JAARS Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

JAARS has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, base operations, and organizational leadership.

Committed to removing barriers for Bible translation, JAARS delivers essential logistical support and off-the-grid technology to ensure the global proclamation of the gospel through sustainable mission aviation and communication services.

Leadership Roles at JAARS

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Eldon Barkman
  • Chief Financial Officer - Tim Staples
  • 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 strategic vision for global mission support. Barkman oversees the integration of aviation, maritime, and technology services to facilitate Bible translation in remote regions. By aligning organizational resources with the needs of translation partners, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that logistical barriers vanish for field teams. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain operational excellence across North American and international hubs. Eldon Barkman drives the mission forward by optimizing resource allocation and fostering partnerships that sustain long-term gospel proclamation. Through rigorous oversight of mission aviation services, the President & Chief Executive Officer guarantees that off-the-grid solutions remain reliable and effective. Ultimately, Barkman secures the organizational stability required to support complex, cross-cultural translation projects in the most challenging environments on earth.

    Tim Staples - Chief Financial Officer

    Tim Staples, the Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the organization. Staples architects financial frameworks that support the deployment of mission aviation and remote communication technologies. By monitoring capital expenditures and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar directly aids Bible translation partners. This role requires precise coordination with department heads to align funding with the strategic goals of the organization. Tim Staples drives transparency and accountability throughout the financial reporting process, providing the necessary data for informed decision-making. Overseeing the allocation of resources for global operations, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal discipline needed to sustain long-term logistical support. Through careful management of assets and revenue streams, Staples protects the financial foundation that allows the organization to provide critical, off-the-grid solutions to partners working in isolated regions.

    Denise Shockley - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Denise Shockley, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, governs the financial strategy and internal controls of the organization. Shockley oversees the accounting functions and financial planning necessary to sustain the delivery of off-the-grid logistical solutions. By analyzing fiscal performance, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources remain available for mission aviation and communication support. This role involves managing audit processes and regulatory compliance to uphold the integrity of the organization. Denise Shockley drives financial sustainability by optimizing cash flow and investment strategies that support long-term mission objectives. Through close collaboration with the executive team, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer aligns budgetary priorities with the evolving needs of Bible translation partners. Ultimately, Shockley provides the financial clarity and stability required to maintain the organization's commitment to removing barriers for global gospel proclamation.
    Denise Shockley

    Craig Sheppard - Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President

    Craig Sheppard, the Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President at JAARS, directs the daily execution of mission aviation and logistical support services. Sheppard oversees the maintenance and deployment of aircraft and technical equipment essential for remote Bible translation efforts. By streamlining base operations, the Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President ensures that field teams receive consistent, high-quality support regardless of geographic location. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains and technical infrastructure to keep mission stations fully functional. Craig Sheppard drives operational efficiency by implementing rigorous safety standards and maintenance protocols across all aviation assets. Through constant coordination with field partners, the Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President identifies and resolves logistical bottlenecks that hinder translation progress. Ultimately, Sheppard maintains the operational readiness required to deliver life-changing resources to the most remote corners of the globe.

    Bernard May - President

    Bernard May, the President at JAARS, leads the organizational mission to reduce barriers for Bible translation partners through innovative logistical support. May directs the expansion of mission aviation and remote technology services to ensure that translation teams remain equipped for success. By fostering relationships with global partners, the President ensures that the organization remains responsive to the unique challenges of remote field work. This leadership role involves setting the cultural tone and strategic direction for the entire organization. Bernard May drives growth by identifying new opportunities to provide off-the-grid solutions that ease the burdens of translation teams. Through active engagement with stakeholders, the President secures the support necessary to sustain long-term operations in diverse geographic regions. Ultimately, May champions the mission of the organization, ensuring that every logistical service provided directly contributes to the successful proclamation of the gospel in every language.
    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 Tim 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), Tim Staples (Chief Financial Officer), Denise Shockley (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does JAARS have?
    JAARS has 5 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, Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, President.