Cat's story
Cat has been married for 11 years to Dr. John Parks, a native Texan who grew up in Houston. John served in the Navy and is a retired anesthesiologist.
Cat and John share 10 year-old son Pierce and four grown stepchildren: Lura McBride (President & CEO of Van Meter Inc.), Trevor Parks (President of Trevor Parks Construction Company), Hunter Parks (President of Hunter Companies), and Dr. Clayton Parks (Parks & Schmidt Orthodontics). They have 12 grandchildren. The Parks’ are blessed to be part of the family at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
John and Cat own The Trinity Ranches, in Texas and New Mexico. They breed, raise, and train American Quarter Horses and travel across the United States teaching horsemanship clinics and seminars. The ranch has hosted events for 50-500 daily guests from 25 states and 7 countries.
- University of Illinois, BA in Spanish with a minor in Latin American Studies
- RN from Parkland College.
- Board Certification in Emergency Nursing
Cat strongly believes in rugged individualism, the power of the grass roots, and the value of education. She is passionate about “inviting people in”, creating cohesive relationships, and growing the Party by harnessing the energy, talent, and individual strengths of “We The People” of the Lone Star State.
As a small-business owner & entrepreneur, former university coach & college adjunct instructor, cancer-survivor, and certified trauma nurse– though her path in life has been diverse – it has always involved trail-blazing, team-building, and fighting for results.
- Vice-Chair, Republican Party of Texas
- Former Chairman, Hamilton County
- Former Board Member, Texas Republican County Chairmen’s Association
- Patron, Texas Federation of Republican Women
- Member, Austin Republican Women
- Member, RPT Chairman’s Communication Task Force
Prior to her involvement in Texas Republican politics, Cat co-founded and organized an 800+ member grassroots organization, founded to protect agricultural property rights (private and commercial) that were threatened in a proposed urban land development code. After three years, with Cat serving as president, the group successfully prevented local government from placing restrictive measures on farming and ranching, thereby preserving the agricultural economy and culture. The group received national recognition for advocacy by the American Horse Council.
Making the world a better place starts in our own hearts and homes. Cat has a strong history of demonstrated volunteerism and support for education, agriculture, conservation & good land stewardship, and programs which engage youth. She invites everyone to come to our table and get involved. One person can make a difference.