WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJR 542

Memorials, Retirement - Pigeon Forge City Manager Earlene Teaster -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Fred Atchley

Ceremonial tribute praising Earlene Teaster, Pigeon Forge city manager since 1980, for 63 years of public service and tourism-led growth as she retires; no policy impact.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #retirement
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 542

Summary of House Joint Resolution 542 (HJR 542)

Overview

HJR 542 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing and honoring Earlene Teaster, the City Manager of Pigeon Forge, on the occasion of her retirement. The measure memorializes her decades of public service and contribution to Tennessee, particularly in Pigeon Forge. The bill is a non-substantive, ceremonial recognition rather than a substantive policy change.

Purpose and Intent

  • Publicly recognize Earlene Teaster for her leadership, dedication, and impact as Pigeon Forge’s city manager.
  • Acknowledge her status as the first woman to serve as a city manager in Tennessee and her record as the longest-serving city manager in the state.
  • Offer best wishes for a fulfilling retirement.

Key Provisions and Language (Substance)

  • The resolution commends and honors Earlene Teaster for her service to the people of Tennessee as city manager of Pigeon Forge.
  • It notes her retirement date (June 30, 2025) and summarizes a long career in public service (began as city clerk in 1961, then city recorder, then city manager since 1980).
  • Highlights major contributions and achievements, including:
    • Supporting tourism as the city’s primary industry and fostering partnerships with local businesses and infrastructure improvements.
    • Facilitation of major developments such as Dollywood (1986), LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge (2013), and the Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge (2016).
    • Establishment of the city’s Fun Time Trolley, now Pigeon Forge Mass Transit, described as the third-largest rural transit system in the United States.
    • Record growth in Pigeon Forge with more than $1 billion in annual revenue for eleven consecutive years.
    • Leadership through crises, including the 2016 wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Community involvement and professional affiliations (Leadership Sevier, Boys and Girls Club support, chamber and professional associations).
  • The resolution directed that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation, with standard concluding language about removing party identifiers on the copy.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Earlene Teaster (subject of the memorial) and the City of Pigeon Forge.
  • Secondary: The Tennessee General Assembly, Pigeon Forge community, and stakeholders in Tennessee tourism and local governance who recognize professional achievements of public servants.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025.
  • House action: Adopted April 3, 2025 (Ayes 91, Nays 0).
  • Senate action: Placed on consent calendar April 8-10, 2025; concurrent passage by both chambers (House and Senate) around early April 2025.
  • Enrolled and transmitted: After passage, copies prepared; signed by Senate Speaker and House Speaker; enrolled and ready for signature.
  • Governor action: Signed on April 15, 2025; transmission to governor occurred April 14, 2025.
  • Status: Signed by Governor (ceremonial memorial resolution).

Background on Earlene Teaster (as highlighted in the bill)

  • First female city manager in Tennessee; began as Pigeon Forge city manager in 1980.
  • Total public service to Pigeon Forge spans 63 years (city clerk in 1961, then city recorder, then city manager).
  • Recognized for leadership in tourism-driven economic development and for steering the city through major projects and crises.
  • Recipient of numerous awards and honors in tourism and city management; active in local and professional organizations.

Bottom Line

HJR 542 serves as an official, ceremonial commendation recognizing Earlene Teaster’s extraordinary public service and celebrating her upcoming retirement, with no new policy or fiscal obligations imposed.

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

Sign in to ask a question.