Pioneering the Next Generation of AI Driven Visual Solutions

Launched in 2018, SAFR is backed by over three decades of technology innovation from RealNetworks—the company that invented streaming and co-developed the Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), which remains foundational to today’s video surveillance systems. That same pioneering spirit now powers a new era of ethical facial recognition, built to protect, perform, and earn trust.

 

Our mission is to help make the world safer through AI that’s designed not just to work—but to work responsibly. Rooted in “AI for Good,” SAFR delivers the industry’s first unified facial recognition ecosystem—seamlessly spanning access control, surveillance, and mobile solutions—without compromising personal privacy or data integrity. From the team that revolutionized how the world connects, SAFR now redefines how the world protects.

SAFR Leadership

Charisse Jacques Headshot

Charisse leads the overall SAFR business and has over 20 years of professional experience in technology, artificial intelligence, analytics, and management consulting. She has a passion for customer success and expertise in successfully running and scaling AI-based businesses.

Brad Donaldson Headshot

Tasked with leading strategic development and market expansion for SAFR, Brad Donaldson brings extensive experience in physical security to his role as General Manager of SAFR. Before joining RealNetworks, Donaldson served as VP of Product Development for Arecont Vision Costar and held various management roles within GE Security. He also served in the US Navy.

John Cassie Headshot

John is an Access Control Security Executive with over 25 years of progressive experience within start-ups to multi-million-dollar organizations both as an employee and as a principal; starting, building, and selling Innometriks Inc. Cassise has Advanced knowledge of Physical Access control strategies, principles, and best practices. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to the OEM side of the PACs industry, Access Control with AMAG and Software House, and biometrics and smartcards with Bioscrypt and Innometriks. John has been involved in all aspects of the business, product development, business development, manufacturing, training, sales, support, and management.

Milko Boic Headshot

Milko Boic has served as lead for several video technology initiatives in his 20 years at RealNetworks, including leading research and development for SAFR. Awarded with eight patents, Boic has previously led development of embedded software for computer vision guided semiconductor assembly equipment at Kulicke and Soffa Industries, and taught graduate level courses in Computer Science.

Walter Candelu Headshot

Walter Candelu joined the SAFR Team in 2020 to drive its growing sales and business development initiatives across the Middle East and Africa Region. Prior to joining SAFR, he held senior positions with leading security companies where he successfully drove the exponential growth of their technical capabilities and revenue.

Joel Milan Headshot

Chris has nearly three decades in the security industry, most of that time in sales, with 15 years leading sales teams. Most recently, he was Sales Director – US West at OpenEye, and before that he held leadership and sales roles with BriefCam, Salient Systems, and Avigilon. He got his start on the integrator side of the business and as an electronic security technician while serving in the U.S. Air Force, which gave him a strong technical foundation that relies on today.

Chris Ochs Headshot

Chris Ochs, LPC, is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in Asset Protection and Loss Prevention. He combines deep operational expertise with a strong background in product management, focusing on AI-driven solutions that enhance retail security, reduce shrink, and improve overall store performance. Known for his strategic mindset and cross-functional leadership, Chris is dedicated to advancing innovation in retail risk mitigation.

Join Team SAFR

We’re on a mission to build the industry’s best — and most ethical — computer vision platform in the, and you too can be part of that journey!