The Arc of Spokane appoints Pamela Norr as new CEO

The Arc of Spokane is honored to announce its incoming Chief Executive Officer, Pamela Norr, following the announcement of current CEO Sima Thorpe’s retirement after eight years.

Norr has been a transformational leader in non-profits with over 30 years of experience, serving organizations in healthcare, aging populations, food instability, and houselessness. Most recently, she has served as the Executive Officer for Camp Fire Inland Northwest, a leader in youth development. Norr is an expert in board development, strategic planning, development, public relations, and is a visionary who focuses on growth and sustainability.

“The Board of Directors was looking for a CEO with the professional skillset and the passion to build on the legacy of those who came before,” said The Arc of Spokane’s Board of Directors President Tim Engh.

Over the past year, The Arc has engaged the community as it seeks to address issues surrounding housing, transportation, education, legal services, access to services, and community inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. These efforts will inform the organization’s strategic plan for the coming years.

“Pam is coming in at a great time to take over. The strategic planning process is reaching its crescendo at the same moment she arrives. Pam will have the opportunity to contribute to the plan’s final form and then to put the plan into action,” said Engh.

With over 270 employees and more than 30 services and programs for people with IDD and their families, The Arc is one of the largest service providers in the Inland Northwest and is looking to continue expanding its reach and partnerships beyond Spokane.

“I was drawn to The Arc because of the mission, the expert leadership team, the enthusiasm of the board, and the passion of everyone involved,” said Norr. “I am excited to carry on the legacy of Sima and support the organization at this pivotal time of growth and opportunity.”

Norr will officially begin her duties as The Arc’s Chief Executive Officer on November 13.

ABOUT THE ARC OF SPOKANE
The Arc of Spokane is a chapter of The Arc of Washington and The Arc of the United States and joins over 600 chapters across the country on the front lines to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families have the support and services they need to be fully engaged in their communities.

Contact
Michaela Mulligan, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, mmulligan@arc-spokane.org, (509) 328-6326