2022 Emily Farley Award Recipient
Polly joined the LWVME in 2012. She was among the “founding” mothers who rejuvenated the LWVPA in 2014 and has also been involved in leadership at the state level. She retired in 2010 from a long career in the public sector. She has served as Deputy Commissioner for the Maine Department of Education, Director of Personnel and Administrative Services for the Maine School Management Association, and Business Manager for South Portland Schools. The many skills developed over her professional career have benefited the LWVME enormously. We asked League members who have worked most closely with Polly to comment on her contributions to the League.
Anne Schink, League leader since 1950s, said: At the start of efforts to renew the Portland League, Polly stepped to the forefront. I worked with her on the bylaws and was impressed by her commitment and knowledge. Polly kept us grounded and focused.
Valerie Kelly, a founding member of LWVPA found that: Polly’s energetic efforts to get us all up to speed on ranked-choice voting impressed me and the efforts clearly paid off, with Portland getting ahead of the rest of the state. I'm delighted that Polly is the award recipient; much deserved and long overdue.
Peg Balano, current President of the LWVPA, focuses on the Council of Local Leaders: Polly was so helpful in the design of the CLL, interviewing local Leagues about their needs and wants.
Jill Ward, LWVME President, reflects on Polly’s LWVME contributions: Serving alongside me as Vice President for three terms, Polly’s steady presence helped guide the LWVME through a period of unprecedented growth. I am grateful for her many contributions -- particularly leading the Governance Committee. What makes Polly so effective is that her no-nonsense, get-things-done attitude is matched with a profound ability to listen to others and include them in the work.
Alison Smith, EFEF Advisor & state Board Director notes: Possibly the greatest organizational challenge for the LWVME was chairing the group that rewrote our state bylaws when MCCE and the League joined forces. Just keeping straight, the changes in successive drafts was a big deal. Polly had endless patience with her less-organized, less-diligent colleagues.
Nadya Mullen, Operations Director, reports: I have never worked with a committee chair as organized, composed and persistent as Polly. She gets it done with grace and determination.
Ann Luther, LWVME Treasurer, offers these insights: Polly is the Queen of Accountability -- an absolute Rock of Responsibility. When the thing is in Polly's hands, you just KNOW it will get done right.
We are grateful to Polly for being who she is, sharing her talents and achieving so much.