From November 2023 – December 2025, Mr. Stokes was the NATO Director of Nuclear Policy and the Chair of the Nuclear Planning Group (NPG) Staff Group. He was responsible for nuclear policy, plans, and posture; organizing exercises and policy symposiums; and providing decision support to the Secretary General and Allied leaders on nuclear deterrence. He also oversaw NATO’s CBRN defence, and in that role chaired the Defence Policy and Planning Committee. He had a 25-year career within the U.S. Department of Defense, holding positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Naval Special Warfare Command, and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He has earned Master’s degrees from the National War College and the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy.