In 2017 Councilmember Ashley Vanorny became the second youngest to serve Iowa’s second largest city, Cedar Rapids, her hometown, where she is serving her third term now. She graduated from Kirkwood Community College having studied Criminal Justice (AS) and the University of Iowa (Psychology BS, Political Science BA) where she serves on the Political Science Advisory Board. Holding her Master's in Healthcare Administration (MHA. 2021) she works full-time in healthcare. 

She served on the Foster Care Review Board (2019-2025), the Board of Directors for the National League of Cities (2023-), is the President for Linn County League of Women Voters, is a Junior League Sustainer, served as an advisor for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and volunteer (2008-2025), and is the Board Secretary for the Smithsonian National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library (2024-). 

Councilmember Vanorny is involved in New Leaders Council-Des Moines Chapter (2018), is an alumni of the American Council of Young Political Leaders (North Macedonia, 2022), and a member of NewDeal Leaders. Councilmember Vanorny is a Certified Elected Municipal Official through the Iowa League of Cities where she serves as a Board Member and is a Past and the youngest-ever President. On City Council she serves on the Corridor Municipal Planning Organization, Housing Trust Fund for Linn County Board, Public Safety and Youth Services Committee, Development Committee, and the Area Ambulance Board of Directors. 

Councilmember Vanorny has received numerous recognitions including the 35 Under 35 (2020) from the Young Elected Officials Network, the Corridor Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 (2021), Waypoint Women of Achievement (2022), Rhonda Wood Smith Award through the Iowa League of Cities (2023), the Centennial Under 40 Award from the National League of Cities (2024), and the Women of Achievement from the Corridor Business Journal in 2025 and Kirkwood Community College Distinguished Alumni Award (2026).