LEXINGTON, Va. March 19, 2025 — Virginia Military Institute invites the VMI community and general public to an evening of inspiration and leadership with Steve Cannon, a distinguished executive, philanthropist, and military advocate. Cannon will speak Tuesday, April 1, at 8 p.m. in Gillis Theater, Marshall Hall, as part of the Courageous Leadership Speaker Series hosted by the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics (CLE). 

This speaker series brings influential leaders from business, government, the military, and sports to VMI, offering invaluable insights on leadership, resilience, and service. Free to attend, this event presents a unique opportunity to engage with a leader who has shaped industries, inspired teams, and championed those who serve.

A graduate of West Point and a former U.S. Army Airborne Ranger, Cannon began his leadership journey as an artillery officer in West Germany during the final years of the Iron Curtain. His military service instilled in him the discipline and strategic mindset that would later define his corporate and philanthropic success. 

After transitioning from the military, Cannon made a name for himself in the automotive and sports industries. As CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, he led the company to record growth, achieved its first-ever No. 1 ranking on the American Customer Satisfaction Index, and secured its spot on Fortune’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" list for five consecutive years. Later, as CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment, he oversaw the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, transforming them into top-performing brands and premier venues for major national and international events. 

Beyond the corporate world, Cannon is a tireless advocate for America’s military community. He has led multiple NFL team-directed USO Tours to visit deployed troops and co-founded the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, which has raised over $50 million in scholarships for the children of fallen and disabled service members. His efforts have earned him the USO Merit Award and the NFL Salute to Service Award for setting the gold standard in military outreach. 

Today, Cannon is the managing partner of Bay Point Sports Fund and chairman of the Avalon Action Alliance, where he focuses on strategic investments in sports and ensuring that veterans receive critical care and resources.  

“Steve Cannon’s journey from military service to corporate leadership to philanthropy offers powerful lessons on resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership,” said Col. David Gray, executive director of the CLE. “Whether you're a future leader, entrepreneur, veteran, or community member, this is a rare chance to gain firsthand wisdom from a leader who has excelled in multiple arenas while staying true to his values.” 

For more information, contact Lt. Col. Kim Connolly at connollykv@vmi.edu. 

Maj. Catherine M. Roy
Communications and Marketing Manager, Center For Leadership and Ethics
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE