Senate Joint Resolution 426 honors Susan Long of Knoxville for her exceptional contributions to senior advocacy, recognizing her as the 2025 Professional Award recipient of the John J. Duncan Sr. Award. This award is dedicated to individuals who have made significant efforts to enhance the lives of seniors in the Knoxville community, reflecting the legacy of its namesake. Susan Long's career spans over four decades, during which she has held various leadership roles in senior services, including her tenure as the director of Senior Services at Baptist Health System and later as the director of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC) Office on Aging. Her innovative initiatives have greatly improved the quality of care and support for older adults.

In addition to her professional achievements, Long has actively engaged in community service, holding leadership positions in several organizations, including Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church and Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Even after her retirement, she continued to contribute to the CAC, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she coordinated vaccine clinics and wellness outreach. The resolution commends her unwavering commitment to serving older adults and acknowledges the profound impact she has made in her community, wishing her continued success in her endeavors.