Tennessee SJR 1235: Memorials, Death - Michael Maren -

Bill Text

<BillNo> <Sponsor>

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 1235
By Lundberg

SJR1235
017267
- 1 -

A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Michael Maren of
Nashville.

WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly were greatly saddened to learn of
the passing of our friend and colleague Michael "Mike" Maren, who was a stalwart champion for
students and teachers in Tennessee during his decade-long tenure as research analyst for the
Senate Education Committee; and
WHEREAS, Michael Maren helped shape the State's education policy while serving
under three Chairs, Senator Dolores Gresham, Senator Brian Kelsey, and most recently,
Senator Jon Lundberg; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Maren was passionate about improving education and giving children
access to opportunities that he had not been afforded; and
WHEREAS, Michael Maren amassed and retained a great deal of institutional
knowledge as he shepherded every major education reform enacted by the General Assembly
in the last ten years, including TISA, the Focus Act, the creation of the Tennessee Charter
School Commission, and the establishment of the Tennessee Promise and Reconnect
scholarship programs; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Maren was especially gifted at legislative strategy, and he had that rare
ability to bring all parties to the table to negotiate the best policy reforms for the children of
Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, he was always fair and transparent when communicating with stakeholders
and was well-respected by legislators and staff from both sides of the aisle; and

- 2 - 017267

WHEREAS, one of Michael's greatest gifts was his ability to build community and bring
people together, be it just for a friendly lunch or to solve some of the State's biggest education
policy challenges; and
WHEREAS, Michael Maren worked tirelessly to improve educational opportunities for all
children, and he was especially proud of his son, Brandon, who started college in the fall of
2023; and
WHEREAS, Michael Maren earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science
from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from
Tennessee State University; and
WHEREAS, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy for seven years,
during which time he was a submariner on the USS Alaska; and
WHEREAS, a member of the Corinthian Masonic Lodge #8, Michael Maren was an avid
baseball fan and loved the University of Tennessee Volunteers, Miami Dolphins, and New York
Yankees; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Maren is survived by his son, Brandon Maren; father, Tom (Barb)
Maren; mother, Linda Anderson; sister, Lindsay (Jim) Chapman; half-sister, Stephanie Powers;
stepsiblings, Mark (Lauren) Roder and Tiffany (Jarrod) Bunner; ex-wife, Crystal Maren; nieces
and nephews, Lyliona Maren, Vivian Bunner, Gabrielle Bunner, Brooklyn Chapman, James
Chapman, and Dominic Chapman; and his beloved canine companion, Nessie; and
WHEREAS, Michael will be missed tremendously by his countless friends who
considered him family and who are determined to carry on his legacy; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that we should memorialize the bountiful life of our friend and
colleague; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF

- 3 - 017267

REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Michael "Mike" Maren,
reflecting fondly upon his many contributions to education policy in Tennessee and his legacy
as a public servant.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express our sympathy and extend our
condolences to Mr. Maren's family, colleagues, and many friends.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.