Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Kara Kohl

Martinez

Summary

Experienced Show Caller and Lead A/V Operator with a strong background in team leadership and live event operations. Proven ability to coordinate teams, streamline processes, and ensure seamless event execution. Skilled in problem-solving, strategic planning, and adapting to evolving needs. Known for reliability, clear communication, and fostering a positive, high-performing work environment.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Event Tech Supervisor

Teampeople
Mountain View
01.2025 - Current
  • Continuing in a similar role, supporting Google events at the C-suite level, after they transitioned from ASG to TeamPeople for their internal event services.
  • Retained based on proven expertise and performance.
  • Seamlessly adapted to the new company while maintaining event execution, technical leadership, and team management responsibilities.
  • Ensured continuity in operations, workflows, and technical excellence during the vendor transition.
  • Lead technical operations for events, ensuring seamless execution across video, audio, lighting, and communication systems.
  • Supervise and mentor technicians, fostering collaboration and technical excellence.
  • Manage resource allocation for planned and unplanned events.
  • Operate and troubleshoot professional AV and IT equipment, including cameras, microphones, and control systems.
  • Verify and test technical systems to maintain quality standards.
  • Act as liaison between technical staff and clients, providing expert solutions.
  • Develop documentation, including SOPs, schematics, and run-of-show guides.
  • Conduct training and performance evaluations to enhance team expertise.
  • Lead special projects, integrating new tools and improving workflows.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards, company policies, and safety protocols.

Senior Lead & Show Caller, Production Operations

Advanced Systems Group
Mountain View
02.2019 - 12.2024
  • #1 requested Show Caller for C-suite and executive events at Google HQ in Silicon Valley, expertly running rehearsals, and ensuring flawless execution of all show elements under tight deadlines and extreme pressure.
  • Oversaw scene changes, stage moves, lighting, sound cues, video projections, and other technical elements during live events, enhancing overall production quality.
  • Collaborated with global teams across time zones, maintaining a calm demeanor, and demonstrating adaptability in fluid, live environments.
  • Successfully executed high-profile events at special venues, such as the Shoreline Amphitheater and NYC Google Campus, working with new vendors and agencies, while managing unfamiliar settings and navigating unexpected challenges.
  • Supervised a team of six direct reports, conducted performance reviews, and monitored the progress of new hires to enhance team effectiveness and productivity.
  • Mentored and developed multiple team members, successfully guiding them to promotions, and fostering their professional growth.
  • Trained and certified new Show Callers and Production Operators in various disciplines, maintaining high standards of performance and operational excellence.
  • Led cross-departmental collaboration to align teams, identify event weaknesses, and optimize workflows, significantly enhancing event success.
  • Adapted to diverse technical demands for single-tech show operations, performing roles such as audio mixing, robotic camera control, live switching, projection, streaming, recording, and editing.
  • Supported large-scale events by serving in various roles, including screen switcher, graphics operator, and video playback, to ensure seamless event execution.
  • Managed virtual and live event production, utilizing cloud-based systems.
  • Remotely accessed physical and virtual machines to ensure smooth event operations, and addressed technical issues proactively.
  • Troubleshot and maintained event space and machine room equipment.
  • Edited videos and created event graphics using Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Photoshop, contributing to high-quality presentations.

Video Technician

Sfjazz
San Francisco
10.2017 - 02.2019
  • Recorded and directed live performances, collaborating with audio engineers to manage sound quality, and ensure optimal audio-visual production.
  • Set up and operated DSLR and PTZ cameras, Hiperwall displays, and assisted with laptop presentations for seamless multimedia integration.
  • Operated all multimedia equipment within the Ostroff Media Production Suite and across the SFJAZZ Center, ensuring high-quality video production.
  • Managed camera patching, routing, and video equipment setup for external vendors renting the SFJAZZ Center, providing technical support, and ensuring smooth operation.
  • Livestreamed performances via Wirecast to platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, delivering high-quality broadcasts to online audiences.

Engineer, Technical Director, Producer

TWiT
Petaluma
10.2015 - 05.2017

Engineer:

  • Maintained and troubleshot the TriCaster 8000, ensuring seamless operations during live broadcasts and productions.
  • Resolved technical issues with video and sound equipment, both in-studio and on-field shoots.
  • Operated cameras and monitored audio for live events, field shoots, and in-studio productions, ensuring high-quality output.
  • Managed studio camera framing, sound engineering, and live stream monitoring for optimal performance.
  • Assisted with website maintenance and content updates to support the production team.

Technical Director:

  • Operated the TriCaster 8000 daily, switching cameras live during broadcasts for smooth, engaging productions.
  • Managed on-screen elements, including graphics, lower thirds, and B-roll footage to enhance viewer experience.
  • Monitored audio levels to ensure broadcast-quality sound.
  • Called guests via Skype, and worked with engineers to ensure proper camera framing and lighting.
  • Collaborated with producers to manage and direct talent during live and pre-recorded segments.

Producer:

  • Conducted content research, booked guests, prepared interview questions, and developed show scripts to ensure engaging, and informative episodes.
  • Managed talent and engineers to meet production deadlines, ensuring efficient workflow, and high-quality output.
  • Directed the entire production process for pre-recorded segments and live shows, overseeing every aspect from start to finish.
  • I wrote show descriptions and ensured the timely editing and publishing of episodes for download and streaming.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Broadcasting And Electronic Communication Arts

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
05-2014

Skills

  • Strategic thinking, problem solving, and decision making under pressure
  • Adaptability in a dynamic environment
  • Executive-level communication
  • Documentation
  • Show calling
  • Directing
  • Technical directing
  • Graphics operation
  • Video playback
  • Camera operation
  • A/V hardware
  • A/V software
  • Training and mentoring
  • Staff management
  • Customer service

Accomplishments

  • Successfully executed Google CEO’s monthly town hall event in New York and Paris, seamlessly adapting to unfamiliar venues, equipment, and local crews.
  • Developed a new workflow for a client-implemented service model and trained a team of technicians to fully adopt it within 90 days of launch.
  • Improved event efficiency by updating our run-of-show template to match specific event spaces, eliminating the need for Producers to modify columns every time they go into a different space.

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Limited

Timeline

Lead Event Tech Supervisor

Teampeople
01.2025 - Current

Senior Lead & Show Caller, Production Operations

Advanced Systems Group
02.2019 - 12.2024

Video Technician

Sfjazz
10.2017 - 02.2019

Engineer, Technical Director, Producer

TWiT
10.2015 - 05.2017

Bachelor of Arts - Broadcasting And Electronic Communication Arts

San Francisco State University
Kara Kohl