JAARS Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

JAARS has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and leadership.

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
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Denise Shockley
  • 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 execution of the organization's mission to reduce barriers in Bible translation. Barkman guides the deployment of individuals, teams, and stations, ensuring JAARS effectively equips partners to proclaim the gospel. This leadership role involves setting the vision for JAARS's off-the-grid logistical solutions, encompassing pilot training, mission aviation services, and remote technology support. Eldon Barkman drives the integration of these services to make Bible translation a tangible reality for global partners. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures operational alignment with the core objective of delivering Gods Word through innovative and sustainable means, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and strategic growth across all JAARS initiatives.

    Denise Shockley - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Denise Shockley, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, manages the financial health and strategic resource allocation for the organization. Shockley directs all financial planning, accounting, and reporting functions, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability for JAARS's mission-critical work. This leadership position involves developing financial strategies that support the training, equipping, and deployment of individuals and teams engaged in Bible translation. Denise Shockley oversees the financial aspects of JAARS's unique off-the-grid logistical solutions, including aviation services and technology support. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources are effectively utilized to reduce barriers and deliver Gods Word efficiently across global operations.
    Denise Shockley

    Craig Sheppard - Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President

    Craig Sheppard, the Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President at JAARS, oversees the critical logistical infrastructure that supports Bible translation efforts. Sheppard directs the day-to-day operations of JAARS's base, ensuring seamless delivery of essential services. This includes managing mission aviation, pilot training programs, and the maintenance of specialized equipment required for off-the-grid operations. Craig Sheppard focuses on optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency to directly support the deployment of teams and individuals working in challenging environments. The Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President ensures that JAARS's logistical capabilities consistently meet the demanding needs of Bible translation partners, thereby easing burdens and accelerating the delivery of Gods Word globally.

    Bernard May - President

    Bernard May, the President at JAARS, provides strategic leadership and direction to advance the organization's core mission of supporting Bible translation partners. May guides the overall vision for JAARS's services, which include pilot training, mission aviation, and remote technology support, all designed to ease burdens for those proclaiming the gospel. This executive role focuses on fostering strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, ensuring the effective deployment of resources and personnel. Bernard May drives initiatives that enhance JAARS's capacity to deliver off-the-grid logistical solutions, making Bible translation more accessible. The President ensures that all organizational efforts align with the ultimate goal of delivering Gods Word by reducing logistical and technical barriers.
    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 Denise Shockley (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Craig Sheppard (Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President).
    Who is part of JAARS’s executive team?
    The executive team of JAARS includes leaders such as Eldon Barkman (President & Chief Executive Officer), Denise Shockley (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Craig Sheppard (Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does JAARS have?
    JAARS has 4 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, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, President.