Michael Monak
Discover the diverse career of Michael Monak, a seasoned project manager, environmental steward, and tech enthusiast.
From the vibrant film sets of Los Angeles to the untamed shores of the Channel Islands, I’ve spent my career navigating the intricate dance between creativity, environmental stewardship, and safe working environments. I was raised amidst the magic of Hollywood, as the son of a special effects coordinator on iconic productions like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It’s here that I first learned the transformative power of hard work, adaptability, and a keen eye for detail.
My journey has taken me from leading IT infrastructure in the unforgiving deserts of Black Rock City at Burning Man to pioneering safety protocols on bustling studio sets. Along the way, I’ve harnessed my expertise in project management, environmental science, and IT operations to solve complex challenges with ingenuity and precision. Whether deploying wireless towers in extreme conditions or navigating shifting COVID-19 directives for film crews, I thrive in high-pressure environments where quick thinking and collaboration are key.
A Career Rooted in Purpose
My work is fueled by a passion for creating positive, lasting impact. At CBS Studios, I led a 45-member team to ensure the safety of cast and crew across 17 productions. At NOAA, I conducted marine debris analysis in the Channel Islands, blending my love for the environment with cutting-edge research. At Burning Man, I transformed the way IT supports one of the world’s most iconic cultural events, bringing connectivity to even the most remote outposts. Most recently, I earned my PMP certification, further demonstrating my commitment to efficiency and delivering projects that exceed expectations.
Why I Do What I Do
The serene beauty of the desert at sunset, the hum of creativity on a film set, the satisfaction of a team united in purpose—these moments remind me why I love my work. They represent a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability that drives everything I do.
Let’s Build Something Together
My vision is to blend technical expertise with creative solutions to craft safer, greener, and more dynamic environments. If you’re seeking a dedicated professional with a proven track record in leadership, problem-solving, and environmental advocacy, I’d love to connect and explore how we can create meaningful change together.
About Me
Work experience
IT Operations Technology Site Manager
Burning Man Project (Contract) | 2023 / 2024
Network Deployment Specialist
Do LaB, Inc. (Contract) | 2022 / 2023 / 2024
Capital Markets Coordinator
Max Benjamin Partners | Sep 2021 - Oct 2022
COVID Safety and Compliance Program Manager
A-Tech Consulting, Inc. | Aug 2020 - Sep 2021
Account Executive
HALF BAK'D | Jan 2024 - Jul 2024
Areas of expertise
01
Project Management and Coordination
02
Network Design and IT Infrastructure Management
03
Safety and Compliance Oversight
04
Environmental Advocacy and Ocean Conservation
05
Financial Acumen & Investment Strategy
06
Event Production & Ecological Logistics
Charting Unseen Horizons: A Journey of Innovation and Stewardship
In a realm where technology intertwines with the raw spirit of environmental activism, my journey is a testament to resilience and foresight. Bridging IT innovations at landmark events with the pulse of environmental stewardship, I tread a path less taken.
Like a desert river, persistent and unyielding, I embrace the art of shaping tomorrow, not just foreseeing it – crafting each moment with the passion of an artisan, in a dance of progress that harmonizes the digital with the wild.
Advanced IT Network Design & Management
Engineered and executed complex IT infrastructures for large-scale events like Burning Man, ensuring seamless connectivity and robust network performance.
Drone-Enhanced Geospatial Analysis
Utilized UAV technology for GIS mapping and data analysis, enhancing environmental studies and advocacy efforts with the Surfrider Foundation.
Stakeholder Engagement & Investor Relations
Nurtured stakeholder and investor relationships, secured funding, and built support for various projects, including financial strategy and fundraising at Max Benjamin Partners.
Dynamic Team Leadership & Talent Cultivation
Expanded and developed high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture, as evidenced by team growth achievements at Max Benjamin Partners.
Strategic Operational & Human Resource Optimization
Streamlined processes and led HR and training initiatives to drive operational excellence, demonstrated through roles at A-Tech Consulting and Max Benjamin Partners.
Environmental Compliance & Sustainability Initiatives
Maintained compliance with environmental regulations and implemented sustainability practices, aligning with safety and compliance roles at A-Tech Consulting.
Coastal Ecosystem Management & Conservation
Advocated for coastal conservation and ecosystem management, informed by research and public outreach during the internship at the Surfrider Foundation.
Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
Engaged in climate change research and mitigation strategy development, backed by academic research experiences at CSU Channel Islands.
Sea Level Rise Impact Analysis
Conducted analysis on sea level rise impacts using geospatial tools, supporting coastal adaptation planning efforts at The Surfrider Foundation.
Environmental Impact Assessments & Reporting
Performed environmental impact assessments and authored strategic reports, as done in the role of Environmental Health Safety Specialist at Healthy Building Science.
Skills
Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute (PMI) [Nov 2024 | Credential No. 3978927]
Google Project Manager Certification, Coursera - [Sept ‘23]
OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training - [May 2023]
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Training – [In progress]
HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certification – [In Progress]
Licensed FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot [No. C1168341]
Licensed Real Estate Agent in California (No. 02159456)
Certifications
Recent projects
UAV-Enhanced Environmental Analysis:
Leveraging UAV (drone) technology, I conducted a comprehensive environmental analysis, capturing aerial data that complemented survey responses from 1,600 surfers. Utilizing ArcGIS Pro, I integrated this rich dataset to create an interactive ArcGIS Story Map.
Oversaw IT Infrastructure Projects at Major Events:
Managed complex IT operations for large-scale events, including the Burning Man Project and Lighting In a Bottle, where I coordinated network design, infrastructure setup, and maintenance, ensuring robust performance and connectivity under challenging conditions.
Enhanced Safety and Compliance Protocols in High-Risk Environments:
Directed comprehensive safety and compliance programs for several high-profile productions, implementing rigorous protocols and leading teams to ensure adherence to health and environmental regulations, thereby significantly reducing risks and ensuring safe operational practices.
Financial Management and Team Development:
Managed a significant financial restructuring initiative, optimizing budget management and financial operations through QuickBooks. My role was crucial in expanding the team, recruiting key talent, and improving organizational structure, contributing to the company's operational efficiency and enhancing team performance to record levels.