John Stocks (politician)

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John Stocks
Born
OccupationFormer executive director of the National Education Association

John C. Stocks is the former executive director of the National Education Association (NEA). He began his career as a community organizer, political strategizer, and state legislator in Idaho before taking roles at the Wisconsin Education Association Council and the NEA.[1] He stepped down from the NEA in 2019. He is the chairman of the board of directors of the Democracy Alliance.[2][3]

Career[edit]

In 1988, Stocks ran for the Idaho Senate, defeating a four-term incumbent.[4] In his one session in the Idaho Legislature, Stocks joined with Republican Sen. Rachel Gilbert to protect people from losing their homes if they are made indigent by medical costs.[5][6] In 1990, Stocks joined the Wisconsin Education Association Council as assistant director.[7] Early in his career he was also a volunteer firefighter, community organization, and executive director of Idaho Fair Share, a grassroots citizen action organization.

In 2007, Stocks was honoured by the Midwest Academy, a grassroots training institute. He was also honored by the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center for his work in ballot measure campaigning.[8]

From 2003 to 2019, Stocks served as an official of the National Education Association.[4]

In 2011, President Barack Obama's campaign manager Jim Messina said, "He's one of the smartest political operatives in the country."[5]

In 2019, Stocks received the Distinguished Alumni Award from The Evergreen State College.[9]

Personal life[edit]

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Stocks is a graduate of the Evergreen State College. He and his wife, Connie, have two children.[10]

References[edit]

  1. ^ John C. Stocks Named NEA Executive Director” NEA.org, August 31, 2011
  2. ^ Antonucci, Mike (February 27, 2019). "John Stocks to Step Down as NEA Executive Director". Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  3. ^ "John C. Stocks". Democracy Alliance. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  4. ^ a b "John C. Stocks Biography". Idaho Democratic Party. 2011-12-13. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  5. ^ a b “Ex-Idahoan will bring years of activism to bear on new role as National Education Association chief” Idaho Statesman, September 18, 2011
  6. ^ “Former Idaho senator becomes National Education Association's top executive" Idaho Statesman Blogs, September 1, 2011
  7. ^ "Speaker Profile: John C. Stocks". 2020 NEA Annual Meeting. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  8. ^ John Stocks, NEA Health Information Network Board, accessed November 26, 2012
  9. ^ October 4, Daysha Eaton on; Pm, 2019 at 3:43 (2019-10-04). "Former NEA Chief to Receive Award for Public Service". The Evergreen State College. Retrieved 2020-02-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ “John C. Stocks Named NEA Executive Director” NEA.org, August 31, 2011