By Liz Davis
AMS Planning & Research, an arts management consulting practice with offices in Connecticut and California, announced the expansion of its presence in the Midwest with the addition of Jon Faris as a Director of the company. Faris assumed his new role March 1.
Faris joined AMS as an Associate in October 2021, working on a range of projects from feasibility studies 
to serving as owner’s counsel and guiding strategic planning initiatives. Steven A. Wolff, Principal of AMS said, “Jon brings together industry insight, an understanding of how our clients do their work and hands-on project and facility development expertise that will help our clients realize successful projects in a rapidly changing environment.”
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Faris was the Managing Director of Writers Theatre for fourteen years. He led the design and construction of its new state-of-the-art theatre center, designed by internationally renowned architect and MacArthur Fellow recipient Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects with planning support provided by AMS. Faris also partnered with Executive Director Kate Lipuma to lead the company’s day-to-day operations, working closely with the leadership team to develop strategy and support the marketing, fundraising, production, finance, facilities, education, and artistic departments.
After Writers Theatre, Faris was 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. Category41’s experiences immerse audiences in surprising and visceral universes that shift how we see, feel, and interact with the world around us. Deeply engaged in this paradigm shift, Jon worked with creative teams to execute projects from inception to operations, including business modeling, budgeting, and production and operational management.
“It is an honor to join AMS Planning & Research during a time when the performing arts and entertainment sectors are undergoing significant change and transition,” Faris said. “Our work with clients helps them make sense of their current situations and plan for a new future. I am excited to bring my experience both in theatre and the immersive and experiential entertainment fields to serve AMS’s clients while deepening AMS’s work with arts communities in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. As those of us who have come up through Chicago’s theatre community know, we value authenticity, collaboration, and a spirit of innovation and risk-taking, qualities shared with the leadership team at AMS.”
Liz Davis is Business Development and Office Manager for AMS Planning & Research.
