Shirley Laos represents Native American interests on the council. As the vice-chair for the Trinidad Rancheria, her duties cover cultural, educational, transportation and disaster management. In addition to being the vice-chair, she has served as secretary/treasurer and council member at large. Other experience includes serving on the Humbodlt State Univeristy Native American Advisory Committee and the governing board for the Clarke Historical Museum. She is a member of the California Indian Basketweavers Association and Trinidad Gateway Committee.
Shirley holds a bacherlor's degree in elementary education and Native American studies from Humboldt State University. She is a resident of Trinidad.