TAPS Names Steve Cannon to Board of Directors
Accomplished in Businesses from Automotive to Sports, West Point Graduate will Help Guide Organization in Period of Growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 11, 2017
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) announced today that Steve Cannon will be joining the organization’s board of directors. Cannon is currently CEO of the AMB Group, leading all business operations of the National Football League’s Atlanta Falcons; Atlanta United of Major League Soccer; Atlanta Falcons Stadium Company, the developer of Mercedes-Benz Stadium that is scheduled to open in 2017; PGA TOUR Superstore; and Mountain Sky Guest Ranch.
Prior to joining AMB Group, Cannon served as president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and was responsible for leading operations that generated record sales with annual revenues exceeding $20 billion. Cannon graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point (B.S., Economics). He is 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 also served five years as an artillery officer.
"Steve brings a unique perspective to our board, combining selfless service to the nation with a sound business background that will help guide TAPS through our ongoing period of growth," said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. "His experience in the sports world will bring a new perspective to the already diverse board, and his strong commitment to our military and their families will help guide the organization as we continue to innovate and expand, reaching new survivors facing evolving challenges."
“I have had the opportunity to see the genuine care and compassion that drive Bonnie Carroll and the TAPS team to connect with anyone suffering a military loss,” Cannon said. “It had also been my honor to talk with TAPS families at various programs and in connection with the Atlanta Falcons Salute to Service activities. TAPS is a dynamic organization that is meeting the current needs of these survivors and planning for the future. I am looking forward to helping to honor the legacies of our fallen servicemen and women.”
Cannon is the most recently appointed member of the TAPS board, which in addition to Carroll also includes:
John Wood, Chairman. John is CEO and Chairman of Telos Corporation, a company which supports the federal government in the critical areas of cyber operations and defense, secure communications and collaboration, and identity assurance.
Deborah Mullen, Secretary.Deborah was a Navy spouse for 43 years and is a staunch advocate for military families, surviving family members, homeless veterans, and family readiness efforts. Her husband, Admiral Mike Mullen, served as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff prior to his retirement.
LTC Scott Rutter, USA (ret.), Treasurer. Scott currently serves as the Founder/President of the Valor Network, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned telemedicine business. He retired from the Army after more than 20 years of service, including operational deployments to Saudi Arabia, Korea, Kuwait and Iraq.
Kenneth Asbury. Ken serves as President and CEO of CACI International Inc., a provider of information solutions and services in support of national security missions and government transformation. A proven industry leader, he has extensive experience in business development, including 30 years leading highly successful systems, solutions, and services expansion programs at all levels.
Miles Cortez. Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Aimco since 2017, Miles is responsible for administration, government relations, communications, and special projects, and chairs the Senior Leadership Team. An Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, he is a recipient of the Bronze Star.
Gen. Martin Dempsey, USA (ret.). General Dempsey recently retired following 41 years of military service, including service asthe18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His post-military career includes teaching public policy and leadership at Duke University and serving as Chairman of USA Basketball.
Mark Grier. Vice Chairman at Prudential Financial; Mark is a member of its Office of the Chairman and its board of directors, overseeing the Finance, Risk Management, Chief Investment, Corporate Actuarial, Investor Relations, Global Business & Technology Solutions, Audit, and Global Marketing and Communications functions.
M.L. “Buzz” Hefti, USMC (ret.). A career Marine Corps artillery officer and Vietnam veteran and casualty officer, Buzz has continued to serve his country after retirement from the military. He served in various legislative and public affairs roles in defense, aerospace, energy, space, and aviation, including as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs.
Bradley Jacobs. Currently an adjunct professor at Rollins College, Brad previously served as the Senior Vice President of Finance for BAE Systems, Inc., responsible for financial accountability for the company's U.S. based operating sectors.
Carl Liebert III. Carl is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of USAA, leading the company’s business operations functions, including USAA’s Bank, Investment, Life, Property and Casualty, Real Estate Investment Companies and member contact functions.
Edward McNally. Ed is a partner at Partner, Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP. He formerly served as a United States Attorney, who, following the September 11th attacks, was appointed by the President as the nation's first General Counsel for homeland security and counter-terrorism. Ed is the surviving brother of Lt. Cmdr. Rand McNally, who perished in a Navy A-6 crash.
Lewis Von Thaer. Lou has served as CEO of DynCorp International, a leading global government solutions provider, since 2015. Prior to joining DynCorp, he most recently served as President of the National Security Sector at Leidos Inc., responsible for leading the efforts in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, cyber, logistics, and systems solutions.
ABOUT TAPS
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes and has offered support to more than 70,000 surviving family members of our fallen military and their caregivers since 1994. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, case work assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to www.taps.org or call the toll-free TAPS resource and information helpline at 1.800.959.TAPS (8277).