DENVER – Terry Stokes, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), announced Thursday that he will resign following the 2009 Cattle Industry Convention on Jan. 31, 2009.

“Terry shared his news with the NCBA officers this morning. I speak for all of them when I say we want Terry to stay. His leadership and commitment to the beef industry are incomparable. Yet, personally, we respect and honor Terry’s decision to make this life change. We only hope he continues to contribute to the industry; his leadership is that valuable,” said Andy Groseta, president of the NCBA.

Stokes joined NCBA 12 years ago, in 1996, as chief financial officer. He was appointed CEO in 2002. During his tenure as CEO, NCBA grew revenues 41 percent. Membership grew more than 17 percent in the past three years.

“So much of Terry’s work has been behind the scenes. He is not a ‘look-at-me’ kind of leader. So I’m not sure how many people realize what a difference he has made to NCBA and the beef industry. That said, I respect his personal decision to find the next mountain to climb,” said Gary Voogt, president-elect of the NCBA. “NCBA deals with every issue the cattle industry faces, and Terry can speak to every single issue. He is amazingly adept at knowing what’s going on and what needs to be done.”

Source: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association