Parrot Productions
Jason owns The Jaspen Corporation, a local IT company that provides computer- related services throughout the Owens Valley. He has been the CIO of two financial firms and worked remotely for many years for surgical centers in the Los Angeles area. Jason has been actively involved in the community by donating time and webhosting to various non-profits for the past 20 years. He formed a dba, Laughing Parrot Productions in 2018 to bring cinema quality services to the valley. He has recently been named General Manager of Sierra Wave Media, a great way to merge love of film and passion for our
community.
Lisa Coedy, Wayfinder Bishop
We are thrilled to introduce Lisa as the new General Manager at Wayfinder Bishop! Lisa brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable business practices, with a proven track record of developing, implementing, and monitoring initiatives that balance purpose with profit. Her holistic approach ensures the greatest benefit for employees, customers, suppliers, the community, and the environment. Lisa’s comprehensive experience includes managing all facets of hotel operations, from HR and supply chain management to marketing, landscaping, and design, all with a focus on ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations.
Jennifer Morrow, Elevated Bishop
Jennifer is a passionate advocate for local businesses and a champion for tourism growth in our town. As the owner of Elevated, a popular shop offering gifts, souvenirs, clothing, and décor, Jennifer has gained invaluable insights into the diverse needs and preferences of both residents and visitors throughout the year. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership, she understands the power of collaboration in achieving shared objectives and is particularly focused on fostering local business collaboration to strengthen our community. Jennifer is eager to contribute to the Chamber of Commerce board, leveraging her experience and dedication to promote our town’s unique appeal and support the continued success of its vibrant business landscape.
Debi Yerkes, Alex Printing
Debi and husband Alex Yerkes have owned and operated Alex Printing for 44 years and enjoy serving Inyo, Mono, Alpine and Kern Counties. She has enjoyed being a member of the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce since 2007, serving as President in 2011-12 and 2021-22. She believes it is important to promote and protect the Eastern Sierra. Debi spends her free time hiking in the Eastern Sierra with her dogs, catching Dave Matthews Band concerts, traveling and spending time with her family.
The Bishop Chamber is always grateful for the support of its 300+ members, numerous community volunteers and co-sponsors. To learn more about the organization, visit www.bishopchamberofcommerce.com or stop by their office next to the City Park at 690 N. Main Street.
The Bishop Chamber of Commerce is a community-based, non-profit organization that works to sustain and improve the local economy. The chamber provides education, advocacy, networking and referrals for its three hundred local member businesses. The visitor’s bureau division of the organization focuses on destination management and marketing. The Chamber Board of Directors provides strategy, policy and oversight for the organization’s small staff. “We are so fortunate to have this committed group of business leaders serving our community. They bring a diverse array of perspectives, experiences and talents to the organization,” states chamber executive director Tawni Thomson.