Bill Ellis

President

Bill Ellis is an industry expert in lighting systems integration and is very proud of Candela Controls Inc.’s enduring history. He is a member of IESNA, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, and sits on its Theatre, Television and Film Advisory Committee and Museum Lighting Committee. Bill is also a member of Control Protocols Workgroup for ESTA, the Entertainment Services and Technology Association. He is a Certified Low-Voltage Systems Specialty Contractor in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, New Jersey, Mississippi, Louisiana and Rhode Island.

Throughout his tenure, Bill’s knowledge and experience has garnered him respect in the industry for his innovative thinking and problem-solving approach to the unusual project. Some of his most challenging projects include: The Sky Church and Artists Journey at Experience Music Project, Seattle, WA; The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, IL; The Space Shuttle Atlantis on display at The Kennedy Space Center, FL; and The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor, MD. In addition, there have been over 19 casino projects in 7 states, the Bahamas, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as multiple themed projects for the Walt Disney World Company, SeaWorld Entertainment, and Universal Orlando.

Bill has been approached more frequently to participate in panel discussions, seminars and workshops that have ranged from industry fundamentals to DMX512 to PoE. He has received positive reviews from LightFair International, LDI and IESNA, for his ability to present complicated content in a cohesive and unbiased way. He also present at IALD Enlighten Americas 2019 in Albuquerque, NM and at NATEAC 2020 in New York.

Bill is also dedicated to community service in Florida as well as giving back to the industry at large. He has been a volunteer reservist with the Orange County Fire Rescue Department in Central Florida since 2003, primarily photographing scenes to use for marketing, training and investigational purposes. Bill holds a BFA degree in Lighting and Audio from the North Carolina School of the Arts and has participated in several of the school’s job fairs and has taught a masters class there as well. Also, Candela Controls has been proud to sponsor the industry charity, Behind the Scenes, since 2014. The charity supports entertainment technology professionals who have fallen on hard times. Go to www.lrlr.org for more information.

Business credits and recognitions include Co-founder and Owner of Candela Controls, Inc. since 1999; Systems Integrator VANCO Lighting; Systems Engineer BASH Lighting South; Master Electrician, Walt Disney’s World on Ice; PLASA’s Volunteer of the Year 2014; and an Archi-Tech award winner for Technology Integration in 2010 for the Carolina Herrera store in Las Vegas, NV.

Bill has two daughters, Rachel and Alexandra, and resides in Montverde, FL with his wife, Jocelyn.

Mark Adelhelm

General Manager

In 2024 Mark Adelhelm joined Candela Controls, Inc. to guide its next stage of growth and to eventually assume the role of General Manager when Dale Ward retires in 2025.

Mark brings broad entrepreneurial, finance, operations, and leadership experience to the outstanding team at Candela.  He has been the owner and President of two regional restaurant chains, as well as a founder of the national chain Einstein Bros. Bagels, Inc.  Mark also served in executive roles at Sara Lee Corporation, IBM Global Services, Microsoft, and The Walt Disney Company.

He also brings extensive consulting, professional services sales, account management, and business development experience from his previous roles at Arthur Andersen, Booz, Allen & Hamilton, The North Highland Company, and Adelhelm & Associates.  His passions are developing people, fostering business innovation, and helping organizations reach new levels of sustainable growth and success.

After graduating from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mark joined the then fledgling consulting services practice of Arthur Andersen & Co., helping mid-sided companies implement enterprise technology solutions.  His fourth client wooed him away from the firm by hiring him as their first manufacturing planning and supply chain management manager, as well as supporting his completion of an MBA from the University of Chicago concentrating on Corporate Finance and Policy (strategy) studies.

Outside the office, Mark is an active leader in his local congregation and volunteers with a number of community organizations.  When he finds some free time, he joyfully spends it with his wife and three adult sons — traveling, backpacking, dining out, attending sporting events and locating his golf ball somewhere off the fairway.

Carl Harris

Project Manager

Carl Harris started his electrical career in 1981.  He attended New Castle School of Trades where he received a Certificate of Electrical Maintenance 1st class.  He further received his Florida Journeyman Block License in 1989. His work history consists of employment in the following capacities; steel mill maintenance, limestone plant electrical maintenance, cement plant electrical maintenance, residential electrical service and new installation, industrial electrical install and repair of conveyor and canning systems, and commercial electrician service and installation.

Carl started with Candela Controls as an Installation Technician and today, Carl serves as a Project Manager.  A few of the projects he has really enjoyed working on, include Coca-Cola, Disney’s Rock & Roll Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Theatre in the Wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bob Marley’s, Margaritaville, and the Universal Studio Cineplex at the City Walk Complex at Universal Studios, AT&T/Cirent Semiconductor chip plants’ clean room, Walt Disney World’s main computer/IT building, and the Orlando International Airport/ Food court, to name a few.

Ashley Acevedo

Project Manager

After graduating from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Ashley joined the Candela Controls team in April of 2020. With a degree in Scenic Technology, she brings knowledge of carpentry, welding and technical design to the world of Lighting. As a Project Manager, she thrives in creating a collaborative environment driven by creative development. Since joining Candela Controls, Ashley has been instrumental in managing key projects; notably- The Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge (I-74 Bridge), Blue Origin, Grand Central Terminal Concourse and Orlando International Airport South Terminal C. 

In her free time, you can find her with her husband probably baking, running, traveling the world and watching the New York Yankees hit home runs. 

Samantha Lancaster

Project Manager

Samantha Lancaster joined Candela Controls, Inc. in 2024, bringing nearly a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. She began her career at a lighting rental company and progressively transitioned into sales, eventually establishing herself in project management. Samantha holds a degree in Hospitality Management from the UCF Rosen College, a foundation that has proven invaluable across her diverse professional endeavors. 

In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her dog, Yogi, exploring new restaurants in the Orlando area, and attending concerts.

Monica Rose

Project Manager

Monica Rose is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in lighting design, directing, and project management. Her journey in the industry has allowed her to work on various projects, from television broadcasts to live events and theme parks.  

She began working at SeaWorld while finishing her bachelor’s degree at Rollins College in Winter Park. She then worked for several years at Walt Disney World before moving to Nashville, where she began working in live music. She is proud to have been the first staff lighting designer for the Ryman Auditorium following its renovation and re-opening in 1994. After five years, she began working in television and found herself in Washington, DC, where she has lived for the past 23 years. 

Monica feels lucky to have worked with esteemed organizations like The Lighting Design Group, CNN, and Real World Lighting, which provided her the privilege of contributing to various high-profile and historical projects, including Barack Obama’s Election Night Rallies, John Paul II Papal Funeral in Rome, the George W. Bush Presidential Inauguration Parade, and the National Cathedral Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush, which earned her a second Emmy Nomination and the prestigious Knight of Illumination award.  

Monica is excited to join the Candela Controls team as she continues to expand her love of project management and is looking forward to future adventures. When she is not working, Monica enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult sons, traveling, watching hockey, and laughing as much as possible. 

Lani Skelley Yeatts

Project Manager

Lani Skelley Yeatts joined Candela Controls, Inc. in 2025 after completing her MFA in Production and Project Management at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, starting onstage and later moving behind the scenes, she brings a well-rounded perspective to every project. She also holds a BFA in Acting from The University of the Arts, a background she draws on daily in her work. A few favorite past projects (in no particular order) include J. Cole’s Dreamville Music Festival, Plaza Suite featuring Eve Plumb and Rex Smith, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and Pergolesi’s opera Lo frate ‘nnamorato.

Outside of work, Lani enjoys reading, gardening, trying new restaurants with her husband Stone, and spoiling their cats, Gus and Aurora—usually with a very large cup of coffee in hand.

Alyssa Landry

Assistant Project Manager

Alyssa Landry joined Candela Controls, Inc in 2025, after recently graduating from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a BFA in Scenic Technology. She also holds a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI). Alyssa found her passion for project management through leading fast-paced projects in theatrical construction. Her hands-on experience in technical direction, carpentry, and welding has given her a unique perspective on managing every phase of the project, from initial concept to successful on-site execution. She is eager to apply this versatile skillset to the lighting industry.

When she’s not at work, you can find her baking, indulging in a sweet treat, practicing her woodworking skills, and relaxing with her partner and their beagle, Brian.

Kelly Pivacco

Project and Operations Support Specialist

After graduating from The University of Central Florida, with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Kelly joined the Candela team as an Administrative Assistant in October 2014. Kelly is responsible for assembling project submittals and manuals, presentation and conference material, database management and training, managing RMA’s and service calls, and is also the in-house tech support.

Prior to working at Candela, Kelly was an at home advisor for Apple Inc. and an Operations Assistant with Geek Squad®. Her previous work experience with both Apple Inc. and Geek Squad® has allowed her to help out with any day-to-day technical glitches that may occur.

Kelly currently lives in Jonesborough, TN with her husband, their nine cats, and foster kitties. In her free time Kelly can be found hiking, gardening, or TNRing feral cats.

Thierry Housiau

Bookkeeper

Thierry Housiau is Candela’s bookkeeper and is responsible for general accounting, including accounts payable & receivable, payroll, and billing. Thierry was born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium and has been working in the accounting field for the last 26 years.  He has built up his knowledge beginning at his very first accounting job in 1990 in a family business, where he was employed from 1990 to 1997. Thierry’s proficiency in accounting and Excel as well as striving to keep customers happy makes him an asset to the Candela team!

Outside of work, Thierry’s passions include meeting new people and music. He graduated from the Music Academy in 1983 and helped in a recording studio for many years, where he gained a lot of knowledge and confidence. Thierry’s dream job would include giving back to the community, as he likes to help those who are less fortunate and need assistance. 

Bill Gallinghouse

Business Development

After graduating with a degree in Broadcasting from Loyola University of New Orleans, Bill moved to New York City and began work on staff at the Julliard School as a theater electrician. In 1984, Bill began working for industry icon, Sonny Sonnenfeld as a Manufacturer’s Representative selling entertainment and architectural lighting systems.

Bill moved on to form his own Manufacturer’s Rep firm representing Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC) in the New York/ New Jersey market prior to beginning his almost 30-year career with them as one of the key directors of the company working all over the world.

From 2014 through 2016, Bill worked with ACT Lighting (exclusive North American distributor for MA Lighting) as Vice President of Business Development.

Since joining Candela Controls, Bill has been instrumental in key projects in the Northeastern US; notably – Hard Rock Hotel Atlantic City, NJ, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, NJ, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Saratoga, NY, Jackie Robinson Museum, New York, NY & Lindemann Performing Arts Center at Brown University, Providence, RI amongst many others.

Bill enjoys spending time with his wife & three sons saltwater fishing & playing golf.

Brent Boulnois

Senior Systems Programmer

Brent began as a freelance programmer for Candela Controls in 1999 and joined the team full-time in 2003. He is now the Senior Systems Programmer, with more than 20 years of experience programming controls systems and user interfaces. Brent holds certifications from manufacturers such as ETC, Crestron, and others, as well as being a member of the Advanced Programmers Group for ETC. 

Brent transitioned from the IT industry to the lighting industry in 2002. His technical background is primarily in computers, software, and networking, but has maintained and serviced AV control systems as well as developed interactive games for NBA City and others. He is also a member of ESTA, which helps shape and create technical standards for entertainment technologies. You can find more information about the APG by visiting http://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Architectural-Systems/Paradigm/Software/Advanced-Programmers-Group.aspx and for ESTA at http://esta.org/ 

Brent writes and plays music in his free time, which he has enjoyed doing for nearly 40 years. He has also played in various bands across the country between 1985 – 2005.

Jim Ohrberg

Systems Programmer

Jim had been working as a freelance designer and programmer since 2010 before joining Candela Controls full-time in 2014. Jim is a member of the Advanced Programmers Group for ETC. He is also the creator and moderator of the annual LDI convention seminar series “The Art of Programming,” discussing strategies and techniques of programming lighting consoles.

His career as a programmer of lighting consoles and show control systems began in 1989, where he worked primarily in theme park environments. He also has experience with architectural installations, touring theater, concerts, and contemporary worship. His lighting design credits encompass musical theater, live concerts, and large scale fountain installations. In 2008, Jim changed career paths to manage installations of new productions and consumer events for SeaWorld in Orlando.

Some of his most recent programming projects include, the pre-Broadway version of “Chaplin” at La Jolla Playhouse, the LED lighting in the rotunda at Harrah’s Cherokee, NC, WINK-TV Ft. Myer’s, FL studio renovation, national tour of “Dreamgirls”, national tour of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story”, LED mapping and control for “Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin” at SeaWorld Orlando, “Shamu’s Christmas” at SeaWorld San Diego, the off-Broadway production of “Little Miss Sunshine,” and Christmas light shows at Disney’s Swan Hotel.

In addition to programming lighting systems, Jim also develops software and databases. His hobbies include running and playing softball. He is an alumnus of the University of Miami and the University of Phoenix.

Andrew Mulkey

Programmer

Andrew initially joined Candela Controls as a Field Technician with plans to quickly move into a Systems Programmer position. In addition to his programming knowledge, Andrew brings a breadth of experience from his lighting work on cruise ships, stadium shows, houses of worship, theatrical productions, corporate events, live broadcast studios, theme park productions, and permanent installations. 

A native of Greenville, SC, Andrew started working in theatre in 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatrical Design and Technology from the University of Central Florida.

Brian Mobley

CAD Supervisor

Brian joined the Candela Controls team as a CAD technician in 2020, bringing with him a working knowledge of multiple computer-aided drafting software. ​While attending school, Brian gained a lot of diverse experience working as a Home Security Installer and as a Construction Equipment Mechanic. He ​completed multiple degrees at Valencia College in 2009​, including an A.A.S. in Drafting and Design Technologies and Architectural Building Construction Specialties.

His most recent venture allowed him to put his skills to work as a CAD detailer and Project Manager at a Design firm in Orlando, where he worked for 9 years. His responsibilities included creating complete shop drawings and bills of material for the build of custom exhibit designs. He worked on many ​Best in Show exhibits for a variety of companies as well as many themed environment projects for Museums and Theme Parks. ​These included a design overhaul at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Saturn V building for the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Lunar Mission and the recent remodel of the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station.

​Throughout his career, Brian has honed his problem-solving skills. When he isn’t drafting solutions to complex problems​, Brian is an avid bowler and disc golf player. If he isn’t doing one of those two things you can probably find him either out for a ride with his wife or in the garage covered in sawdust building something he most likely designed himself.

Seth Svoboda

CAD Technician

Seth joined the Candela Controls team as a CAD technician in 2016, bringing with him a working knowledge of CAD which he first learned in high school. Seth’s CAD skills and knowledge have really grown since joining the team and now he primarily works on Candela’s theme park projects. With an interest in theme parks as a visitor, he now gets to work on the back end from an engineering standpoint.

Seth’s diverse background began after graduating from high school in 2004 when he entered the work force in the automative industry. Over the course of 10 years, he gained experience in custom wheels and tires, body repair, and powder coating.

When he’s not working, Seth enjoys riding BMX, going to concerts, seeing movies, exploring theme parks and weird roadside attractions. He and his wife welcomed their first child in February, 2019.

Danny Zhong

CAD Technician

Danny joined the Candela Controls team in December 2024 as a CAD Technician, bringing with him a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and hands-on experience in both 2D and 3D design. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida and is certified in SolidWorks, with additional experience in Fusion.

Before joining Candela, Danny worked as a CAD Technician in the fire alarm controls industry, where he was brought on to help clear a significant project and revision backlog. Among the various projects he contributed to, the largest was assisting in the revision drawings  for the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, part of the newly developed Epic Universe theme park.

At Candela, Danny continues to apply his precision and problem-solving skills in the lighting controls field. His largest project to date has been serving as the primary CAD Technician for the show lighting control drawings of a new Florida resort—a complex and high-visibility effort requiring close coordination and attention to detail.

Outside of work, Danny enjoys inventing and prototyping his own creations—often designing them in CAD and bringing them to life with a 3D printer. He also spends time on competitive video games and exploring new tech-driven ideas in his free time.

Chris Gallaher

Operations Manager

Chris has been a valued employee of Candela Controls since 1999. His experience and depth of knowledge has him primarily working with ETC and Crestron products. In the field, Chris is responsible for ensuring proper installation of equipment as well as connecting and verifying communication between our system and others.

Prior to his time with Candela Controls, Chris was a production electrician for BASH Theatrical Lighting Company in Orlando. He is a graduate from the University of North Carolina.

Daniel Olmedo

Service Manager

Daniel joined the Candela Controls team in 2012, bringing with him over a decade of low-voltage electrical experience and has completed ETC’s new technician training course.

Daniel’s interest in the trade started at Petra Zenon De Fabery vocational high school where he first explored the electrical field. After graduation, he attended Liceo de Arte y Tecnología in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to study Industrial Electrical and PLC. Daniel began his career first working as an electricians helper before becoming a commercial electrician. He later transitioned into the low-voltage controls field.

Daniel is an avid Milwaukee tool, windows and Android user. In his spare time, he enjoys camping and playing videos games such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Final Fantasy Tactics.

Junior Jones

Technician

When Junior Jones first became interested in electrical work he enrolled in California’s electrical apprenticeship program. After completion Junior worked as an electrician for five years before becoming a licensed journeyman. Junior was a journeyman for five years before joining the Candela team. Junior is responsible for installing lighting systems and also handles wire pulls on job sites.

When he’s not working Junior enjoys playing sports, especially tennis.

Luis Leonel Leon

Installer

Leo studied at Bernardino Cordero Bernard vocational school in Ponce Puerto Rico. After graduation Leo worked in the air conditioning field for ten years after which he spent two years as an electricians helper before joining Candela Controls, Inc. as an installer.

In his free time Leo enjoys camping with his family, snorkeling, and relaxing at the beach. Leo also enjoys tinkering with various objects to create things.

Ron Brodeur

Technician

Ron has been working in the northeast since graduating college.  In his career, he has worked for Lite-Trol Service, Production Arts Lighting, PRG, WorldStage and now Candela Controls.  He has supervised major installs throughout the country focusing in recent years in Manhattan and the Tri State area.  His career work includes numerous venues and locations: 

• The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Flamingo Hilton Theatre, Las Vegas, NV
• El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, CA
• Detroit Opera House, Detroit, MI
• Walter Reade Theatre, NY, NY
• Port Authority NY, NJ – New Goethals Bridge
• Numerous cruise ships for Holland America Lines (theatre showrooms) 

These and virtually every studio at NBC in Rockefeller Plaza since the late ‘80’s round out the work.   
Ron is a member of Local One IATSE in NY and is an ETCP certified electrician. 
When down time is available, Ron can be found skiing or spending weekends traveling from rink to rink with his daughter’s hockey team. 

Michael Capretta

Technician

Michael joined the Candela Controls team in April of 2020 with a degree in Lighting Technology, working in a variety of roles ranging from “Database Engineer” to Technician. Prior to Candela Controls, he gained a wide-range of skills performing various jobs in the entertainment industry including scenic lighting installations, audio/video installations and rigging, and theatre. He also holds the innate ability to guess a coin flip correctly 86% of the time.

Kyle Morrison

Technician

A northwest Florida native, Kyle joined the Candela Controls team after retiring from touring life at sea on cruise ships specializing in lighting control and operations, pyrotechnics, visual and special effects, and maintenance. As an ETC certified ASP, Kyle has energized and commissioned systems around the US, South America, and the Caribbean.

James ‘Doug’ Davis

Installer

Doug joined the Candela Controls installation team in 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatrical Design and Technology from the University of Central Florida. Upon graduation, Doug spent 3 years on tour with Feld Entertainment as an assistant electrician and rigger. He then spent 4 years manufacturing trade show exhibits. During the pandemic, he gained a year’s experience designing and building tiny homes.

Spencer Urban

Installer

Spencer moved to Central Florida from Schaumburg, IL in 2023 to join Candela Controls as a member of the installation team. He has 3 years of experience in maintenance and as a Team Lead for Top Golf as well as experience with residential plumbing and electricity, welding, small engine mechanics and architectural design. In addition to industry-wide training, Spencer is applying his previous experiences with an eagerness to learn, adapt and grow in our field. Spencer continues to play golf and water polo in his free time.

Travis Hollingsworth

Technician

We welcomed Travis to the Candela Controls team as an experienced Technician in early 2025.

Starting with a strong foundation in Broadcast Production, he began his career in New York City, collaborating with various broadcast networks building remote vans. Transitioning to Florida in 2021, he joined 4 Wall Entertainment and served as the Installation Supervisor for the Epic Universe’s Nintendo World project, directing and training technicians to deliver timely, high-quality results. He is passionate about theme park projects and enjoys spending quality time with his wife at theme parks, bringing both professional dedication and personal enthusiasm to every endeavor.

Fern Lung

Installer

A California native, Fern Lung moved to Florida in 2024 to further her career in the lighting systems industry. She joined the Candela Controls technical team after completing lighting projects at the Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal’s Epic Universe Orlando. Fern earned her Lighting and Sound Design certificate at Cypress College in Cypress, California. Fern enjoys focusing lights, as she feels it’s where she thrives the most. In her free time, she loves to go swimming and absolutely adores to bake.