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 support Bible translation, JAARS provides essential logistical and technological solutions, enabling global access to scripture by removing critical barriers for translation partners.

Leadership Roles at JAARS

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Eldon Barkman
  • Chief Financial Officer - Timothy Staples
  • Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President - David Reese
  • 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 operational execution for the organization. This leadership role involves guiding JAARS' mission to reduce barriers and ease burdens for Bible translation partners worldwide. Barkman ensures the effective deployment and sustainment of individuals, teams, and stations critical to proclaiming the gospel. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of pilot training, mission aviation services, and remote technology support into cohesive off-the-grid logistical solutions. Eldon Barkman drives the strategic vision that makes Bible translation a tangible reality for numerous global communities. This executive ensures JAARS remains at the forefront of innovation in supporting scripture accessibility.

    Timothy Staples - Chief Financial Officer

    Timothy Staples, the Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. This critical role ensures that JAARS' operations, from pilot training to technology support, are financially sustainable and aligned with the mission of enabling Bible translation. Staples oversees all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, providing essential oversight for the deployment of funds supporting individuals, teams, and stations. The Chief Financial Officer works to optimize financial processes, ensuring resources are efficiently utilized to reduce barriers for translation partners. Timothy Staples' leadership guarantees the fiscal integrity necessary for JAARS to deliver its off-the-grid logistical solutions effectively, thereby making God's Word accessible.

    David Reese - Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President

    David Reese, the Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President at JAARS, provides strategic financial oversight and leadership to support the organization's global mission. This role involves managing financial operations to ensure the effective equipping and deployment of individuals and teams engaged in Bible translation. Reese directs financial planning and analysis, identifying opportunities to optimize resource allocation for pilot training, aviation services, and technology initiatives. The Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President works to sustain the off-the-grid logistical solutions that JAARS provides, thereby reducing barriers for translation partners. David Reese's financial acumen is vital for JAARS' continued impact in delivering God's Word by ensuring operational viability and fiscal responsibility.

    Denise Shockley - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Denise Shockley, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, spearheads the financial strategy and management essential for supporting Bible translation efforts. This executive ensures robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms are in place to facilitate the organization's mission of reducing barriers for global partners. Shockley oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, directly impacting the effective deployment of resources for aviation services, technology support, and personnel sustainment. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in maintaining the financial stability required for JAARS to deliver its unique off-the-grid logistical solutions. Denise Shockley's leadership guarantees that financial resources are strategically aligned to ease burdens and accelerate the delivery of God's Word.
    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 critical logistical infrastructure and operational efficiency that underpins the organization's mission. This executive oversees the day-to-day functioning of JAARS' base operations, ensuring seamless support for pilot training, mission aviation services, and technology deployment. Sheppard's responsibilities include managing the resources and personnel necessary to equip and sustain teams working in challenging environments. The Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President focuses on streamlining processes to ease burdens for Bible translation partners, making off-the-grid solutions reliable and accessible. Craig Sheppard's operational leadership is fundamental to JAARS' ability to deliver God's Word by overcoming logistical hurdles.

    Bernard May - President

    Bernard May, the President at JAARS, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization's mission-critical work. This role involves guiding JAARS in its commitment to reduce barriers and ease burdens for Bible translation partners worldwide. May ensures the effective training, equipping, and deployment of individuals and teams vital to proclaiming the gospel. The President oversees the integration of specialized services, including pilot training, mission aviation, and remote technology support, into comprehensive off-the-grid logistical solutions. Bernard May's leadership drives JAARS' capacity to make Bible translation a reality by overcoming complex operational challenges and fostering innovation in support of global scripture accessibility.
    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 David Reese (Finance Chief Financial 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), Timothy Staples (Chief Financial Officer), David Reese (Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President) 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, Finance Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President.