About

At Stratus®, we create high-impact experiences that transcend the ordinary. With over a decade of experience, we have become so much more than event planners. We are producers, designers, project managers, videographers, editors, directors, and more! We take the lead on everything from multi-day summits and conferences, to large-scale galas and fundraisers, to live and made-for-TV broadcasts, delivering the high-quality experience you can rely on.

Above all, Stratus is a team of experts who partner with you to create, experience, and elevate your events. Becoming valued members of your team and acting as a trusted partner, we work to make your life easier. We take care of every detail to give you and your guests a flawless experience, every time.

Founded in 2011 as RJ Whyte Event Production, the company rebranded as Stratus in 2023. Read more here.

Meet the Team

Our team will work closely with you throughout the production process to bring your vision to life. With our many years of experience, we can conceptualize your event, manage logistics, and make your event unique. We pride ourselves on becoming experts on your organizational culture and event goals. Our aim is to improve the experience for our clients and their event guests. Ultimately, we want you to attend your own event, not work it!

**Roger Whyte** is the **Founder and Principal** of **Stratus Firm**, bringing over 20 years of experience in event production. He leads a team of experts in delivering large-scale summits, conferences, and galas for high-profile clients across industries. Recognized as an industry leader, Roger's innovative approach has earned accolades from *Washingtonian* and *Washington Blade*.

**What is your favorite way to unwind after a big event?** A nice glass of wine with the team, sharing all the funny stories from the day.

Roger Whyte
Founder and principal
(He / Him / His)

**Whitney Watson** is a **Senior Producer** at **Stratus Firm** with over 10 years of project management experience. Since joining in 2021, Whitney has led diverse events, from non-profit galas to large-scale construction projects, with agility and precision.

**What’s one thing you always keep in your event toolkit?** Double-sided tape!

Whitney Watson
Senior Producer
(she / Her / Hers)

**Shane Patil** is a **Production Associate** at **Stratus Firm** with a degree in Entertainment Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University. He brings fresh perspectives and dedication to crafting seamless events for a wide range of clients, including nonprofits and corporations.

**What is your favorite way to unwind after a big event?** A full day of sleep and an Epsom salt bath.

Shane patil
Production Associate
(He / Him / His)

**Shelby Brown** is the **Client Relations Coordinator** at **Stratus Firm** with over 10 years of experience in the events industry. Shelby supports business development efforts, manages client relationships, and assists in onboarding and retaining clients.

**What’s one thing you always keep in your event toolkit?** Fashion tape!

Shelby Brown
client relations Coordinator
(she / her / Hers)

**C. Lorenzo Evans III** is the **Interim Director of Finance** at **Stratus Firm**, with over 20 years of experience in financial management and executive leadership. He specializes in driving business growth through strategy implementation and effective financial solutions, supporting the firm’s overall mission and success.

C. Lorenzo evans III
Interim Director of Finance
(He / Him / His)

**Kirsten Gooden** is the **Vice President of Production** at **Stratus Firm** with over 7 years of experience in event management and congressional relations. Since joining in 2019, she has led a team of producers and overseen the execution of high-impact events across various sectors.

**What’s one thing you always keep in your event toolkit?** If you haven't seen our Stratus event bag than you're missing out. Anything you could possibly want is in there.

Kirsten gooden
Vice president of production
(she / Her / Hers)

**Whitney Gold** is a **Senior Producer** at **Stratus Firm** with 10 years of experience in vendor management and event planning. Whitney's innovative event designs and work with Fortune 500 companies have established her as a dynamic and results-driven producer.

**What’s your go-to event day snack?** A hearty salad and a Celsius!

Whitney Gold
Senior Producer
(She / Her / Hers)

**Tyanna Mink** is a **Production Associate** at **Stratus Firm** with a degree in Communications from Loyola University Maryland. She specializes in marketing and client relations, ensuring every event is executed with precision and a strong focus on client satisfaction.

**What’s one thing you always keep in your event toolkit?** A Dongle!

Tyanna mink
Production Associate
(She / Her / Hers)

**Lauren Sese** is the **Marketing & Social Media Coordinator** at **Stratus Firm**, leveraging over 10 years of experience in brand development. She creates impactful campaigns that align with Stratus’s mission and foster client growth and engagement.

**What’s your favorite way to unwind after an event?** Elevating my feet!

Lauren sese
Marketing & social media coordinator
(She / Her / Hers)

**Vanessa Perry** is a **Production Administrator** at **Stratus Firm**, bringing a background in event production and VIP travel coordination. Recently joining the team, Vanessa supports production efforts with a strong focus on seamless event execution.

**What is your favorite way to unwind after a big event?** Watching Bob’s Burgers with my dog, Sassy, and having a glass of wine.

vanessa Perry
production Administrator
(she / her / Hers)

**Zach Webber** is the **Vice President of Client Relations** at **Stratus Firm**, with 14 years of expertise in managing senior-level client relationships. Since 2012, Zach has spearheaded strategic projects in fundraising and sponsorship, while cultivating client partnerships and overseeing all client relations operations.

**What’s your go-to event day snack?** Anything I can remember to eat!

Zach webber
Vice President of Client Relations
(He / Him / His)

**Mary Kerns** is a **Producer** at **Stratus Firm**, joining the team in 2023. With a background in event design, catering, and marketing, Mary’s expertise enhances Stratus’s ability to deliver high-impact productions with a sharp focus on detail and creativity.

**What is your favorite way to unwind after a big event?** A glass of wine, popcorn and unplugging on the couch.

mary kerns
Producer
(She / Her / Hers)

**Spencer Kelly** is a Production Associate at Stratus Firm and a graduate of Howard University with a degree in International Business. He is a dedicated team member, committed to building strong relationships and delivering high-quality results in every project.

**What’s your go-to event day snack?** Haribo Gummi Bears!

Spencer kelly
Production Associate
(He / Him / His)

**Brian Fagone** is the **Operations Coordinator** at **Stratus Firm**, overseeing all administrative processes. Since joining in 2020, Brian has played a vital role in managing office operations, coordinating logistics, and supporting on-site event needs.

**What’s your go-to event day snack?** Water! Whenever I crave a snack onsite, it's usually because I haven't had enough water.

brian Fagone
Operations Coordinator
(He / Him / His)

Pawject Managers

Featured

Maddie

Director of Barketing

Scotch and Soda

Accating Managers

Winnie

Director of Accating

Mission

Stratus Firm’s mission is to set the standard for first-rate, high-impact experiences by thrilling our clients and their guests with logistic and artistic expertise.

Vision

Our vision is to form long lasting partnerships with individuals and organizations that call on us to be their expert strategists, producers, technologists, designers, and everything in between.

Values

At Stratus, our work reflects our values, which in turn motivate everything that we do. We endeavor to:

Create Supportive Partnerships
Stay Strategic
Continue to Learn and Innovate
Act with Integrity and Transparency
Make Wow Possible
Bring Professionalism and Fun

Our Capabilities

Capability Deck

Capability Statement

VIPs

Although we treat every guest as a VIP, some attendees require more special care. We assist you to ensure that your notable guests are treated with the utmost professionalism. Our team takes the responsibility of managing these individuals seriously and always maintains a high degree of respect and decorum.

By anticipating needs, we respond promptly to all requests. We know how to manage security details, transportation logistics, rider requirements, and more. We are proud to have provided excellent service to the following remarkable VIPs.