Senator Diane Allen (R-Burlington) announced on January 31 that she will be retiring at the end of the legislative year.

Although she had planned to run for re-election, Allen explained in a statement that health issues have caused her to retire.

“I have a number of medical concerns that sometimes make it difficult for me to put in the same time and effort I have been able to expend in the past,” Allen said in the statement. “Fortunately, I believe I can maintain a pace to continue to serve my district this year.”

We were honored to have Senator Allen speak on our Women’s Empowerment Panel last year. But one of our favorite moments with her was when she told us about her role model during the 2012 Women’s Roundtable.