Our Operations Team: The Backbone of the Mission
At Biotech Applied Research (BAR), real change begins before sunrise—out in the fields, at the job site, and on the frontlines of rural Florida. Our operations team is the heart of this work. These men and women rise early, face the heat, and turn agricultural waste into life-giving biochar.
Their labor is more than physical; it restores ecosystems, supports families, and builds rural resilience. We honor their efforts with fair wages, meaningful purpose, and a shared mission to renew Florida’s land, water, and communities.
Jason Hawkins is a dedicated member of Biotech Applied Research’s operations team, serving as a Heavy Equipment Operator and Biochar Support Technician. A recent graduate of Avon Park High School, Jason earned accolades as a standout wrestler, winning over 80% of his matches—a testament to his discipline and determination. As one of BAR’s first operators, he takes great pride in supporting the organization’s pioneering work in sustainability and biochar innovation. Jason brings a strong work ethic, a passion for environmental solutions, and a commitment to building a greener future for his hometown.
Jason Hawkins
Heavy Equipment Operator & Biochar Support Technician
Biotech Applied Research
Zack Farr is a multi-generational citrus farmer, entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate dedicated to revitalizing Florida’s rural communities through bio-based innovation. Since 2020, he has led the charge in alternative crop development as one of Central Florida’s first hemp cultivators alongside Jeff Williams. Zack has founded multiple mission-driven companies focused on circular economy solutions, including biochar production and regenerative agriculture. As a member of the CareerSource Heartland Education & Industry Consortium and the Residents for Resilience Advisory Board, he’s traveled nationally to engage stakeholders and position BAR as Florida’s leading biochar provider and educator. He authored BAR’s $19.9M EPA Community Change Grant and American Hemp Manufacturing’s $10M USDA BDAP proposal for advanced hemp processing. While the EPA grant was not awarded in 2024, Zack remains committed to transforming rural economies through sustainable infrastructure, workforce development, and agricultural innovation.
Zack Farr
Co-Founder , President, & CEO
Biotech Applied Research
Jeff Williams serves as the key liaison between the organization and the local farming community. A multi-generational citrus grower and recipient of the Highlands County Agricultural Man of the Year award, Jeff brings decades of hands-on experience and deep-rooted relationships in the region. He is the proud owner of W A Citrus Nursery, the third oldest citrus nursery in Florida. His leadership ensures that BAR’s projects align with real agricultural needs, supporting collaboration with growers, optimizing local resources, and reinforcing community-centered innovation.
Jeff Williams
Ag Relations Director
Biotech Applied Research
Owner, W A Williams Citrus Nursery
Bryant Nunez supports Biotech Applied Research as our dedicated accountant, ensuring our financial operations remain accurate, compliant, and strategically aligned with our nonprofit mission. As the founder of Optimal Financials Plus, Bryant brings a wealth of expertise in tax planning, business formation, payroll, and financial consulting. His commitment to integrity and precision helps guide BAR through complex financial landscapes, from grant management to annual reporting. Bryant can be reached directly at OptimalFinancialsPlus@gmail.com for professional accounting inquiries.
Bryant Nunez
Staff Accountant
Biotech Applied Research
Founder, Optimal Financials Plus
Jace Ryf serves as Biotech Applied Research’s Marketing Coordinator, where he leads the organization’s digital branding and public outreach efforts. Originally joining BAR as an intern, Jace quickly took initiative in shaping the nonprofit’s online presence and visual identity. A college student based in Orlando with a strong passion for sustainability, he developed one of Florida’s first student-led biochar horticulture projects in 2024, solidifying his role as a young pioneer in the field. Jace ensures that BAR’s mission is clearly communicated across platforms—capturing the impact, innovation, and heart behind every project.
Jace Ryf
Marketing Coordinator
Biotech Applied Research
Channie Santos serves as the Engagement Coordinator for Biotech Applied Research, where she plays a vital role in fostering strong community relationships and supporting outreach efforts across Florida. With a passion for sustainability and grassroots collaboration, Channie helps ensure that BAR’s initiatives are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with the needs of the communities we serve. Her work supports stakeholder communication, volunteer coordination, and event planning, making her a key connector between BAR’s mission and the people it impacts.
Channie Santos
Engagement Coordinator
Biotech Applied Research
Joey Sr. and Joey Jr.—better known as LJ—are a father-son duo at the core of Biotech Applied Research’s mission to bring green, prosperous opportunities to Avon Park. Born and raised in the community, they take immense pride in being among BAR’s first team members, working tirelessly to ensure smooth, efficient operations. With over 30 years of equipment operation experience, Joey Sr. brings unmatched practical expertise, while LJ, who first learned to drive a front-end loader at the age of five, brings energy and ingenuity. Together, they embody BAR’s hands-on, "think outside the box" approach—repurposing unused agricultural equipment to advance the emerging field of biochar manufacturing.
Joey Todd Sr. & Joey Todd Jr.
Equipment Operators
Biotech Applied Research
Join us in shaping the future of Florida's agriculture!
We are excited to welcome passionate individuals to our team.
If you're eager to make a difference, apply today and be a part of this important change Florida's future.
Our Board of Directors: Guiding the Vision
At BAR, our Board of Directors provides essential wisdom and strategy to drive our mission forward. Comprising leaders from diverse fields, they share a belief in empowering rural communities through investment and innovation.
Their role extends beyond oversight; they are advocates for change, ensuring our decisions reflect our values. With their guidance, BAR is shaping a resilient, community-focused nonprofit model.
Zack Farr is a multi-generational citrus farmer, entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate dedicated to revitalizing Florida’s rural communities through bio-based innovation. Since 2020, he has led the charge in alternative crop development as one of Central Florida’s first hemp cultivators alongside Jeff Williams. Zack has founded multiple mission-driven companies focused on circular economy solutions, including biochar production and regenerative agriculture. As a member of the CareerSource Heartland Education & Industry Consortium and the Residents for Resilience Advisory Board, he’s traveled nationally to engage stakeholders and position BAR as Florida’s leading biochar provider and educator. He authored BAR’s $19.9M EPA Community Change Grant and American Hemp Manufacturing’s $10M USDA BDAP proposal for advanced hemp processing. While the EPA grant was not awarded in 2024, Zack remains committed to transforming rural economies through sustainable infrastructure, workforce development, and agricultural innovation.
Zack Farr
Chairman
Biotech Applied Research
Jonathan “JT” Clark brings over 20 years of cross-sector leadership to Biotech Applied Research, where he oversees compliance, legal strategy, and long-term vision across all initiatives and subsidiaries. A U.S. Navy veteran with deep technical roots in nuclear, chemical, and mechanical engineering, JT managed complex engineering systems aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln and U.S.S. Peleliu. Following his military service, he led large-scale power plant retrofits and construction projects, earning recognition for his precision and leadership. JT is the founder and CEO of THE ROCI Group, as well as co-founder of Florida Airport Management, American Hemp Manufacturing, and Biotech Applied Research. His entrepreneurial work spans real estate, aviation, biobased manufacturing, and USDA-backed renewable chemical initiatives. JT’s ability to align technical execution with regulatory frameworks ensures BAR’s projects remain visionary, compliant, and built for long-term impact.
Jonathan (JT) Clark
Secretary
Biotech Applied Research
Chief Executive Officer, THE ROCI Group
Jeff Williams serves as the key liaison between the organization and the local farming community. A multi-generational citrus grower and recipient of the Highlands County Agricultural Man of the Year award, Jeff brings decades of hands-on experience and deep-rooted relationships in the region. He is the proud owner of W A Citrus Nursery, the third oldest citrus nursery in Florida. His leadership ensures that BAR’s projects align with real agricultural needs, supporting collaboration with growers, optimizing local resources, and reinforcing community-centered innovation.
Jeff Williams
Member
Biotech Applied Research
Owner, JW Harvesting
Charlie Brown leads Biotech Applied Research’s community engagement efforts, ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with local needs and progresses on schedule. Born and raised in Avon Park, Charlie has built a career rooted in service to his hometown. A graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, he has held leadership roles including Florida’s first African American FFA State President, Boys State President, and Boys Nation President. As Airport Operations Manager at the Avon Park Executive Airport, Charlie oversees ground safety and maintenance with NATA certification as a 139 Line Service Supervisor. His deep local ties, operational expertise, and commitment to inclusive economic development make him an invaluable leader in advancing BAR’s mission and fostering trust among stakeholders.
Charlie Brown
Community Engagement
Biotech Applied Research
COO, Florida Airport Management
Jared Gold leads research and development efforts at Biotech Applied Research, guiding the integration of sustainable technologies and ensuring regulatory compliance across all technical initiatives. As the CEO of Apical Consultations, a cGMP-certified facility specializing in extraction and formulation, Jared brings extensive experience in agricultural engineering, pilot plant development, and scale-up chemistry. His hands-on leadership has driven the successful execution of large-scale hemp and bioprocessing projects nationwide. At BAR, Jared ensures our innovations are not only scientifically sound but also scalable, efficient, and aligned with our mission to advance bio-based solutions.
Jared Gold
Chief Technical Officer
Biotech Applied Research
CEO, Apical Consultations
Joseph Neilsen serves as the Biochar Subject Matter Expert for Biotech Applied Research and is regarded as the organization’s QCP (Quality Control President) due to his extensive experience in biochar systems. With a background working for one of the world’s leading pyrolysis technology manufacturers, Joseph brings deep expertise in how biochar impacts soil and water quality. He played a key role in BAR’s Fort Lauderdale project with Residents for Resilience, designing a cost-effective strategy to test nutrient and bacterial removal in brackish water. His previous work in carbon removal technologies—including biochar, syngas, and carbon capture—continues to shape BAR’s mission to deploy sustainable, science-driven solutions across Florida.
Joseph Neilson
Biochar Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Biotech Applied Research
Jeremy Niedfeldt guides Biotech Applied Research’s financial strategy, including revenue forecasting, long-range capital planning, and investor relations. With two decades of experience in public and alternative finance, Jeremy serves as a Managing Director at PFM Financial Advisors, one of the nation’s leading financial advisory firms for public-sector and mission-driven entities. His expertise in structuring scalable financial models, optimizing cash flow, and aligning credit metrics ensures that BAR’s initiatives are positioned for long-term success and access to capital markets. Jeremy’s leadership bridges mission and market, helping BAR grow a financially resilient and investment-ready organization.
Jeremy Niedfeldt
Financial Strategist
Biotech Applied Research
Managing Director, PFM Financial Advisors
Todd Zimmerman leads infrastructure planning and project delivery for Biotech Applied Research, ensuring that all sites and developments meet the highest technical and regulatory standards. A licensed Professional Engineer with over 30 years of experience, Todd is also the Managing Partner and COO of Launch Strategies and Solutions, PLLC, an engineering, planning, and construction firm specializing in aviation development, strategic planning, M&A integration, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). He previously founded Amherst Consulting Company, Inc., where he served as President and led major airport projects across Florida. His expertise includes pavement design, construction phasing, cost estimating, FAA grant administration, and quality assurance. Notable contributions include infrastructure work at Orlando International Airport, Lakeland Linder International, and recent upgrades to the Avon Park Executive Airport in support of BAR’s growing operations.
Todd Zimmerman
Project Delivery
Biotech Applied Research | Managing Partner & COO, Launch Strategies and Solutions, PLLC
Michael Powell oversees infrastructure and logistical operations at the Avon Park Executive Airport, where Biotech Applied Research is headquartered. With over 25 years of experience in aviation management and advanced degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Michael brings deep expertise in FAA compliance, airport development, and multi-million-dollar capital projects. As CEO of Florida Airport Management—the first private firm granted full municipal authority over a public-use airport—he ensures that BAR’s bioindustrial initiatives are integrated seamlessly into a secure, scalable, and regulation-ready aviation environment.
Michael Powell
Infrastructure & Logistics
Biotech Applied Research
CEO, Florida Airport Management