NSA Chief Executive marks 10 successful years at the helm of organisation
1st December 2021
The National Sheep Association (NSA) is celebrating 10 years under the leadership of Chief Executive Phil Stocker.
Taking the helm at a time before the term Brexit existed and climate change was an infrequent reference, nobody could have predicted the incredible change for British agriculture that Mr Stocker would have to lead the association through – and continues to do so, in a manner that is respected throughout the industry and beyond.
The 10-year anniversary has prompted a flurry of congratulatory messages from far and wide, emphasising how lucky NSA is to have such an esteemed and capable champion leading the association forward and helping to give UK sheep farmers a voice that is valued by many key decision makers.
Cumbrian Sheep farmer and NSA Vice President John Geldard was NSA Chairman when Mr Stocker was appointed Chief Executive. He says: “I had the pleasure of interviewing Phil Stocker 10 years ago. I remember it extremely well with all involved in the interview process convinced he was the right man for the job, and how right we were.
“It was an absolute delight to be NSA Chairman and work together with Phil for the first few years of his leadership. His vision for fulfilling his role, increasing the work of the NSA for the benefit of UK sheep farmers has been immense - and the increase in resource that has allowed NSA to magnify its work, I believe, to be down to Phil.
“His broad knowledge from his early career as a farm manager to working for both RSPB and the Soil Association means he is well placed to know and understand the challenge the UK sheep sector has faced over recent years and his balanced view has earned him much deserved respect from people both within and outside of the industry.”
Current NSA Chairman Dan Phipps comments: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside Phil over the past 10 years. Among Phil’s many talents is his ability to listen. On arrival at NSA, Phil listened to the committees and membership and, from this, set out his vision for NSA. He has been unrelenting in putting this into action but has never for a moment taken the membership for granted, constantly in touch and constantly evolving. He can manage the most complex of situations and, though not even he can be right by everyone all of the time, he can leave everyone feeling valued and clear their point was considered.
“When the policymakers in Westminster come to consider the sheep industry, they will be in no doubt that NSA, led by Phil, will be there looking over their shoulders. He has made it his duty to see that NSA is involved in numerous organisations, governmental or otherwise. This in the knowledge that, to educate and influence along the way, is far more productive than reacting angrily once the sheep have bolted.
“Phil has retained and strengthened a formidable and talented team who support him in making NSA the fantastic and robust association it is. Phil has accomplished all this while remaining a thoroughly decent, honourable, and humble man with a genuine interest in people.
“On behalf of NSA, I would like to thank Phil and congratulate him on his first 10 years as Chief Executive. Long may NSA prosper and strengthen under his leadership.”
