We all know that unique someone who is just naturally easy to talk to. Cathy Norman is one of those people. As an Account Executive with NBC 5 and Telemundo 39, Norman oversees the sponsor relationship between the stations and the Stock Show. While her role and presence in her official capacity has grown over the years, she has Stock Show roots that run deep to her youth. Norman was 2 when her parents, Ted and Dale Norman, moved her to Fort Worth from New Jersey. Ted and Dale were entertainers at New York’s famous Copacabana nightclub, but her father, Ted, wanted to return to his Fort Worth roots so Cathy became a Texan at an early age. Becoming a Texan naturally meant she might take up some Texas-style pursuits and by age 8 she was riding her first horse daily at the Fort Worth Horseshoe Club. HORSE SHOW THRILLS “I was 10-years old when I first showed my horse at the Stock Show,” Norman recalls. “I remember what a thrill it was and still get that same thrill walking on the grounds. I’ve shown Appaloosas, Palominos, Quarter Horses and most recently reining horses at the Stock Show which has always been a very special part of my life.” Norman’s love for horses kept her in Fort Worth after graduating from Paschal High School to attend Texas Christian University. Giving riding lessons brought in extra income while she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education. She spent four years teaching special education before transitioning to the world of mass media. Yet, horses and helping those with mental and physical challenges remain compelling forces in Norman’s life. “Chisholm Challenge continues to be my favorite event,” she said referring to the horse show for therapeutic riding participants hosted by the Stock Show each year. “It’s long been a dream to combine my special education training with my experience showing horses, so I’m currently pursuing certification as a P.A.T.H. therapeutic riding instructor. My goal is to have a center for equine-assisted therapy in Fort Worth.” DAY OF THE FAMILY - Dia de la Familia The wife, mother and busy business executive has a strong appreciation for everything the Stock Show offers especially for families. That, combined with her years of experience working with the Hispanic community, gave Norman an idea for a special day that has become a popular Stock Show feature. “After I’d worked with the Stock Show for a couple of years, I felt the impact of an additional special day celebrating Hispanic families would be a great compliment to the Show,” she said. “I approached Dora Tovar, because of her media knowledge and public relations expertise, with my idea and we, then, presented our ‘vision’ to Brad Barnes who gave his approval. And, Dia de la Familia was born.” Typically held on the second Sunday of the Show, Dia de la Familia features entertainment and fun with a special guest appearances by Telemundo 39 news anchors and network stars such as Carlos Ponce. “The family friendly atmosphere at the FWSSR welcomes diversity in all areas,” said Norman. “You will see individuals and families of all races, nationalities and cultures which is what I love about the Stock Show.” ENHANCING THE BANG FOR THE BUCK The Stock Show goes to great pains to ensure that all sponsors get the best “bang for their buck” for their commitments. That bang for the buck is taken to new heights when sponsor executives become personally engaged in the Stock Show’s mission. Norman is the epitome of being personally engaged, lifting the value of the partnership between the Stock Show and NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 to extraordinary heights while also paying it forward. “NBC 5, Telemundo 39 and the Stock Show have a successful history of working together,” Norman said proudly. “And, for me, the greatest contribution we are making is the impact we’re having on the lives of so many young people including those who deserve special recognition for their perseverance to overcome life’s challenges.” 8 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT CATHY NORMAN NBC 5 / TELEMUNDO 39 Left to right: Cathy, Telemundo 39 Anchor Nancy Leal and son Daniel Cathy shows Chief Blue Warrior “aka Blue” at her first FWSSR
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