| John Stocks | |
| Birth Place: | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Occupation: | Former 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 strategist, 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]
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 honored 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]
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Stocks is a graduate of the Evergreen State College. He and his wife, Connie, have two children.[10]