Mitchell McDannald

Results-driven Project Manager with over 15 years of experience leading complex projects across entertainment production, military, and technical operations. Proven ability to manage low- and high-voltage electrical wiring projects, interpret and develop blueprints, and oversee project execution from planning through completion. Skilled in coordinating cross-functional teams, managing multimillion-dollar resources, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with safety and quality standards.

Experienced in production logistics, vendor and stakeholder coordination, risk management, and building high-performing teams that excel in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Recognized for strong leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to drive operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional safety and performance standards.

Manager - MOOSE LIGHTING

(2014-01)

• Direct end-to-end project management for entertainment productions with budgets exceeding $100M, overseeing planning, scheduling, execution, and closeout across productions ranging from 6 to 48 weeks.
• Lead cross-functional teams of 6–60 technicians, electricians, and department lead, coordinating multiple production units while ensuring projects remain on schedule and within scope.
• Manage project budgets, cost forecasting, and weekly variance tracking, negotiating vendor contracts and equipment rentals to optimize costs and maintain budget objectives.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using Microsoft Project and Asana, coordinating production timelines, resource allocation, logistics, and daily operational plans to successfully deliver multiple concurrent projects.
• Oversee procurement, inventory management, equipment deployment, and logistics to ensure critical resources are available and operational throughout each project lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, resolving equipment failures, weather disruptions, schedule conflicts, and changing client requirements to minimize downtime and maintain production continuity.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, production executives, vendors, and subcontractors, serving as the primary point of contact for project coordination and stakeholder communication.
• Implement and enforce OSHA and industry safety standards, leading safety initiatives that have maintained a zero lost-time incident record while supporting efficient project execution.
• Drive continuous process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, resource utilization, and overall project delivery performance across multiple productions.

Sergeant (E-5) - United States Marine Corps

(2005-01 - 2012-12)

• Led and mentored teams of up to 12 personnel in high-pressure, high-risk environments, driving mission success through effective leadership, strategic planning, and disciplined execution.
• Served as Squad Leader with responsibility for personnel accountability, operational planning, resource allocation, and successful execution of complex missions during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Directed more than 40 combat outpost construction projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, logistics, equipment movement, scheduling, and mission priorities in austere and hostile environments.
• Managed route clearance and explosive hazard mitigation operations by coordinating intelligence, engineering assets, and ground personnel to ensure safe and continuous mobility across critical transportation corridors.
• Conducted comprehensive risk assessments and implemented safety and operational controls that minimized hazards while maintaining mission readiness and operational efficiency.
• Maintained team performance, accountability, and morale in rapidly changing, high-stress environments, consistently adapting plans to meet evolving operational requirements.
• Trained, coached, and developed junior Marines in leadership, technical skills, operational procedures, and safety standards, strengthening team capability and readiness.