Zack Farr

Zack Farr is a multi generational citrus farmer who has been in the sustainability industry since 2020, when he and Jeff Williams were the first hemp cultivators in the central Florida region. He has built multiple companies focusing on providing environmental solutions through commercial application. His mission is to support farming industries in rural communities by providing them with alternative crops to grow, and then create opportunities for the crop’s waste to turn into sustainable products. 

Jared Gold

Jared Gold is an agricultural engineer & scale-up chemist focused on pilot plant development and the commercial production of specialized chemicals, pharmaceuticals, materials, fuels & food. As owner of Apical, a chemical engineering firm, he retains a proof-of-concept laboratory in Versailles, KY that is licensed & certified for cGMP production of hemp food products, general cosmetics and APIs. Jared has a Bachelor's in English from the University of Florida and a Master's degree in Agroecology from UNC-A. This focus on academic rigor, efficient engineering & management of greenhouses provides a natural intuition when optimizing chemical processes and businesses. And, with over a decade of field experience, Jared’s education is reinforced by >10,000 hours operating advanced chemical equipment for inorganic & organic chemistry. As Chief Science Officer of BAR, Jared continues to seek honest innovation, develop quality technologies and secure partnerships intended to serve the global economy & community.

https://www.apical.info/

JT Clark

JT Clark is an innovative and performance-driven entrepreneur with a deep passion for

technology and business. Experienced in managing all aspects of business development with an intensive Navy training background in Nuclear, Chemical, and Mechanical Engineering. He is an entrepreneurial business professional with 10 years’ experience possessing a strong emphasis in real estate acquisitions, master development, construction, property management, sales, client-

vendor relations, business start-up and development, and ability to quickly implement specific and timely service programs to maximize sales all while ensuring compliance. Mr. Clark has years of experience in the multi-family, commercial, and residential construction field. 

Thomas Hobbs

Thomas Hobbs has over 18 years experience building relationships with legislators, regulators, agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders and initiating and managing a range of high-level government relations and advocacy projects to favorably influence the public policy environment in support of client's business objectives. Thomas is currently the Chief of Staff for the Port of Tampa.

Joey Todd

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Joseph Nielsen

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Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams is a 4th generation Floridian and citrus farmer, owning the third oldest citrus nursery in the state. In 2020, Jeff became the first licensed hemp farmer in the region and has been an advocate for innovating agriculture cultivars ever since. Jeff contributed to a permitted project with South Florida State College to test how industrial hemp absorbed nitrogen and phosphorus out of the water with astounding results. In 2023, Jeff was awarded the Highlands County Agricultural Man of the Year because of his dedication to the agricultural community he serves. Jeff also is a part time sheriff for the Highlands County Sheriff’s office, a proud parent, and grandparent of two. 

Michael D. Powell C.M., ACE

A seasoned and qualified airport management executive with experience interfacing with the FAA and successfully managing several airports concurrently. Michael is responsible to interface with the FAA and maintain oversight of all airport activities during construction and operation. Michael has a Bachelor’s of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a minor in Aviation Safety, he has a Master’s of Science in Aeronautical Science, graduate studies specialization in Aviation/Aerospace Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, along with over 20 years experience in airport management. Lastly, he has his commercial pilot’s license, single and multi engine land instrument airplane ratings. 

FAM has several sister companies which share the same ownership and Board of Directors, established specifically with the intention of bringing together components for self-performing worthy projects in airport infrastructure and the bioeconomy. Michael Powell is on the Board of Directors. 

Jeremy Niedfeldt

Jeremy Niedfeldt brings over 16 years of experience in municipal finance to his role as financial and nonprofit advisor for Biotech Applied Research (BAR). As a managing director at PFM, he specializes in long-term capital planning and public-private partnerships that drive community impact. His work with cities and counties across Florida supports BAR’s mission to turn waste into positive change through sustainable infrastructure and innovative financing models.

A U.S. Army veteran and proud family man, Jeremy is deeply committed to service and stewardship. He holds an MBA and a finance degree from the University of Florida and has helped manage over $13 billion in public financing projects.

Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown is a proud graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Agricultural Communication and a lifelong advocate for rural revitalization. As the first African American to serve as President of the National FFA Organization, Boys State, and Boys Nation, Charlie has been nationally recognized for his leadership—meeting President Obama twice in the same year for his extraordinary achievements.

Originally from Avon Park, Florida, Charlie brings a deep personal commitment to uplifting his hometown through sustainable agriculture and community-driven innovation. His passion and experience make him an invaluable voice for outreach and engagement at Biotech Applied Research.