Continuing a legacy
of giving

Founder

Charles A. Cannon firmly believed in free enterprise and the importance of giving back to others.  Mr. Cannon knew that a life well lived was a life in which personal success benefited employees and co-workers, peers, the local community and the nation at large. The Cannon Foundation and Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trusts continue his legacy of giving across the state of North Carolina.

Documentary

Charles A. Cannon had a vision that was unconventional and uncompromising. Mr. Cannon transformed his father’s enterprise into a textile empire that became one of America’s great household brands. Watch the documentary on Charles A. Cannon, a powerful businessman and generous philanthropist, whose leadership played out on a global stage. 

Our Team

Gene Cochrane

Interim Executive Director

Email:  gcochrane@cannonfoundation.org

Anita Johnson

Program Officer

It is with heavy hearts we mourn the loss of long-time staff member, Program Officer and beloved friend Anita Johnson. Anita was a wonderful teammate and a true advocate for her grantees. She will be greatly missed. Please read her obituary here for information about her visitation on Friday evening and funeral on Saturday.

Suzanne Philemon

Program Officer

Suzanne Philemon joined The Cannon Foundation in 2016 and serves as the primary staff contact for education grants.  Prior to the Foundation, Suzanne worked at Wingate University in Alumni Affairs and Marketing.  Suzanne earned both her undergraduate and MBA degrees from Wingate University.

Email:  sphilemon@cannonfoundation.org

Phone:  704.960.4843

Candice Kane

Program Officer

Candice Kane joined The Cannon Charitable Interests in 2019 and serves as the primary contact for the Charles A. Cannon and Hayes Trusts. Prior to the Foundation, Candice worked at Wingate University as the Director of Annual Giving. Candice earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and marketing from Wingate University.

Email:  ckane@cannontrusts.org

Phone:  704.960.4841

Renee Macon

Controller

Renee Macon joined The Cannon Foundation in 2015. Renee manages the financial operations as well as human resources and technology support. Prior to joining the Foundation she worked in a variety of industry sectors including construction, textile manufacturing and a federally qualified health center. Renee is a CPA and earned both her undergraduate and MBA degrees from UNC-Charlotte.

Email:  rmacon@cannonfoundation.org

Phone:  704.960.4837

Jennifer Ritchie

Grants Assistant

Jennifer Ritchie joined The Cannon Foundation in 2012. Jennifer is the assistant to the Executive Director and also provides support to the Board of Directors, staff and grantseekers. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jennifer worked for a health department and a federally qualified health center.

Email:  jritchie@cannonfoundation.org

Phone:  704.786.8216

Board of Directors & Trustees

  • Directors
    William C. Cannon, Jr., President
    Thomas M. Grady, Vice President
    William M. Connolly, Secretary
    Edward K. Prewitt, Jr., Treasurer
    Eugene W. Cochrane, Jr.
    Winslow H. Galloway
    George W. Liles, Jr.
    Elizabeth L. Quick

    Director Emeritus
    William S. Fisher
    Dan L. Gray

  • Trustees
    William C. Cannon, Jr., President
    Edwin S. Outen, Vice-President
    Joseph C. Hunter, Secretary
    Paul N. Clark, Representative for Wells Fargo - Corporate Trustee, Treasurer

  • Trustees
    William C. Cannon, Jr.
    Joseph C. Hunter
    Elizabeth L. Quick

Cannon Charitable Interests
Post Office Box 548
Concord, North Carolina 28026
704.786.8216