John Bradley

FOUNDER/President

The founder of Global Exploration and Recovery, GEaR, John embodies the pragmatic and professional approach to search and recovery that the company strives to achieve. A seasoned climber in all disciplines, John has spent many years in the mountains, including several seasons guiding in and out of North America. Trained in medical mountain rescue, John has had a lead role on five search and recovery missions in Greenland. He now splits his time between Colorado and his new adventures.

Jaana Gustafsson

Geophysicist

Jaana’s depth of experience in geophysics steers the technical approach that GEaR takes to search and recovery missions. Based in Stockholm, Jaana leads ground-penetrating radar surveys in diverse environments ranging from urban centers to the remote wilderness. Jaana’s methodical approach and fluency in the latest technology is the foundation of GEaR’s commitment to accuracy and efficiency in its field work. Jaana has also many years of experience in borehole logging, including imaging. Work is shared with family and friends and pursuing her creative silversmithing business.

Francis Marley

Vice President/Treasurer

Francis’ leadership and breadth of skills exemplify the company’s professional ethos in conducting search and recovery work in harsh environments. Specialized in expedition medicine, Francis serves as GEAR’s chief medical expert during field operations. To date, he has served on leadership teams for five Greenland search and recovery missions. Before retiring as a Major in the U.S. Army, Francis served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo. Living in Alaska, Francis has spent decades honing his wilderness skills and, as a pilot, traveled to some of the most remote locations in the country. In his free time, Francis enjoys mountaineering, mountain biking, photography, and learning the violin. He serves on two Alaskan SAR teams: Alaska Mountain Rescue Group and Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery.

Nicholas Bratton

Vice President/COO

Nick’s uncommon background in wilderness expeditions brings leadership and technical expertise to GEaR’s projects. His 18 years of mountaineering include several seasons as a guide for Alpine Ascents International, an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School, and co-owner of Adventure Professionals, Inc. He has spent 7 years abroad, exploring remote areas of southern and eastern Africa, North America, and Europe. He has directed logistics and served as a safety officer on two Greenland search and recovery missions. Nick’s characteristic enthusiasm in the face of adversity, resourcefulness, and attention to detail have proven to be valuable assets in the field. Nick lives in Seattle and enjoys writing and photography in his free time.

Leann Jack

Director

Leann joined the GEaR team in a supporting role at its founding in 2015, at the request of Francis, to help with initial filings and provide accounting guidance to the team. Born and raised in Alaska, Leann's family was active in dog mushing, with both her grandfather and mother earning significant accolades, and instilling in her a respect for outdoor adventures (though not necessarily a desire to participate in them). An expert in accounting, Leann started her own accounting business which keeps her busy throughout the year. When she's not working, Leann spends a lot of her time with her family. As a mother of two children, Leann finds GEaR's inclusion of educational outreach in our missions to be particularly inspiring, and joined the Board to support our non-profit work at the end of 2016.