Professional Journey:
Innovations & Impact
Professional Summary
Versatile Project Manager and environmental advocate, I am dedicated to spearheading transformative projects that bridge innovative technology with environmental stewardship. With a rich background in event production, IT infrastructure, and a profound commitment to ecological conservation, my career is marked by a series of impactful ventures, from managing complex IT operations at major events like Burning Man to conducting pivotal environmental research. Rooted in a vision of a harmonious future where human ingenuity and nature coexist, my mission is to drive sustainable practices and foster positive community connections. As I continue to evolve professionally, my focus remains on contributing to a world where technological advancement and environmental respect go hand in hand, crafting a legacy of meaningful change and unity.
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) [Scheduled Dec. 11th]
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
Work experience
IT Operations Technology Site Manager
Burning Man Project (Contract) | 2023 | 2024
Primary IT contact for Nevada Operations pre/post-event, managing troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and connectivity across remote desert sites.
Orchestrated IT deployments, including elevated antenna placements, ethernet infrastructure setup, and comprehensive WiFi gear configuration and maintenance, ensuring robust network performance in BRC’s challenging environment.
Fostered key stakeholder relationships, ensuring top-tier service and communication.
Executed swift hardware troubleshooting and incident reporting, minimizing system downtimes.
Network Deployment Specialist
Do LaB, Inc. (Contract) | 2022 | 2023 |2024
Managed end-to-end networking solutions from design to deployment, ensuring uninterrupted festival connectivity.
Facilitated cross-functional collaborations with vendors for streamlined equipment integrations.
Led strategic networking projects, emphasizing agile methodologies and stakeholder engagement.
Capital Markets Coordinator
Max Benjamin Partners | Sep 2021 - Oct 2022
Managed financials via QuickBooks; directed budgets, reconciliation, and yearly reviews.
Led HR, I.T., Accounting, and maintenance, boosting the sales team to record performances.
Spearheaded team growth, expanding from 7 to 15 members, including recruiting 3 interns.
Initiated the company's first fund, raising $15 million across three projects.
Effectively coordinated all travel for VPs and team, ensuring seamless planning and execution.
COVID-19 Safety and Compliance Program Manager
A-Tech Consulting, Inc. | Aug 2020 - Sep 2021
Led COVID-19 safety compliance for 17 productions, collaborating with A-list talent, producers, and safety teams.
Efficiently managed a 45-member team, utilizing Airtable & Microsoft Teams, enhancing communication and oversight.
Coordinated COVID-19 budgets with productions, ensuring financial alignment with producer allocations.
Revamped the program, recruiting and training new employees while synthesizing diverse safety protocols into actionable training manuals.
Health and Safety Supervisor
Why Women Kill Season 2 | Aug 2020 - Feb 2021
Led COVID-19 safety compliance for 17 productions, collaborating with A-list talent, producers, and safety teams.
Efficiently managed a 45-member team, utilizing Airtable & Microsoft Teams, enhancing communication and oversight.
Coordinated COVID-19 budgets with productions, ensuring financial alignment with producer allocations.
Revamped the program, recruiting and training new employees while synthesizing diverse safety protocols into actionable training manuals.
Environmental Health Safety Specialist
Healthy Building Science | Sep 2019 - Aug 2020
Led COVID-19 safety compliance for 17 productions, collaborating with A-list talent, producers, and safety teams.
Efficiently managed a 45-member team, utilizing Airtable & Microsoft Teams, enhancing communication and oversight.
Coordinated COVID-19 budgets with productions, ensuring financial alignment with producer allocations.
Revamped the program, recruiting and training new employees while synthesizing diverse safety protocols into actionable training manuals.
Co-Founding Member, Financial Planner
The Boom Boom Room (@TBBR.LA) | Jul 2018 - Mar 2020
Revolutionized financial strategy, transitioning the event from a loss-making venture to consistent profitability.
Devised comprehensive Excel-based financial projections; skillfully adjusted ticket tiers and pricing strategies dynamically to align with event costs, cater to market demand, and ensure optimal profit margins.
Waiter
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas | Dec 2014 – Nov 2019
Delivered unparalleled service to high-profile clientele, curating an unforgettable dining experience for discerning guests.
Demonstrated expertise by training and mentoring junior wait staff, cultivating a professional & harmonious workplace.
Location Manager - Coffee and Beverage Dept.
Lightning in a Bottle (2015-2017), Woogie Weekend (2015-2016), Dirtybird Campout (2015-2017)
Managed operations of coffee booths across multiple festivals, including staffing, logistics, and inventory management.
Ensured strict adherence to health and safety guidelines, providing consistent training to staff members for compliance.
Innovated a streamlined stocking system, enhancing on-site inventory deployment and efficiency.
Special Effects Technician
Special EFX Services | May 2012 - Sep 2019
Designed/executed diverse film/TV special effects (explosions, smoke, fire, mechanical).
Operated/maintained specialized equipment for seamless effects execution.
Ensured rigorous safety protocols, prioritizing cast/crew well-being, and documented safety.
Self-Employed - Cannabis Cultivator
Medical Marijuana Cultivator | January 2012 to November 2014
Orchestrated facility design, optimizing yield & quality.
Pioneered cost-effective solutions for large-scale grow rooms.
Managed dynamic inventory: 400 flowering, 20 mothers, 1,200 clones.
Inventory Manager
Hightide Caregivers Collective | Oct 2009 - June 2011
Procured medication and managed pricing and inventory, exceeding financial targets.
Fostered a motivational work culture, enhancing morale and service.
Prioritized professional growth via workshops, webinars, and literature.
Artistic Project Management
American Steel Studios | Feb 2014 - Dec 2014
Led artists to craft one of Burning Man 2014's monumental art pieces.
Managed artists, fabricators, and timelines for on-time delivery.
Devised innovative promotional and fundraising strategies.
Creative Director
MoGreen Media Inc. | Sep 2011 - Mar 2014
Led and managed an international team of designers and developers to successfully complete multiple projects.
Cultivated strong client relationships through effective communication, collaboration, and adherence to project timelines.
Achieved top 5 SEO firm ranking in California by SEOCompanyReviews.com before departure in March 2014.
Intern, SURF Research Program
The Surfrider Foundation | May 2018 - Sept 2018
Conducted complex analysis of survey data from 1,600 surfers using ArcGIS Pro.
Created an interactive ArcGIS Story map for 100 California surf breaks to demonstrate the impact of sea-level rise.
Translated scientific papers into easily understandable language for public outreach.
Research Assistant
NOAA Marine Debris Project | July 2017 - Aug 2018
Collected, categorized, and analyzed marine debris on remote Channel Islands National Park beaches.
Executed marine debris protocols in challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions.
Researcher
The Sandshed Lab | Jan 2018 - Aug 2019
Collaborated on a coastal model database and barrier beach formation research.
Utilized UAVs, Pix4D, and ArcPro for beach geology evaluation.
Contributed to restoration efforts in Surfer’s Point and Matilija Dam Removal Feasibility Study.
Research Analyst
The Coastography Lab | May 2018 - Aug 2019
Collaborated on a coastal model database and barrier beach formation research.
Utilized UAVs, Pix4D, and ArcPro for beach geology evaluation.
Contributed to restoration efforts in Surfer’s Point and Matilija Dam Removal Feasibility Study.
Independent researcher
Senior Capstone Project | Spring 2018
Conducted a comprehensive study on geomorphic changes at the Ventura River mouth.
Utilized UAVs, ArcPro, and 3D analysis tools.
Demonstrated the impact of offshore delta-derived sand bars on inlet closure.
Research experience
Account Executive
HALF BAK'D | Jan 2024 - Jul 2024
Built a business portfolio from scratch, generating $75,000 in monthly sales with a projected increase to $100,000 by leveraging cold leads and fostering strong relationships with retail shops, chains, and distributors.
Enhanced client trust and engagement through deep product knowledge and innovative communication strategies,
including personalized video messages.
Consistently ranked among top three sales performers, surpassing aggressive targets in a highly competitive market.
Monak, Michael & Wells, Mathew & Professor Kiki Patsch (May 2019). Communicating Geospatial Science with Story Maps. CSU Geospatial Review
Monak, Michael (February 2019). Surfers Losing Resources: How will your local breaks survive? Presented at the monthly chapter meeting of the Los Angeles Surfrider Chapter, Los Angeles, CA.
Monak, Michael & Wells, Mathew (July 2018). Understanding the proposed removal of Rindge Dam: How ESRI Story maps increase stakeholder engagement. Presented at the ESRI User Convention, CSU Geospatial Board of Directors, SD, CA.
Monak, Michael (March 2018). Monitoring Barrier Beach Breaching with UAVs: Generating Maps and 3D Models from Aerial Images to Determine Breaching Patterns. Presented at California Coastal Commission planning meeting, Port Hueneme, CA.
Monak, Michael (September 2016). Flame Ring propane powered, Illumination Village, Burning Man 2016
Monak, Michael (September 2017). Propane Cannon largest on Playa, Illumination Village, Burning Man 2016
Monak, Michael (December 2017). Propane Cannon, Moontribe, NYE 2017
Monak, Michael (2015 - 2018). Bad Advice Booth, Multiple events
PUBLISHED WORK, PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICLY DISPLAYED ART
EVENT EXPERIENCE - NON-COMPENSATED
Grid Lead
Illumination Village, Black Rock City, NV | Two Week Contract 2015 - 2018
Managed 225kW+ generator for a 300+ person village at Burning Man for multiple years.
Oversaw comprehensive lifecycle of generator systems, including installation, operation, and maintenance.
Monitored fuel consumption and coordinated refueling and maintenance activities.
Trained volunteers in generator operation and safety and supervised their performance.
Art Car Crew Member
@chesteronfire
Black Rock City, NV | 2013 to 2024
Escape Halloween - Insomniac Events | Oct 2024
Worked with a diverse team to operate @chesteronfire Art Car at Burning Man for nine years.
Maintained and enhanced the art car's various systems to ensure safety and performance.
Aided in setup and teardown of the art car, guaranteeing system efficiency.
Managed crowd safety during performances, including 40-foot fireball spectacles.
Bachelor of Science
Environmental Science & Resource Management - May 2019
California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo, CA
Education
