Biographies

Don Murray
President and Co-founder
Don has been leading the direction of Safe Software and guiding its product strategy for more than 16 years. During this time, he has built strategic alliances with leading GIS vendors and integrated FME technology into their products to help them address their clients’ complex data interoperability challenges. In addition to his considerable professional experience, Don is a Masters recipient in Computer Science from Simon Fraser University and has taught at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. In his spare time, Don can often be found at a rink or a baseball diamond, coaching his daughter’s hockey and baseball teams. Don also enjoys keeping up-to-date on the latest in electronics, especially anything related to home theatre.

Follow Don on Twitter – @donatsafe
 
Dale Lutz
Vice President of Development and Co-founder
Dale has been leading the core development of FME since Safe Software’s inception more than 16 years ago. Much of Dale’s time is spent refining and optimizing the user experience in the graphical user interfaces (GUIs) of the FME platform, as well as leading the integration of FME technology into third-party GIS applications. He is a Computer Science Honors graduate and a Masters recipient with specialty in Usability for Software Technology from the University of Alberta. When not in the office, Dale enjoys spending time with his two sons, which can involve anything from disassembling and reassembling electronics to bicycling through the park. In addition to being a big football fan, he’s also a true multi-tasker which would explain why he can sometimes be found playing Madden football on his Nintendo Wii while at the same time working out on his elliptical trainer.

Follow Dale on Twitter – @DaleAtSafe
 
Paul Nalos
Database Team Lead
Paul oversees Safe Software’s Database team of developers. He joined Safe in 2006 as a member of the Core (FME Engine) development team, which he describes as probably the best introduction to FME internals that he could have been given. While spending most of his time these days on the relationship between FME and spatial databases, Paul is also heavily involved in the company’s coordinate systems and computer-aided design initiatives. Paul is a Masters recipient in Computing Science from the University of Alberta and has an undergraduate degree in Physics and Computing Science. He brings considerable experience to Safe Software from his time working in the telecommunications and semiconductor industries. Outside the office, Paul can be found enjoying a myriad of activities, from snowshoeing up a local mountain to playing a rousing game of the Settlers of Catan with family and friends. He is also kept busy by his one-year-old Boston Terrier named Triggs.
 
Michael Weisman
Product Support Specialist
Michael is an integral member of the Professional Services team at Safe Software, specializing in data distribution, Open Source, 3D and Smallworld. As part of this team, Michael is regularly called upon to develop innovative solutions that help GIS professionals solve their unique data challenges. Michael has an undergraduate degree in Geography from the University of British Columbia where he was also involved in a GIS research group. Whatever the task at hand, Michael always seems to be able to cook up a solution so it comes as no surprise that he is also a talented chef. His love for fine food is perhaps rivaled only by his love for a great cup of coffee, which is proven in his determination to ensure that each cup maintains a consistent level of flavor – Michael has designed and created a computer-controlled coffeemaker which he uses daily to achieve that perfect brew.

Follow Michael on Twitter – @MichaelAtSafe