Walt Stinson concluded his term this year with the National Junior Angus Board. We are proud of Walt and the way he represented the state of Tennessee. Lindsey Turner recently interviewed him to get his insights.

The first question Lindsey asked was: What made you want to run for the National Junior Angus Board?" Walt stated: “Most importantly, I felt that God was leading me to run. Secondly, I saw a huge opportunity to be a proactive member of the NJAA and jumped on the opportunity."

We have some juniors who are thinking about running for the board in the future and Walt gave some advice, "Prior leadership opportunities in high school which develop your leadership abilities will help greatly. It is key that NJAA members outside of your state know who you are before appearing in the spotlight in the national election. You need to attend LEAD and many junior nationals. Get to know the current junior board. You need to be as active as you can. You need an outgoing personality. The most important thing for a successful campaign of running for the board is understanding what the junior board encompasses."

You can find information about the board on the Angus web site under National Junior Board. The green jackets are seen working the ring at many shows and organizing contests at junior nationals, but only half the job is in the public eye. When a junior runs in the national election, his or her knowledge of the job is revealed.

Walt said the first thing you need to do to run for the board is to get your state support and nomination. Running for the board is a lot of fun but it is also hard work. You will need to have the support and help of your family and friends who will help you with your cattle if your desire is to continue to show while you are on the board.

Walt gave some great insight to what it means to be on the board. He said: “A position on the National Junior Angus Association Board of Directors is much more than the result of winning an election. The position is a result of an active junior career from an individual who possesses leadership qualities and the contagious traits of loving Angus cattle, loving the NJAA and its members, and desiring to take the NJAA to new heights.”

Thanks Walt for all the wonderful information you have given us. We appreciate it very much. We would also like to thank you for representing the state of Tennessee and doing such an outstanding job.

— Written by Lindsey Turner