WASHINGTON, D.C. – In advance of this Saturday’s Maine Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, U.S. Senator Angus King today released a statement submitted to the Congressional Record honoring this year’s inductees, Dr. Connie Adler and Elizabeth Ward Saxl. The two women join a long list of inspiring female leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to bettering their communities and the entire State of Maine.

“Congratulations to both Connie and Elizabeth for their induction into the Maine Women's Hall of Fame.  With this well-deserved honor, they join the likes of Senator Margaret Chase Smith, as shining examples of character and fortitude,” said Senator King.  “I thank Connie and Elizabeth for all that they have done for Maine women and for our state as a whole. Maine is fortunate to have such tireless advocates fighting for health, safety, and prosperity.”

Dr. Adler currently serves on the Boards of the Maine Health Access Foundation and Maine Family Planning, as well as serving as Secretary for the Board of Directors of Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington.  Ms. Saxl has worked as the Executive Director of the Maine Coalition of Sexual Assault for 16 years.

Dr. Adler and Ms. Saxl will both be recognized during the 26^th Annual Maine Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, March 19^th at the University of Maine at Augusta. Senator King’s complete statement in the Congressional Record is as follows:

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HONOREES OF THE 26^th ANNUAL MAINE WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME

     Mr. KING.  Mr. President, I wish to honor two remarkable women, Dr. Connie Adler and Elizabeth Ward Saxl, who are new inductees to the Maine Women's Hall of Fame. Through their induction, we celebrate the tremendous impact that these women have on their communities, and on women throughout the state of Maine.

     Dr. Connie Adler, from Woolwich, Maine, currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington, as well as on the Boards of the Maine Health Access Foundation and Maine Family Planning. During her illustrious career, she has played a leading role in the pursuit of reproductive rights and the prevention of domestic violence. She has also established programs to increase access to healthcare for women living in rural and impoverished areas. Connie's work has been integral to keeping our communities healthy and safe.

     Elizabeth Ward Saxl, from Vassalboro, Maine, has served as the Executive Director of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault for the last 16 years. She is a passionate advocate for joining public policy solutions with community-based approaches that address the complex problems impacting Maine’s women and girls. Undertaking daunting projects like eliminating statute of limitations on child sexual abuse and creating housing protections for victims of sexual assault, Elizabeth has been a champion of abuse victims across the state.  Her work also extends to immigrant, refugee, elder, and native populations, making her a valuable asset to all of Maine’s marginalized populations.

     Congratulations to both Connie and Elizabeth for their induction into the Maine Women's Hall of Fame.  With this well-deserved honor, they join the likes of Senator Margaret Chase Smith, as shining examples of character and fortitude.  I thank Connie and Elizabeth for all that they have done for Maine women and for our state as a whole. Maine is fortunate to have such tireless advocates fighting for health, safety, and prosperity.

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