Meet the Team

The people behind the production and the reason it all works.

Our team brings strategy, precision, and calm energy to every engagement, guiding complex events from first idea through final cue. We take the time to understand your goals, your audience, and what success looks like, so every detail is aligned and every moment is intentional.

Because when everything is working as it should, you get to experience the event alongside your guests.

The full Stratus Firm team, seated on a patio surrounded by plants.

Our Leadership

Our team combines deep expertise with a people-first mindset, making every project feel as smooth behind the scenes as it looks out front.

Roger J. Whyte II

Roger J. Whyte II

Founder & Principalhe/him/his

Roger leads Stratus with vision, precision, and purpose. With 20+ years in the industry and a reputation for bringing bold experiences to life, he’s worked with everyone from heads of state to global brands. A proud DC native and small business champion, Roger is as committed to mentoring the next generation of event leaders as he is to flawless execution.

Kirsten Gooden

Kirsten Gooden

Vice President of Productionshe/her/hers

Kirsten is the engine behind Stratus production. With a deep background in event and VIP management, she leads our team of producers and oversees every detail of event execution. From galas to global forums, she brings calm under pressure and a tireless commitment to getting it right down to the last cue.

Zach Webber

Zach Webber

Vice President of Client Relationshe/him/his

Zach is the connector. With over 14 years in relationship strategy, he guides senior partnerships, builds new business, and leads initiatives in fundraising, sponsorship, and membership growth. Known for his instinctive diplomacy and sharp perspective, Zach ensures every client feels heard, understood, and expertly supported.

Our Team

Debra Harrison

Debra Harrison

Director of Financeshe/her/hers
Whitney Watson

Whitney Watson

Director of Event Operationsshe/her/hers
Whitney Gold

Whitney Gold

Senior Producershe/her/hers
Mary Sheridan

Mary Sheridan

Senior Producershe/her/hers
Shane Patil

Shane Patil

Producerhe/him/his
Margaret Berkowitz

Margaret Berkowitz

Producershe/her/hers
Vanessa Perry

Vanessa Perry

Production Associateshe/her/hers
Clark Cummings

Clark Cummings

Client Experience & Brand Strategisthe/him/his
Shelby Brown

Shelby Brown

Client Relations Managershe/her/hers
Brian Fagone

Brian Fagone

Operations Managerhe/him/his
Thea Duc

Thea Duc

Production Assistantshe/her/hers

Our Pawject Managers

Roxy

Roxy

Director of Paw-perations

Schuyler, a black-and-white dog

Schuyler

Director of Barketing

Phil, a white and brown dog

Phil

Office Snack Supervisor

Cinca, a black and orange cat

Cinca

Nap Executive

Scotch & Soda, matching tabby cats

Scotch & Soda

Accating Managers

Bruce, a black-and-tan pug

Bruce

Head of Pug-Lic Relations

Winnie, a tortoiseshell cat

Winnie

Director of Accating

Milano, a white dog

Milano

VP of Dramatic Pauses

Ruth, a black dog

Ruth

Part-Time Pawject Manager

Let Us Serve You

Frequently Asked Questions

Our team is made up of experienced event producers, strategists, creative leaders, and technical specialists who bring diverse backgrounds across live events, broadcast, hospitality, marketing, and design. Together, we collaborate to deliver seamless, high-impact experiences.

We operate in highly coordinated, cross-functional teams with clear roles and shared goals. Collaboration, communication, and trust allow us to manage complexity while maintaining consistency and quality across every detail.

The Stratus team has experience producing events ranging from intimate VIP gatherings to large-scale, multi-day conferences and broadcast productions. This range allows us to adapt quickly and confidently to events of any size or scope.

Experience has taught us to stay calm, focused, and solutions-oriented. Our team anticipates challenges, adapts quickly, and keeps events running smoothly — especially when timing, security, and visibility are critical.

Clients can expect professionalism, transparency, and partnership. We take our work seriously while maintaining a collaborative, positive energy that makes the planning process efficient, supportive, and enjoyable.