JAARS Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

JAARS has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and aviation.

Driven by a mission to deliver Gods Word, JAARS provides off-the-grid logistical solutions that make Bible translation possible by training, equipping, deploying, and sustaining individuals, teams, and stations.

Leadership Roles at JAARS

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Eldon Barkman
  • Chief Financial Officer - Timothy Staples
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Denise Shockley
  • Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President - David Reese
  • Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President - Craig Sheppard
  • President - Bernard May
  • Eldon Barkman - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Eldon Barkman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at JAARS, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the organization. Barkman guides JAARS in its mission to reduce barriers and ease burdens for Bible translation partners, ensuring the effective delivery of Gods Word. This leadership involves fostering innovation in logistical solutions, from pilot training and mission aviation services to remote technology and communications support. Eldon Barkman's executive oversight ensures that JAARS remains at the forefront of providing essential off-the-grid support, making complex Bible translation projects feasible worldwide. The President & Chief Executive Officer drives the organizational culture and strategic partnerships critical for sustained impact in the field.

    Timothy Staples - Chief Financial Officer

    Timothy Staples, the Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the organization. Staples oversees all financial operations, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support JAARS' mission of reducing barriers for Bible translation partners. This role involves rigorous budget management, financial reporting, and developing financial strategies that sustain the company's ability to provide critical off-the-grid logistical solutions. Timothy Staples's financial acumen is vital for maintaining the operational capacity required for pilot training, mission aviation, and technology support. The Chief Financial Officer ensures financial integrity and compliance across all JAARS initiatives, enabling the organization to continue its work of delivering Gods Word globally.

    Denise Shockley - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Denise Shockley, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, collaborates on financial strategy and operational finance. Shockley supports the Chief Financial Officer in managing the fiscal integrity of the organization, ensuring that financial resources effectively fuel JAARS' mission to support Bible translation efforts. This involves detailed financial analysis, process improvement, and contributing to the development of sound financial policies. Denise Shockley's role is crucial in maintaining the efficiency of financial operations that underpin JAARS' unique off-the-grid logistical solutions, including aviation and technology support. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in optimizing financial performance to sustain the delivery of Gods Word worldwide.
    Denise Shockley

    David Reese - Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President

    David Reese, the Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President at JAARS, contributes to the strategic financial direction and oversight of the organization. Reese collaborates with the finance team to ensure robust financial management, supporting JAARS' commitment to reducing barriers in Bible translation. This role involves analyzing financial performance, managing budgets, and implementing financial controls that enhance operational effectiveness. David Reese's expertise is essential for sustaining the complex logistical operations, such as aviation services and technology support, that JAARS provides. The Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President ensures financial discipline and strategic resource allocation, enabling the organization to fulfill its mission of delivering Gods Word globally.

    Craig Sheppard - Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President

    Craig Sheppard, the Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President at JAARS, directs the operational execution of the organizations logistical support services. Sheppard oversees the critical infrastructure and personnel required to deliver off-the-grid solutions, including mission aviation, pilot training, and technology deployment. This leadership ensures that JAARS can effectively equip and sustain individuals and teams working on Bible translation projects globally. Craig Sheppard's focus on operational efficiency and safety is paramount to maintaining the reliability of services that make Gods Word accessible in remote areas. The Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President drives the seamless integration of diverse operational functions, directly impacting the speed and success of translation efforts.

    Bernard May - President

    Bernard May, the President at JAARS, leads the organization in its mission to support Bible translation partners by removing logistical obstacles. May directs strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of JAARS' services, which include pilot training, mission aviation, and advanced technology support. This leadership ensures that individuals and teams working to deliver Gods Word have the necessary resources and infrastructure. Bernard May's vision guides the continuous improvement of JAARS' off-the-grid solutions, facilitating access to scripture in challenging environments. The President's role is critical in fostering partnerships and driving the organizational focus necessary for sustained impact in global translation efforts.
    Bernard May

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding JAARS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads JAARS?
    JAARS is led by Eldon Barkman (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Timothy Staples (Chief Financial Officer) and Denise Shockley (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of JAARS’s executive team?
    The executive team of JAARS includes leaders such as Eldon Barkman (President & Chief Executive Officer), Timothy Staples (Chief Financial Officer), Denise Shockley (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does JAARS have?
    JAARS has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in JAARS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of JAARS includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President.