T aryn Lopez Norley emits an upbeat energy that disguises the seriousness of her job. As president and CEO of ALS Arizona, she has spent 13 years leading an organization dedicated to supporting Arizona families facing the devastating realities of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS. Her journey has shaped her perspective on life and leadership and, in the process, had an impact that has reverberated throughout the state. Born in Kansas, Norley moved to Arizona at 4, when her father got tired of shoveling snow and packed up the family for Scottsdale in 1979. “I had a great childhood,” she said. BY KAREN WERNE R Taryn Lopez Norley’s journey of compassion at ALS Arizona Lessons in Love 30 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 31 Norley flourished at Coronado High School, where she did everything from cheerleading to sports to student council. After attending the University of Arizona and studying abroad in Spain, Norley discovered her calling. It began at a volunteer fair in college, where she signed up for a summer job with Camp Fire USA to take children camping for the first time. “I loved being able to show them new skills and do fun things outdoors,” she said. That summer job led to an expanded role with the local organization after graduation. When its executive director left, Norley and another staff member were selected as co-interim directors. From there, Norley was tapped for the organization’s national staff to oversee a territory from Western Texas to Southern California. “I was a road warrior,” Norley said. “I traveled a ton, and got to help the other nonprofits, whether it be trainings or help with their boards.” During that time, she married Kirk Norley and felt a need to settle down. “I just got sick of traveling because I was by myself in these tiny towns in Texas. I’d only been married a couple of years, so I was like, it’s enough now,” she said. Norley shifted to a fundraising position at Arthritis Foundation Arizona, where she worked for three years. “I did the Walk and their gala, and then this position came up,” she said. The job of leading ALS Arizona comes with built-in gravitas, as its clients are navigating one of the hardest diagnoses imaginable. “It’s physically and emotionally The annual Bite Nite fundraising event celebrates the resilience and joy of ALS Arizona’s patients, caregivers, staff and volunteers. At Camp Fire USA, Norley’s love for nurturing others blossomed. Norley was senior class president and co-captain of her cheer squad at Coronado High School. At Bite Nite with an ALS Arizona donor. COVER STORY