Founders and Our Roles

Young Smith is CARS Assistant Treasurer serves in the field as a Crew Chief. Mr. Smith was employed as an Archaeological Field Technician for three years and assisted archaeological amateur groups in the field during the same time frame. As Crew Chief, his responsibilities are to manage field technicians, ensure adherence to proper data collection procedures and assist in lab analysis, research and report preparation.

Mike Vann Jr. Mr. Vann is an IT Specialist and CARS founder.

From left: George Burns, Mike Vann Jr., Al Porter, Stirling Worden, Dean Sais, Young Smith.

Not Present: Mike Vann Sr.

George R. Burns is Vice President and Principal Investigator. Mr. Burns earned a Masters Degree in Anthropology from Colorado State University in 1981 and has over 15 years of experience in the field and laboratory, spanning several western and Rocky Mountain states. He has worked as lead archaeologist in the field survey and report preparation of projects ranging from access roads and 40 acre well pads to 100+ mile pipelines. He has participated in, directed and prepared research reports for subsurface investigations ranging from small test pits to full excavation of aboriginal and historic structures. Using his archaeological background as a springboard, he was employed for a time as a Quality Assurance Inspector, serving as liaison between the Bureau of Land Management and a contractor during construction of large oil gathering systems.

Post field work included artifact identification / analysis and cataloging, literary research, compilation of data and report preparation / editing. He participated in the evaluation of site significance and made recommendations for their inclusions to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Cooperation with Federal and state agencies as well as private companies was crucial in completion of all projects. His experience as liaison between Federal agencies, clients and field crews enhances his credentials to head projects run by the Society.

He has been a member of the Register of Professional Archaeologists since 2011 and was a member of the now disbanded Northeast Florida Anthropological Society (NEFAS). While a NEFAS member, Mr. Burns participated in and directed fieldwork at test excavations near the Olustee Battlefield. He participated in setting up a permanent archaeological display at Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History and was Technical Editor for books on Florida points and projectiles.

Mr. Burns has overall responsibility for completion of projects. This spans the process from proposal writing and development of research designs to writing and production of the final report. While his presence in the field will not be required on a daily basis, he will maintain a frequent presence to oversee and ensure adherence to all policies and procedures.

Dean M. Sais is the President of CARS as well as Project Manager / Field Director. He has over 25 years of experience in archaeological fieldwork spanning numerous eastern and southeastern states. He has worked for Cultural Resource Management companies, participating in and directing projects ranging from surveys to full excavations. He participated in the evaluation of site significance and made recommendations for their inclusions to the NRHP. Post field work duties included artifact identification and cataloging and report preparation.

Mr. Sais is the founder and president of Bull Gator Archaeological Equipment. His company produces and instructs in the use of, various types of screens, used by state and Federal agencies on projects ranging from archaeological research to crime scene investigation. Mr. Sais also consults with government agencies in the examination of crime scenes throughout the country in conjunction with his ties to Bull Gator.

He is a past Vice President of NEFAS. While with NEFAS, Mr. Sais participated in test excavations near the Olustee Battlefield. He also participated in setting up a permanent archaeological display at Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History.

Mr. Sais is responsible for overseeing and directing daily project operations, including training and supervision of field personnel. His full-time presence is required in the field to ensure adherence to proper data collection procedures. Post field work duties include assisting in lab analysis, research and report preparation. As CARS president, Mr. Sais also assumes primary responsibility for procuring project funding.

Stirling Worden is CARS Secretary / Treasurer and serves in the field as a Crew Chief. Mr. Worden has been employed periodically as an Archaeological Technician by several cultural resource management companies over the past 10 years. He is also a past President and Vice President of NEFAS. While with NEFAS, he participated in several archaeological field projects. As Crew Chief, his responsibilities are to manage field technicians, ensure adherence to proper data collection procedures and assist in lab analysis, research and report preparation.