Jon Harper

Jon Harper, MFA MPA, currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Irish Arts Center since August 2023. Harper has extensive experience as a lighting designer since 2007 and held various managerial roles at Abrons Arts Center from 2013 to August 2023, including Managing Director and Director of Operations, overseeing production for a busy arts facility. Additional experience includes freelance roles, such as Head Electrician for CS GLOBAL Group and contributions as a Consultant for Equinor, focusing on biodiversity in offshore wind projects. Harper also directed emergency food distribution at Henry Street Settlement and has a background in production management for touring projects. Educational qualifications include a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University, an Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from Baruch School of Public Affairs, a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.