MEET THE TEAM
LINDA YOUNG
President/Managing Partner
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Linda Young’s experience comes from more than 10 years working in the gift service and manufacturing industries. She expanded her talents into the event production industry in 2007 with her husband Burton Young and good friend Andrea Shelly. Since the inception of the business, it has serviced high profile and nonprofit clients by understanding their goals and vision. Linda’s overall mission for Elite OC Productions is to treat every client like a partner and exceed the expectations of all participants from the beginning to the final stages of every event.
MICHELLE HARDING
Lead Event Manager
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Michelle Harding joined the team in 2012, as an intern and after graduating from Soka University of America in May 2012 joined full-time. During college, she was an A/V tech assistant and on the Graduation Fundraising Event Committee. Over the years she has grown her passion for events, logistics and watching the client’s vision come to life! In 2018, she moved to Texas working at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and gained experience in medical management. She returned to Elite OC Productions in the fall of 2021 and enjoys working with her Elite Team and clients!
MICHAEL STROUT
Production Manager
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Michael Strout’s event experience comes from extensive,
high-profile service in the entertainment industry producing press junkets, film and television media events, and publicity material. His production background has provided him unique insight into the event industry, spanning from audio/visual to creative set design. Mike prides himself on treating every project like it is the biggest event of the year, no matter the budget or size. His ability to problem solve and flexibility to meet the client’s needs helps to make each event an exceptional Elite OC experience
CHRIS ESCALERA
Creative Director​
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Chris Escalera brings a wealth of experience in events and visual/creative production. After graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor’s in Television and Film Production, he initially began his career in the fashion industry, where he designed marketing campaigns, fashion shows, and events for Neiman Marcus. Chris then expanded his expertise by working on high-profile events for Mindy Weiss and David Rodgers. His energetic, electric style, coupled with a passion for creativity and client experiences, drives him to create not just great events, but one-of-a-kind experiences that leave a lasting impact.
ISABEL JAMES
Production Assistant​
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Isabel James graduated from Bond University in Australia with a degree in communications and a major in digital media. Growing up planning events for family, Isabel fell in love with the event industry, leading her to join the team in 2025. This lifelong enthusiasm for bringing visions to life, combined with her strong communication and digital media skills, makes her a highly effective and enthusiastic production assistant.
KARI FILARDO
Director of Design & Concept​
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Kari Filardo joined the team in 2015 after studying fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. With her background in art and design and her passion for creating unique experiences her knowledge and skills are essential to Elite OC Productions for bringing our creative ideas to life for our clients. Kari continuously sets the tone for our events by overseeing the design department responsible for creating all original material for our events. Creating custom branding, designing invitations, logos, sponsorship packets, videos, digital content and websites are just a few of the design elements that Kari manages from concept to final production. Implementing our clients’ needs and vision with her creative designs continuously ties the entire event together to create an unforgettably beautiful event.
TESSA ZOETEWEY
Graphic Designer​
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Tessa Zoetewey joined the team in 2025 with a Master’s Degree in Communication Design from Falmouth University in England. She began her design career in the real estate industry, working in Beverly Hills for the top real estate franchise in the U.S. While successful in that field, Tessa soon discovered a passion within the event industry - ultimately leading her to Elite OC Productions. She brings together a sharp eye for detail, a highly efficient workflow, and strong creative instincts to deliver designs that make a lasting impact.
TIMOTHY DUMATOL
Fundraising Manager​
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Born and raised in the Bay Area, Timothy Dumatol moved to
Orange County to pursue a bachelor's degree in economics at
Concordia University, Irvine. After graduating in Spring 2024, he joined
Elite OC Productions, where he developed a deep respect and passion
for event planning. Seeing the joy and satisfaction of clients, a testament
to the hard work of the Elite OC Productions team, has brought him
immense fulfillment. Timothy is motivated to continue raising funds for
worthy causes through Elite OC Productions' events.
BIENELISA “ORANGE” MANALANG​
Fundraising Events Coordinator
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Bienelisa, also known as “Orange,” brings over a decade of event and entertainment experience from the seven seas. For 10 years, she sailed the world as an Event Manager and Entertainment Director aboard cruise ships, producing memorable experiences for diverse international audiences. A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, Bienelisa calls Orange County home. After transitioning “back to land,” she joined Elite OC Productions in early 2026, exchanging ocean views for palm trees while channeling her passion and expertise into helping create purpose-driven events that make waves for meaningful causes.
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CHRISTIN STEIN
​Senior Executive Assistant
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Christin brings a dynamic and multifaceted background rooted in hospitality, leadership, and event production. She graduated from The University of the Pacific with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2017 and went on to participate in a master's program in Sports Psychology in 2019. Her academic foundation , combined with her experience as a collegiate athlete and coach, shaped her team-oriented leadership style and deep understanding of collaboration, performance and client experience. Her professional experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, where she served in management roles including Director of Hospitality, included overseeing front of house operations, managing large teams, and executing private events. Driven by her passion for connection, creativity, and exceptional service, Christin is dedicated to producing memorable, seamless events that leave a lasting impression.
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