Who is Ellie Baker from Jeopardy?

Zach Johnson-Dunlop is a Los Angeles-based lighting technician, audiovisual specialist, and production professional with a long-standing career in live events and large-scale productions. Originally from St. Charles, Illinois, he developed an early interest in performance, technical work, and storytelling, which later shaped his professional path in theater and event production. His Midwest upbringing provided a foundation rooted in collaboration, discipline, and hands-on problem solving.

After relocating to California, Zach built a career that spans more than a decade, working across corporate events, theatrical productions, conferences, and high-profile award shows. His work has taken place in settings ranging from intimate breakout rooms to massive hotel ballrooms and multi-venue events. This range reflects a professional known for adaptability and calm execution under pressure.

Education and University Experience

Zach earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Millikin University, graduating with a strong academic record and a minor in Technical Theater. During his time at Millikin, he was deeply involved in both on-campus and off-campus productions, gaining practical experience that extended well beyond the classroom. His education emphasized both creative expression and technical precision, skills that continue to define his career.

His campus involvement was extensive. Zach was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, where he served as Risk Manager, and Alpha Psi Omega, the national theater honor society. He also held the role of Film Association Secretary and participated in organizations such as Last Chance Theater, UnBit Butter, and the Film Association of Millikin. As a James Millikin Scholar, he organized the first annual Decatur Highland Games, demonstrating early leadership and large-scale event coordination abilities.

Career in Lighting and Event Production

Zach’s professional career includes a wide range of senior and technical roles within the event production industry. He has worked as a Lighting Technician, Lighting Specialist, Project Manager, Production Manager, Operations Manager, and Director of Event Audio Visual. These roles reflect steady progression and growing responsibility within complex production environments.

His experience includes long-term work with PSAV, where he served as both a Project Manager and Lighting Specialist. In those roles, he organized and executed large hotel ballroom events, led audiovisual teams, and managed equipment and logistics for high-demand clients. He later worked with Encore as an Operations Manager, overseeing AV operations at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. His responsibilities there included staffing, equipment planning, and execution for major events such as the Directors Guild Awards and the GLAAD Awards.

More recently, Zach held the position of Production Manager at Images by Lighting from 2021 through 2025, followed by a role as Director of Event Audio Visual at Pacific Event Services. Across these positions, he consistently handled production coordination, vendor sourcing, crew leadership, and technical execution for complex live events.

Technical Skills and Certifications

Zach is highly skilled in event and stage lighting design, with hands-on expertise in intelligent lighting programming. He is experienced with Hog 4, ETC Ion, and Jands Vista lighting consoles, tools commonly used in professional touring, theater, and corporate environments. His technical knowledge extends to audiovisual systems, signal flow, and production logistics, allowing him to bridge creative vision with practical execution.

In addition to his hands-on experience, he holds professional certifications that reflect industry standards and safety awareness. These include certification as a Covid-19 Compliance Officer and Dante Level 1 certification, both earned in 2020. These credentials underscore his focus on operational responsibility, safety, and evolving production technologies.

Professional Reputation and Creative Interests

Within the industry, Zach is known for a problem-solving mindset and steady leadership style. His ability to manage teams, adapt to last-minute changes, and deliver reliable results has made him a trusted presence on productions of varying scale. With hundreds of professional connections, he remains actively engaged in the live events and production community.

Beyond technical production, Zach has expressed interest in freelance opportunities that include lighting, audiovisual work, writing, and voice projects. His background in theater and performance continues to inform these creative pursuits, adding depth to his professional profile and personal interests.

Zach Johnson-Dunlop on Jeopardy

As a Jeopardy contestant, Zach brings a background that blends technical expertise, creative thinking, and years of behind-the-scenes experience. His career in live production demands quick thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure, all qualities that translate naturally to the Jeopardy stage.

While audiences may be more familiar with his work behind the lights rather than under them, Zach Johnson-Dunlop’s appearance on Jeopardy highlights a well-rounded professional whose knowledge, discipline, and curiosity extend far beyond the event floor.