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HJR 628

Memorials, Retirement - Paul Thompson -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Keisling

A ceremonial memorial honoring Paul Thompson for nearly 30 years as Tri-County Electric CEO, recognizing his leadership and community impact as he retires.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HJR 628

Summary: House Joint Resolution 628 (HJR 628) – Memorials, Retirement, Paul Thompson

Overview

HJR 628 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing and honoring Paul Thompson on the occasion of his retirement from Tri-County Electric Cooperative. The measure highlights Thompson’s long tenure as CEO, his notable leadership achievements, and his service to the Macon County community. The resolution was introduced by Representative Keisling and is now signed into law as a memorial resolution. It expresses best wishes for Thompson’s future endeavors and directs the preparation of an appropriately drafted copy for presentation.

Purpose and intent

  • Officially recognize Paul Thompson for “uncommon devotion and enthusiasm” demonstrated during nearly three decades with Tri-County Electric.
  • Acknowledge Thompson as the longest-serving CEO in Tri-County Electric history and, at retirement, the longest-serving active CEO in Tennessee.
  • Commemorate Thompson’s career milestones and community contributions, and extend heartfelt retirement wishes.

Key provisions and what they change

  • Resolution text: Extends best wishes to Paul Thompson for a happy and fulfilling retirement and continued success.
  • Formal attestation: directs that an official copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, omitting the final procurement clause when copied for presentation.
  • No fiscal or regulatory changes: The measure is ceremonial and does not create new programs, funding, or regulatory requirements.

Biographical and career highlights cited

  • Education: Macon County High School; Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tennessee Technological University.
  • Career timeline:
    • 1998: Director of Marketing at Tri-County Electric.
    • 2001: Interim CEO; named CEO in May 2001.
    • Led initiatives including automated metering and outage management, enabling reduced outage times and prepaid metering adoption.
    • Oversaw the installation of a NOAA Weather Radio Warning System for Macon County, earning the Mark Trail Award in 2004.
    • Worked with state and local officials to expand broadband, internet, and phone services through electric cooperatives.
    • Retired as CEO in September 2024; served as executive consultant until March prior to the resolution.
  • Community service: Past president of the Macon County Chamber of Commerce; helped secure grants for the Leon and Marie Cothron Macon County Welcome Center; named Macon County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.
  • Family: Married to Dawn; father to Marcus (Kailyn) and Ryan (Savannah); grandsons Riggs and Tate.

Affected parties

  • Primary: Paul Thompson.
  • Indirectly: Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Macon County community, and Tennessee stakeholders who benefit from Thompson’s leadership and community initiatives.
  • No new private or public obligations or funding are created by this resolution.

Procedural and timeline highlights

  • Introduced: April 9, 2025 (Sponsor: Keisling).
  • House actions: Engrossed and adopted (April 10, 2025); sponsor updates (April 10–17, 2025).
  • Senate actions: Received and referred (April 14, 2025); concurred with Senate on April 17, 2025.
  • Enrolled and transmitted to Governor: April 23–24, 2025.
  • Governor’s action: Signed on April 29, 2025.

Impact

As a ceremonial memorial, HJR 628 publicly honors Thompson’s career and community service, preserves his legacy in state records, and communicates statewide appreciation for his contributions to the electric cooperative sector and to Macon County. It does not authorize spending or create new policy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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