Stokes is a second-generation librarian with multi-generational family ties to eastern Oregon. Raised in rural Idaho, his passion for the profession grew from years spent helping his father, an award-winning middle and high school library media specialist. Living overseas for extended periods has had a lasting influence on his perspective. Early childhood years in Samoa sparked a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for indigenous and world cultures, a worldview further shaped by nearly four years living in Japan and traveling throughout Asia as a young adult.

Stokes earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Boise State University and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington. He began his professional career with the King County Library System, where he served in leadership roles on systemwide initiatives.

Stokes is proud to be the second-longest serving library director in Baker County history. During his tenure, he has focused on modernizing services, improving facilities, empowering a skilled workforce, expanding digital and multilingual collections, and strengthening financial stability for the district and its supporting organizations. A strong advocate for intellectual freedom, he serves on a committee of the Oregon Library Association dedicated to upholding due process, constitutional rights, and fair access to information for all members of the community.