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:
Current work encompasses expansion into future music concert venues, sport arenas, arts education facilities, and a new jazz club.
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
Phil Jordan, Partner
Certified Venue Executive (CVE) | International Association Venue Managers (IAVM)
Phil has led venue development and operations across public and private sectors, including Salt Lake County’s arts venues and nationally significant cultural projects. His experience bridges owner representation, 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
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