Name: Cathy Penniston, RPR, CRI
Location: Waukee, Iowa
Member since: 1975
NCRA Board of Directors: 2018-2028
JCR | How did you hear about court reporting?
CP | While working as a secretary at a local bank and earning low wages, my husband read an article in the Des Moines Register stating that the Iowa court reporters were granted a large increase in salary. We decided to investigate the court reporting program at the American Institute of Business (AIB). We visited AIB, and I enrolled in the court reporting program the next week.
JCR | Why did you want to serve on the Board?
CP | I feel I have a unique perspective to offer the Board since I have taught court reporting classes for more than 10 years, worked as an official reporter for 30 years, and worked as a freelance reporter, a captioner, and a CART provider. I’ve also been a leader for the NCRA A to Z® Intro to Steno Machine Shorthand program. I enjoy serving on the NCRA Board and sharing my experience in Board discussions.
JCR | What’s one thing that people probably don’t already know about you?
CP | I have worked as a court reporter for 50 years. I shared an office with Roy Voelker, who served as NCRA President from 1975 to 1976. I stayed home to cover Roy’s courtroom while he and the Iowa court reporters attended the NCRA convention in Chicago. I was disappointed to miss Roy’s installation. I look forward the 2026 NCRA Conference & Expo in Bellevue, Wash., where I will be installed as President of NCRA.
Comments are closed.