The BigMachines Board of Directors brings a broad range of industry leadership experience. Their diverse backgrounds , business insight and passion for excellence help us fulfill our vision of building a world-class technology and services company. The Board of Directors guides the BigMachines' strategy and keeps the company focused on delighting its customers.

Godard Abel, Co-Founder, President and CEO
Godard leads the development and execution of strategy for BigMachines, with a focus on delighting customers and building a strong professional team. Prior to founding BigMachines, Godard was General Manager of the iNiku.com application service for Niku Corporation, a leading provider of web-enabled enterprise applications. Before entering the technology industry, Godard consulted for McKinsey & Company and advised leading manufacturers in the U.S. and Germany on strategy development and business process improvement. Godard earned an MBA from Stanford University and both a BS and MS in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Goerdt Abel, Chairman
Goerdt leads our board and advises BigMachines on business development by leveraging his extensive industry experience and contacts. Goerdt was formerly Chairman and CEO of ABEL Corporation, a leading manufacturer of positive displacement pumps, which is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Roper Industries. Over a period of twenty-seven years, Goerdt grew ABEL into a highly profitable, global manufacturer. Goerdt began his career in management with Mannessman AG. Goerdt holds a Diplom and PhD from the Vienna School of Business and Economics, where he studied international business and business strategy.

Steven Davis
Principal at Vista Equity Partners, Stephen was previously at Credit Suisse First Boston. While at Credit Suisse First Boston, he was a Vice President in the Leveraged Finance Group focused on executing leveraged buyouts and public and private market exits for financial sponsors. Prior to joining Credit Suisse First Boston, Stephen was an Associate with Kirkland & Ellis and Debevoise & Plimpton. He received a JD and MBA from Columbia University, where he graduated with Beta Gamma Sigma honors. In addition, Stephen holds a BA in economics from Carleton College.

Richard Labreecque
Until his retirement in 2000, Richard built ITT Fluid Technology into the world's largest pump manufacturer and led its groundbreaking acquisition of Goulds Pumps in 1997. He brings over 30 years of experience as a leader in the manufacturing industry and has served two terms as President of the Hydraulic Institute, the North American pump industry association. Richard is the Chairman of the BigMachines Industry Advisory Board.

Hugh W. Nevin, Jr.
Hugh represents Stanwix Partners on the Board of Directors of BigMachines. He is a Director and former President of Cohen & Grigsby, a leading law firm based in Pittsburgh, PA. Hugh concentrates his practice in merger and acquisition matters, business law and international tax. Mr. Nevin, who is fluent in German, focuses a substantial part of his practice in advising foreign enterprises and individuals investing and conducting their businesses in the United States and U.S. companies doing business abroad. Hugh has been an early investor and advisor to several successful technology companies, including FreeMarkets, a pioneer in web-based business applications, which recently accounced a merger with Ariba (NASDAQ: ARBA).

Robert Smith
Managing Principal at Vista Equity Partners, Robert was previously at Goldman, Sachs & Co. focused on mergers and acquisitions in the technology industry. While at Goldman Sachs, he was Co-Head of the Enterprise Systems and Storage Business within the Technology Group. Robert received an MBA from Columbia University Business School, where he graduated with Beta Gamma Sigma honors. In addition, he holds a BS in chemical engineering from Cornell University.