YAW SARPONG-KUMANKUMA
New York,USA
Summary
Dynamic production manager leading cross-functional teams in executing over 250 high-profile events. Proven track record in managing budgets, enhancing collaboration between administrative and technical staff, and ensuring adherence to safety and union compliance for successful event outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Director
Fridayz Live
10.2023 - Current
- Managed technical aspects, including audio, lighting, staging, and video, ensuring smooth event execution aligned with creative vision.
- Coordinate equipment setup and teardown, managed technical staff, ensured safety protocols, and provided support and expertise to production team and performing artists.
- Led technical strategy for live event productions at multimedia entertainment company.
- Developed and implemented innovative audiovisual solutions for diverse client needs.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of live events.
Production Manager
City Parks Foundation
New York, USA
05.2022 - Current
- Oversee all technical production, equipment logistics, and stage operations for over 250 music and dance concerts and performing arts programs across all the 5 boroughs of New York.
- Managed $5 million in production across 5 seasons, ensuring resource allocation aligned with project goals.
- Facilitated collaboration between administrative and programming teams and technical crew to streamline production processes.
- Coordinated scheduling of all rehearsals and concerts to ensure efficient use of time and resources.
- Executed deliverable assets for all projects, maintaining quality standards and timelines.
- Create and distribute planning documents such as production schedules, stage plots, rundowns, and load-in/loadout memos
- Advance staging requirements, including sound, lighting, instrument, and backline rentals.
- Oversee rehearsal and concert setups with IATSE Local 1 stagehands and vendors for concerts and events
- Ensure union agreement compliance during planning and execution
- Manage show crews and outside vendors to meet deadlines
Audio Visual (AV) Manager
FIFA World Cup 2026
05.2026 - 07.2026
- Managed AV protocols and technologies, designing and configuring audio and video signal distribution for optimal functionality.
- Collaborated with event organizers, venue staff, and IT service management to effectively plan and deliver AV services for press conferences, functional area centers, and command centers.
- Delivered AV related integrations including design, configurations, implementation for partners such as media and broadcast.
- Oversaw setup, configuration, and testing of AV equipment, ensuring adherence to IT service management standards.
- Canada, Mexico and the United States
Manager, Operations and Tours
Africa 1 Media
London, England
01.2016 - 04.2020
- Toured with recording and performing artists across 68 countries and 130 venues, enhancing global exposure and audience engagement.
- Managed budgets and facilitated media interactions while coordinating local services at each tour stop to optimize operational efficiency.
- Ensured adherence to all technical and logistical event requirements, aligning with artist riders and contract terms for seamless execution.
- Act as production manager and technical director for all tours.
Education
BA. Industrial Art - Project Management, Art History, Interior Design, CAD, Research Methodology
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
Kumasi, Ghana05-2008
Skills
- Project Management
- Events Management
- Live Event Production
- Team Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Audio-visual integration
- Budget Management
- Equipment Logistics
- Talent Recruitment
- Vendor Management
- Contract negotiation
- Event Management Software
- MS Office Suite and Google Office Suite
- Technical Design
- Creative Collaboration
Hobbies and Interests
Culture, Art and the Arts, Community Work, Writing, Technology, Humanitarian Groups
Timeline
Audio Visual (AV) Manager
FIFA World Cup 2026
05.2026 - 07.2026
Technical Director
Fridayz Live
10.2023 - Current
Production Manager
City Parks Foundation
05.2022 - Current
Manager, Operations and Tours
Africa 1 Media
01.2016 - 04.2020
BA. Industrial Art - Project Management, Art History, Interior Design, CAD, Research Methodology
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology