Theater News

Public Theater Names Laurence Jahns New Chief Advancement Officer

Jahns has more than 25 years of experience working with nonprofits, including the National Endowment for the Arts.

Laurence Jahns will be the Public Theater's new chief advancement officer.
Laurence Jahns will be the Public Theater's new chief advancement officer.
(photo provided by the Public Theater)

The Public Theater announced Laurence Jahns as its new chief advancement officer.

Jahns, who begins his new position on January 8, has more than 25 years of experience working with leading nonprofits at major social service agencies, universities, and national cultural institutions. He has worked at, among other places, the National Endowment for the Arts, Rockefeller University, and the American Film Institute at the Kennedy Center. As chief advancement officer, Jahns will work closely with the theater's senior management team, board, and development staff to help ensure necessary resources are available to achieve its potential as a pioneering cultural institution and a center for engaged dialogue, accessibility, and inclusiveness.

"I am so proud to have Lars join our team at The Public during this historic time when we have just celebrated 50 years at our downtown home at Astor Place and the 50th Anniversary of our ground-breaking musical Hair," said executive director Patrick Willingham in a statement. "As we prepare for the next 50 years, I am confident that Lars’ vision, leadership and impressive fundraising skills will be an extraordinary asset to The Public as we continue to grow and expand our programming, facilities, audiences and global connections with a deep commitment to civic engagement and community outreach."

"I am so honored — and overjoyed — to have this opportunity to join the staff of The Public Theater," said Jahns in a statement. "Not only is it the premiere non-profit theater company in the country, but I also so admire their founding commitment to indeed being a truly 'public' theater. I share that dedication to arts accessibility and to social change through the arts, which is all the more relevant in today’s increasingly divisive, partisan, and economically disparate environment. I also am deeply humbled in this new position to be able to contribute to Joe Papp’s singular vision and legacy."

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