Three Partners. One Team.

Next Level Ops is led by three operators whose careers span production, venue operations, executive leadership, and owner representation. Each partner brings a distinct perspective shaped by different environments, while sharing a common foundation built in live performance and real-world operations.

Selected Institutions and Work

Across their careers, the partners of Next Level Ops have held leadership roles with companies including:

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Current work encompasses expansion into future music concert venues, sport arenas, arts education facilities, and a new jazz club.

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Connect with Ken

Ken Harris, Partner

Ken’s career spans regional theater, Disney entertainment operations, and senior leadership roles at major performing arts centers in Miami and Milwaukee. He is known for re-engineering operations to better serve both audiences and artists, with deep attention to systems, flow, and execution.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Theater Arts, S.U.N.Y. College at Fredonia

  • Master of Fine Arts, Drama, University of Washington

Quick hits

  • First unforgettable performance: Miss Saigon, London

  • Favorite type of venue: Historic theaters adapted for modern use

  • What he notices immediately: Guest arrival and lobby flow

  • Outside the venue: Travel and architectural exploration

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Connect with Phil

Phil Jordan, Partner

Certified Venue Executive (CVE) | International Association Venue Managers (IAVM)

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Phil has led venue development and operations across public and private sectors, including Salt Lake County’s diverse arts venues, Las Vegas production shows and nationally significant cultural projects. His experience bridges owner representation, strategic partnerships, operational execution and governance.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Film & Television Production, Emerson College

Quick hits

  • First live performance that landed: Little Feat in concert, 1973

  • Favorite venue experience: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City

  • Favorite opening night moment: Lighting the 2002 Winter Olympics cauldron

  • Outside the venue: Scuba diving

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Connect with Ross

Ross Richards, Managing Partner

Ross has spent his career opening and operating complex performing arts venues. He served on the opening team at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and later led its operations for nearly two decades. He has held executive leadership roles at the Philadelphia Orchestra/Ensemble Arts Philadelphia and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, overseeing multi-venue operations, labor and resident company relations.

Education

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ithaca College

  • Master of Fine Arts, Technical Design and Production, Yale University

Quick hits

  • First live performance that landed: Hamilton at The Public Theater

  • Favorite seat in the house: Orchestra aisle, mid-house

  • What he notices immediately: Crew communication under pressure

  • Outside the venue: Cycling, fly-fishing and travel

Operational Needs We Support

  • Change guidance for existing/operating venues

  • Pre-design, design and construction planning

  • Commissioning support and readiness coordination

  • Team building, operational guidelines and training

  • Guest and artist journey design and implementation

  • Post-opening stabilization and coaching