Stephen Cannon

Stephen Cannon, USO Merit Award recipient, serves as Chairman of The Avalon Action Alliance, an organization that connects our nation’s heroes with essential care. In this role, Cannon bridges the gap between veterans in need and the vital resources they deserve, ensuring their sacrifices are honored through meaningful support.

 

Before joining The Avalon Action Alliance, Cannon was recognized as one of Atlanta Business Chronicle's Most Admired CEOs for his leadership as both CEO and Vice Chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), a for-profit holding group within the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses. In this role, he managed the day-to-day operations of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Atlanta Falcons Football Club, United Soccer Properties, and PGA TOUR Superstore. Cannon also served as President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), where he led operations that achieved record sales with annual revenues exceeding $20 billion.

 

A recipient of the 2020 NFL Salute to Service Award, Cannon has led efforts to make the Atlanta Falcons' military outreach efforts the benchmark in the NFL. In 2018, he helped lead the first NFL team-directed USO Tour, visiting soldiers at various bases throughout Iraq and Kuwait. More recently, in the summer of 2023, he took another Falcons delegation on a USO tour to Romania and Bulgaria, making history as the first sports franchise to visit troops in those remote locations. In 2024, he was honored with the prestigious USO Merit Award for his exceptional contributions to supporting the military community, recognizing his commitment to engaging with active-duty service members.

 

A tireless supporter of America's military and military families, Cannon alongside his fellow West Point classmates, founded the Johnny Mac Soldiers fund in 2014. The organization honors military service and sacrifice by providing scholarships to veterans and military family members, particularly children of our nation's fallen and disabled. What began as a small effort to help one fallen classmate's family has grown into an organization that has raised more than $48 million. Cannon also serves on the national board of directors for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), further solidifying his commitment to those who have sacrificed for our nation.

 

Cannon graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986, was Airborne Ranger qualified and served as First Lieutenant in West Germany during the fall of the Iron Curtain. During his time in the Army, he served five years as an artillery officer. A Division One wrestler at West Point, The National Wrestling Hall of Fame named Cannon the 2019 Outstanding American, an honor given to leaders who have used wrestling disciplines to launch distinguished careers in other walks of life.

 

Stephen and his wife, Ann, reside in Nashville and are the parents of nine children.