Adams and Reese attorney and Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) has been named “Legislator of the Year” by the Tennessee Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The prestigious award is presented every year to an outstanding legislator who works to make a positive difference in the education, health, and welfare of Tennessee’s children and youth.
The award was announced on Saturday, May 17th, at the group’s 101st annual convention in Memphis.
“We feel it is a well-deserved recognition for a legislator who has spent his career working to improve Tennessee’s education system to ensure that our children receive a high quality education,” said Charla Sparks, Tennessee PTA President. “Senator Norris has long been a friend of Tennessee PTA and a strong supporter of our mission. Without question he is a great resource to our volunteers as we navigate the legislative process.”
Senator Norris presented a workshop on how to communicate with legislators at last week’s convention.
“Promoting the welfare of children and youth in their homes, schools, communities, and places of worship, and securing adequate laws for their care and protection is critically important,” said Senator Norris. “It cannot be done alone. That's one reason PTA is so important.”
“I am very humbled to receive this award as there are many men and women in the Tennessee General Assembly who are deserving of this recognition,” Norris added. “As Senate Majority Leader, I share this award with gratitude with my colleagues. We stand committed to continue in our mutual quest for the betterment of all Tennessee children.”
A Lifetime Member of the PTA, Norris received the Legislator of the Year Award in 2005. He represents District 32 in the State Senate, which includes Tipton County and part of Shelby County.
The PTA, which is the largest child advocacy association in the nation, is comprised of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools.
Norris has served in the Tennessee Senate since 2000 and as Senate Majority Leader since 2007. At Adams and Reese, Norris has practiced law since 1980 and is Special Counsel with the firm in the Memphis and Nashville offices. First elected to the Senate in 2000 and as Majority Leader in 2007, Senator Norris represents the West Tennessee Counties of Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale, and Dyer. Norris is currently a member of the following Senate Committees: Finance, Ways and Means; State and Local Government; Ethics; Veterans’ Affairs; Pensions and Insurance; and Workers’ Compensation Oversight. He is Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.
Norris has a diverse civil litigation and business practice. His commercial litigation caseload regularly includes products liability, petroleum marketing and franchise litigation, defense of professional liability claims, and condemnation/eminent domain cases He advises clients in crisis management and preventative measures to minimize risk and avoid the expense of litigation. He also appears before administrative, regulatory and municipal boards on behalf of a variety of clients in land use, permitting and zoning matters related to economic development.