THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 9, 1994 TAG: 9410070301
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Deep down, Cathy Nirdlinger says, she's a shy person.
``I'm an introvert, more or less, a better behind-the-scenes worker than a leader,'' she said.
But through active participation in Professional Secretaries International, she has attained a new level of self-confidence.
``I've been able to develop leadership skills and find that I really enjoy it,'' she said. ``I have fun in a leadership role.''
In 1983, she earned the distinction of certified professional secretary.
This year, she is president of the Virginia Division of the organization. Through a board of directors, she oversees and guides the 22 organization chapters in Virginia.
``We're the link between the chapters and the international organization,'' said Nirdlinger, who has attended conferences in places such as Calgary, Canada, and Los Angeles, Calif.
Her division will host the southeast district conference at the Homestead in Hot Springs later this year.
``There will be between 500 and 700 secretaries from all over the Southeast United States and Puerto Rico,'' she said.
Full name: Cathy J. Nirdlinger
Birthdate: May 3, 1949
Grew up: In Richmond
Childhood memories: ``Swinging in the back yard. Spinning around until I got dizzy, then lying down in the grass. Playing paper dolls and cowboys and Indians with neighborhood kids.''
Spouse: Clint
Children: a son, Wes Barnes; two stepdaughters, Suzanne Nirdlinger and Tammy Ennis; and one grandson, Tommy
Occupation: Secretary to Ian M. Shipley Jr., Chesapeake's chief of police
Hobbies: ``I like cross-stitching, singing and reading. That's about all I have time for these days.''
A favorite book: ``The Wedding Bargain''
Favorite song: ``I'll Fly Away''
Favorite movie: ``I really like `Parent Trap.' ''
Can't resist: Pepsi-Cola
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I worry too much.''
Greatest accomplishment: ``Two things come to mind. One I can't take full credit for - raising a wonderful son to be a self-sufficient young man. A personal thing has been setting goals for myself that pushed me to strive for professional excellence through involvement with Professional Secretaries International and achieving my certified professional secretary's rating.''
Favorite TV program: ``The Waltons''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: ``I have two, Courthouse Cafe and Ho-Ho Restaurant''
Biggest problem facing Chesapeake: ``Population growth and its consequences and the fact that we want all the excellent services which make life wonderful, but we are not always willing to pay for them.''
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``Sleep late, then piddle around the house and go out to lunch with my husband and relax and watch TV the rest of the day.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Cathy Nirdlinger is president of the Virginia Division of
Professional Secretaries International. Through a board of
directors, she guides the 22 organization chapters in Virginia.
by CNB