Meet the Team
Committed to bringing state of the art services
and products to you.
CRAIG NELSON
CEO | [email protected]
Craig has been an automation expert for more than three decades, specializing in the food, dairy, and beverage industries. He works nationally and internationally, applying his skills as a lead design for food processing and automation. He has consulted and designed systems for many of the globe’s largest manufacturers.
Since 1997, this industry leader has maintained the unique position of working directly with the FDA, constructing the framework for the agency’s regulatory standards. In Craig’s pursuit of best guidance practices for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), he wrote and developed standards documentation in the European Union, Oceania, and Asia.
Craig is also a commercial pilot and has a background in special rescue.
RYAN NELSON
Director of Process Controls | [email protected]
Ryan has been instrumental in Food Automation’s success for over a decade. Mentored directly by Craig, his insight into process design inspired him to introduce the very idea of Food Automation’s OEM solutions for our clients. Ryan is regularly on site developing and honing intelligent engineering built on a “plug and play” ethos that minimizes down time and lost productivity.
When home, Ryan enjoys camping, hiking, and mountain biking.
CASEY WILSON
Senior Technical Services | [email protected]
With a background in avionics repair, Casey brings experience of work that demands precision, thoroughness and regulatory compliance. Since 2022 he has led the design of the field processes and instrumentation for Food Automation. Along with this he has been a lead developer of our Virtual Process Design© and process Build Book© technology.
When not working, Casey enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, and planning outdoor adventures.
FIRAS ABDEEN
Manufacturing Manager | [email protected]
Firas began working with Food Automation in 2019. He focuses on maintaining project timelines while upholding the highest standards of quality. Through his commitment to safety, Firas has helped uphold Food Automation’s strong record of zero lost-time injuries.
An adventurous tinkerer at heart, he enjoys fiddling with his 3D printers, wrenching on motorcycles and spending time in the Southern California sunshine.
