Board of Directors | Southern California Railway Plaza Association

SCRPA Board of Directors

The SCRPA is administered by a Board of Directors that includes people knowledgeable in railroad operations, organization administration, public affairs, nonprofit organizations, and various technical specialties.

Executive Committee

Harold Benash President Civil engineering consultant; extensive experience in construction management and public works construction; expert in rail modeling and railroad operations.
David Norris Vice President Dave is a lifelong railfan and has been a participant in Railroad Days since its inception and is an active member of Railroad Operations Committee.
Mary Proctor Treasurer Retired from State Compensation Insurance Fund after 26 years of service as a claims adjuster and supervisor.
Anastasia Norris Secretary Anastasia Norris grew up around trains (literally and figuratively) and has been a member of the SCRPA for several years. She helped with numerous past Railroad Days.

Director Emeritus

Rudolph A. Morganfruh Director Emeritus Retired aerospace Electrical Engineer, specializing in radar and display systems. Earned Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Masters in Electrical Engineering. Licensed as a Professional Engineer. Co-author, Silver At Your Service, A Collector's Guide to Railroad Dining Car Flatware Patterns. Authored extensive articles in rail enthusiast publications and newsletters. Lifelong railfan with interest primarily in Pullman railcars. Currently a 1/3 owner of a lightweight Pullman sleeper/lounge located at the Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler, AZ. An expert in railroad electrical matters, Morganfruh volunteers his considerable talent as a railroad electrician for The Arizona Railway Museum and SCRPA’s Fullerton Train Museum.

Members

Allison Benash Director More than 25 years of marketing and sales experience in the telecommunications and software industries. Avid golfer who enjoys planning and playing in charity golf tournaments.
George H. Engelage IV Director Owner, Coast Rail Services, Inc., a rail operations and services business; locomotive, passenger, and freight operations; knowledgeable in train movements and requirements; close relationships to all levels of BNSF and Union Pacific operations and management.
Denis Hergenreter Director Senior software engineer for an insurance software company; Cal State University, Fullerton graduate; life-long railfan and classic car enthusiast.
James Hoffman Director James Hoffman has been a member of numerous Railroad Museums in Southern California since 1965, holding leadership positions in many of them. He has been a member SCRPA since 2010 and currently heads up the docent training program for the Fullerton Train Museum.
Martin Kluck Director General Building Contractor with emphasis on passive solar energy systems; Currently a technical consultant on energy efficient systems. B.S. Architecture, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Active volunteer of Fullerton Railway Plaza Association/Southern California Railway Plaza Association since 2000. Joined SCRPA board 2018. In addition to his interest in trains, Martin serves the Sierra Club in many capacities including hike leader on interpretive walks along Southern California trails and maintenance/updating of their “Keller Hut” mountain cabin in Snow Valley, CA. Interests: Rail history, Environmental endeavors and community service.
Kathleen Norris Director Retired supervisor for the United States Postal Service with 40+ years on the job. A product of California State University Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Public Administration, Kathy is a long-time Fullerton resident. A member of Fullerton Railway Plaza Association/Southern California Railway Plaza Association since its inception, she has worn many hats in the organization including managing SCRPA’s Fullerton Elementary School Safety Poster Contest for six years. A railroad enthusiast for many years, Kathy collects railroad china and silverware. Active with her church, she sits on the parish staff committee, finance committee and the board of trustees.
Eric Shishima Director Supplier of finish hardware for the New Home Construction Industry. Eric is a lifelong resident of Southern California and longtime member of Southern California Railway Plaza Association, a director of that organization, and an energetic participant in various operational activities. An active community service volunteer with the Suburban Optimist Club of Buena Park and currently a director of that body. Interests: Serving the community and providing an environment where tomorrow's leaders can build character, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Alex Walker Director A current Business Information Systems student at Cal State University, Fullerton, Alex is the youngest member of the board. An alumni from Competetive Engineering Team 5199 with experience in robotics, cimputers, and metalwork, he has cultivated numerous connections in the professional railroad industry and is working with local train companies to aquire more equipment for the museum.
Andrew Walsh Director Joining the SCRPA in early 2022, Andrew is a senior program manager over software developers for a mobile phone provider. He has been a resident of southern California for all but five years, and moved to Fullerton in 2019. A graduate of UC Irvine, he has been a technology leader in large- and mid-sized companies for thirty years - including Farmers Insurance, Disney, Experian, and Hyundai - and has volunteered in various fields for some time. Andrew also brings to the board a long background in computers, electronics, history, and communications he hopes is useful to the Association.

In Memorium

Richard “Dennis” White Director Emeritus Served the Aviation, Forest Products and Graphic Arts industries in various capacities for more than forty years with emphasis on logistics relating to rail, truck, air and ocean transportation; manufacturing; and executive leadership roles. Authored numerous articles in trade journals and rail enthusiast publications. Commercial pilot. A director of Fullerton Railway Plaza Association, Southern California Scenic Railway Association and the Southern California Railway Plaza Association. Was SCRPA Vice President for 6 years, retiring in 2018. Returned to the SCRPA Board of Directors January, 2021. Interests: Rail history, genealogy and raising English Springer Spaniels.