JAARS Executive and Leadership Team

Eldon Barkman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at JAARS, directs the overarching strategic vision for global mission support. Barkman architects the organizational framework required to sustain Bible translation partners through logistical innovation and technical deployment. By aligning mission aviation services with remote communication needs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that off-the-grid teams receive necessary resources. Eldon Barkman maintains constant engagement with the Board to refine operational goals and expand the reach of gospel proclamation efforts. This leadership role involves managing complex partnerships across diverse international regions to reduce barriers for translation teams. Through rigorous oversight of training programs and deployment schedules, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the delivery of critical support services. Ultimately, Barkman secures the long-term viability of the organization by fostering a culture of excellence and mission-focused efficiency in every logistical endeavor.

Timothy Staples, the Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation necessary for mission-critical operations. Staples oversees the financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes that sustain aviation and technology support services. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and accountability across all departments. Timothy Staples collaborates with executive leadership to align capital investments with the long-term goals of Bible translation partners. This role involves monitoring global economic trends to mitigate risks associated with international operations and remote logistics. Through precise financial analysis, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of off-the-grid solutions in challenging environments. Staples drives the development of sustainable funding models that empower teams to continue the work of proclaiming the gospel. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability required to support the complex logistical infrastructure of the organization.

Denise Shockley, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at JAARS, governs the financial strategy and internal audit functions of the organization. Shockley oversees the management of assets and the distribution of funds to support Bible translation logistics. By streamlining financial operations, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach remote teams without delay. Denise Shockley works closely with the executive team to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of aviation and communication projects. This role involves maintaining compliance with international financial regulations while supporting the unique needs of mission-based accounting. Through strategic financial planning, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer enables the scaling of technical support services in emerging markets. Ultimately, Shockley secures the fiscal integrity of the organization, allowing for the consistent delivery of essential logistical solutions that make the proclamation of the gospel possible.

Craig Sheppard, the Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President at JAARS, directs the daily execution of mission aviation and remote logistical support. Sheppard architects the operational workflows that maintain aircraft, communication stations, and technical equipment in the field. By optimizing base-level efficiency, the Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President ensures that translation partners receive reliable, off-the-grid support. Craig Sheppard coordinates with regional teams to address specific infrastructure needs across diverse geographic landscapes. This leadership role involves managing the maintenance of specialized hardware and the deployment of technical personnel to remote locations. Through continuous improvement of operational protocols, the Base Operations Chief Operating Officer & Vice President enhances the safety and effectiveness of mission services. Ultimately, Sheppard drives the operational success of the organization by ensuring that every base functions as a reliable hub for Bible translation efforts.

Bernard May, the President at JAARS, leads the organizational mission to reduce barriers for Bible translation through collaborative partnerships. May architects the high-level relationships with translation agencies and mission organizations to ensure alignment on core objectives. By fostering a culture of service, the President drives the development of innovative logistical solutions that ease the burdens of field teams. Bernard May oversees the integration of aviation and technology services into the broader mission landscape. This leadership role involves representing the organization at the highest levels of global mission advocacy to secure support for remote operations. Through strategic guidance, the President ensures that all departments remain focused on the primary goal of delivering the Word of God. Ultimately, May strengthens the impact of the organization by building sustainable networks that empower teams to operate effectively in the most challenging environments.