JAARS Executive and Leadership Team

Eldon Barkman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at JAARS, directs the overarching strategic vision for global mission support. Barkman oversees the alignment of aviation, maritime, and land-based logistical services with the core mission of Bible translation. By coordinating with international partners, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that off-the-grid teams receive necessary training and equipment. Eldon Barkman drives organizational growth by optimizing resource allocation across diverse operational theaters. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine long-term goals and maintain financial health. Through the implementation of rigorous safety standards and technical excellence, the President & Chief Executive Officer sustains the infrastructure required for remote gospel proclamation. Barkman fosters a culture of innovation, enabling the organization to overcome complex geographic barriers while maintaining a steadfast focus on the primary objective of delivering the Word.

Tim Staples, the Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, manages the fiscal integrity and long-term economic sustainability of the organization. Staples directs all budgetary planning, financial reporting, and capital investment strategies necessary to support mission aviation and remote technology deployments. The Chief Financial Officer monitors cash flow across international operations to ensure that resources reach translation teams without interruption. Tim Staples collaborates with executive leadership to assess the financial feasibility of new logistical projects and infrastructure upgrades. By maintaining transparent accounting practices and robust internal controls, the Chief Financial Officer secures the trust of donors and stakeholders. This role involves analyzing market trends to mitigate risks associated with global logistics and supply chain management. Through precise financial modeling and strategic oversight, Staples ensures that every dollar contributes directly to the reduction of barriers for Bible translation partners worldwide.

Denise Shockley, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, executes comprehensive financial strategies focused on operational efficiency and resource optimization. Shockley directs the internal audit processes and financial compliance frameworks that govern the deployment of mission-critical assets. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer manages the allocation of funds specifically toward the maintenance of aviation fleets and remote communication hardware. Denise Shockley works alongside the executive team to streamline administrative workflows, thereby reducing overhead costs and maximizing the impact of every contribution. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of global economic conditions to protect the organization against currency fluctuations and logistical cost volatility. By providing detailed financial analysis and forecasting, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of services into new, underserved regions. Shockley ensures that fiscal policies remain aligned with the broader mission of facilitating Bible translation.

Craig Sheppard, the Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President at JAARS, manages the day-to-day functionality of remote mission stations and logistical hubs. Sheppard directs the deployment of aviation services, ensuring that aircraft and ground support teams operate safely in challenging environments. The Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President oversees the maintenance schedules for all technical equipment, guaranteeing that translation partners have reliable access to necessary tools. Craig Sheppard coordinates with regional managers to address specific logistical bottlenecks, facilitating the movement of personnel and supplies across difficult terrain. This role involves implementing standardized operational procedures to enhance safety and efficiency across all global sites. By focusing on the practical requirements of field teams, the Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President ensures that logistical barriers to Bible translation remain minimal. Sheppard drives continuous improvement in operational workflows to support the long-term success of mission-critical projects.

Bernard May, the President at JAARS, leads the organizational efforts to bridge the gap between complex logistical needs and the requirements of Bible translation partners. May directs the development of strategic partnerships that enhance the reach and effectiveness of mission aviation and remote technology support. The President oversees the integration of new communication solutions, ensuring that teams in isolated areas maintain connectivity. Bernard May collaborates with other executive leaders to refine the mission-driven approach, focusing on sustainable growth and long-term impact. This leadership role involves representing the organization to external stakeholders and fostering a collaborative environment for innovation. By prioritizing the needs of field personnel, the President ensures that logistical solutions remain relevant and effective. May drives the implementation of initiatives that reduce burdens on translation teams, ultimately accelerating the delivery of the gospel. Through consistent leadership, the President maintains the focus on the core mission of overcoming geographic and technical obstacles.