Bill
SJR 426
Ceremonial recognition of Susan Long by the General Assembly as the 2025 John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy recipient, honoring decades of service to seniors.
SJR 426 (Senate Joint Resolution 426) — Memorials, Recognition: Susan Long, John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy
Overview
- Type: Joint resolution (ceremonial memorial/recognition)
- Sponsor: Senator Massey
- Purpose: To honor and congratulate Susan Long of Knoxville as the 2025 Professional Award recipient of the John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy. The resolution recognizes her decades of leadership and service to older adults and her impact on the Knoxville community.
- Status: Signed by the Governor (May 1, 2025)
Key Provisions and Content
- Formal Recognition: The General Assembly celebrates Susan Long for being named the 2025 Professional Award recipient of the John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy.
- Background and Achievements Highlighted:
- Education: Undergraduate degree in marketing and coursework toward a master’s in advertising at the University of Tennessee.
- Career Focus on Older Adults Since 1985: Began as an administrator at Commonwealth Senior Living; later roles include marketing/management at Mountain Brook Village, administrator at Atria Weston Place, and director of Senior Services at Baptist Health System (1996–2005).
- Program Development: While at Baptist Health System, developed and marketed eight Senior Health Centers targeting patients aged 50+, creating comprehensive ancillary services (social work, dietitian consultations, exercise programs, support groups, immunization clinics, foot care, massage, wellness initiatives).
- Further Roles: Work with Covenant Health and East Tennessee Personal Care Service advocating for underserved older populations; leadership positions at CAC Office on Aging (named third director in 2013, overseeing 50 employees and 24 programs).
- Community Service and Leadership: Still active in CAC projects post-retirement; coordinated vaccine clinics and wellness outreach during COVID-19, contributed to the 2020 Census efforts, CAC’s 60th anniversary; held governance roles with Keep Knoxville Beautiful, Second Harvest Food Bank, and other community organizations; engaged in church and school/community activities.
- Formatting/Presentation: The resolution includes a standard section requesting that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation, with a formatting clause relating to the copy’s appearance.
Implications and Effects
- Legal/Policy Impact: None. This is a ceremonial recognition that does not create new laws, programs, or funding.
- Beneficiaries: Susan Long and the Knoxville–Knox County area, particularly seniors and advocates for older adults; it also highlights the John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy and the broader community commitment to senior services.
- Public and Legislative Impact: Elevates awareness of long-term service to seniors and may inspire continued community involvement and advocacy.
Procedural Timeline (Key Milestones)
- Introduced: April 9, 2025
- Passed Senate: April 15–17, 2025 (various steps; adopted 33–0)
- Concurred by House: April 21, 2025 (Ayes 88, Nays 0, PV 4)
- Enrolled/Signed by Senate and House leadership: April 24–25, 2025
- Transmitted to Governor: April 25, 2025
- Governor’s Signature: May 1, 2025
Notes
- The bill’s subject matter is memorials and recognition; it serves to formally acknowledge Susan Long’s contributions and to honor her with a state-level expression of appreciation.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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