Living Life Fully: A key value for new State President

New AARP Colorado State President Debbie Hornor said she feels her first position with a small hospice organization in New Hampshire was foundational to her career and philosophy.

“It solidified the deep sense that I would always work in nonprofits,” she said. “It helped me to think about the continuum of life in a positive way – of living life fully.”

Hornor, named AARP Colorado President, a volunteer leadership position, earlier this year, currently serves as Senior Vice President of Mission Advancement for the American Heart Association’s Southwest Region. Her territory covers Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas, as well as Colorado.

"I am excited to see the passion, care, and attention to detail Debbie brings to her new role at AARP," said Sara Schueneman AARP Colorado State Director. "Her tenure at AHA spans over 20 years and a variety of roles at the National Center, focusing on advocacy, public health policy, community health, and strategic coalition development and cultivation."

Both being a cancer survivor and beginning to take on more involvement in her parents’ care have deepened Hornor’s personal involvement in healthcare issues, which she believes will help AARP continue its work in the areas of health care.

“My cancer highlighted how confusing the healthcare system is to navigate and how important it is to have access to good healthcare,” she said. “What happens to folks who have no additional support?”

Hornor brings these concerns to bear to the AARP Advocacy Team, which works in conjunction with the Colorado Legislature on behalf of seniors.

She added that AARP membership has always been a value in her family.

“At 50, I was eager to join AARP,” she said. “I would like us to really get out into communities across Colorado and engage people as close to 50 as possible early on so they can benefit from the full AARP experience.”

Hornor, her husband and two children have fallen in love with Colorado since moving here eight years ago. With their three rescued German shepherds, they are frequent hikers in the Colorado mountains.

“We love to take advantage of the beauty of Colorado, and the sunshine,” she said.