Jon serves as AMS’s Managing Principal. He leads the operation of our firm as well as supporting our clients undertaking facility development and strategic planning.
Jon was most recently the Head of Production Operations for Category41, an immersive and experiential entertainment studio that creates experience-driven entertainment at the intersection of digital and physical. Jon also served as Managing Director at Writers Theatre in Chicago, where, for nearly 15 years, he developed strategy and supported the marketing, fundraising, production, finance, facilities, education, and artistic departments. While at Writers Theatre, Jon led the design and construction of the company’s $34 million theatre center designed by renowned architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects. Jon works from his home base in Chicago.
What is most significant about the work that you do?
The performing arts are one of our most impactful ways to step into the lives of other humans, understand who they are, what they need, and how we can empathically work together to become closer to our neighbors, community, and country.
Where is the greatest opportunity for the sector today?
Arts and entertainment organizations are well-positioned to build meaningful relationships with their communities, helping people come together in real life and share experiences that allow us to get to know each other and ourselves better. In a country where division is present, the arts have a significant role to play to bridge differences, create common bonds, and enhance community.
Who are your most recent clients?
I am excited to be working as owner’s counsel with the Women’s Leadership Center in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, as they construct a campus that will allow women leaders to come together to network and solve hard problems together. Additionally, my strategic planning engagements with theatres such as South Coast Rep, Steppenwolf Theatre, ZACH Theater, and the Pittsburgh CLO have been a great way to see trends across the country and work with organizations as they find their own path to a future with more vitality.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love spending time exploring Chicago and its many adventures with my wife, 13-year-old daughter, and our 2-year-old Labradoodle. As a graduate of Northwestern University and an avid sports fan, I also enjoy fall Saturdays on the sideline at NU’s football games.
