Bandit Lites Promotes Dawn Culbertson to General Manager of Nashville Operations

NASHVILLE, Tenn – Bandit Lites is proud to announce the promotion of Dawn Culbertson to General Manager of its Nashville operations. After serving as Best Techs Business Manager for more than a decade, Culbertson steps into the leadership role bringing years of experience, a deep commitment to employee success and a passion for fostering the people-first culture that has long defined Bandit Lites.

Throughout her tenure overseeing Best Techs, Culbertson played a vital role in supporting both employees and clients, helping build strong relationships and maintaining the high standards of service that Bandit Lites is known for across the entertainment industry.

“Effective leadership is built on trust, consistency, and clear communication,” said Culbertson. “By ensuring our employees and clients feel supported and valued from day one, we create a stable, motivated workforce.”

Her promotion marks a new chapter for both Culbertson and the company as Bandit Lites continues to grow its services and strengthen its position as a leader in concert, event and installation lighting.

“What excites me most is the chance to take on a larger role in helping Bandit Lites succeed,” Culbertson shared. “This company has an incredible team and a strong foundation. I’m looking forward to working with our employees and clients to build on what we’ve already accomplished, continue growing the business and ensure we remain a company people are proud to be part of.”

Culbertson’s connection to Bandit Lites runs deep. Her brother, Erich Hudgens, has been with the company since 2008, making their family’s contributions an important part of Bandit’s continued success and commitment to excellence.

As General Manager, Culbertson plans to continue emphasizing the company’s culture while helping guide future growth.

“The people are what make Bandit Lites successful,” she said. “As we continue to grow, I want to make sure we never lose sight of that. One of my priorities will be continuing to find and keep good people because a strong team is the foundation of everything we do. When you have the right people in place, success follows.”

Having advanced through the organization herself, Culbertson also hopes to inspire employees looking to grow their careers within Bandit Lites.

“Work hard, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” she said. “One of my favorite quotes from Henry Ford, often shared by our leadership, is, ‘Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.’ I personally like to add ‘with God,’ because I’ve found that faith, confidence and attitude can make all the difference. That mindset has helped guide me through challenges and opportunities alike.”

For Culbertson, the promotion is both a professional milestone and an opportunity to continue serving the people who have helped shape her career.

“This promotion means a lot to me,” she said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited for what lies ahead. To the team, I want to say thank you for everything you do and the trust you have in me. I look forward to working alongside you as we continue to grow, meet new challenges and build on the strong foundation that makes Bandit Lites special.”

While reflecting on Culbertson’s promotion and long tenure as an employee, Bandit Lites owner and founder Michael Strickland has nothing but high praise for her.

“Dawn has done an amazing job as the Business Manager of Best Techs, a Bandit company, and this is a next step forward. When we first began the search, Dawn stepped forward and was an obvious choice. We cannot thank her enough for stepping up and leading. There is no one I trust more and no one more suited for the role. She has been a valuable part of the family for 15 years and we look forward to many more great years!” Said Strickland.

As General Manager, Culbertson will oversee Nashville operations while continuing to support the employees, clients and values that have contributed to Bandit Lites’ reputation for exceptional service, expert crews and uncompromising attention to detail.