J. Phil Buchanan
CEO
Director of Sales

Phil is a passionate leader who is driven by the positive influence Cannon has on the financial services industry. In 1990, Phil joined Cannon, and in the two decades since, he has focused on one mission: Building Cannon Financial Institute into the premier provider of professional development solutions to the financial services industry.  Today, with over 20,000 students annually, the company remains rooted in the belief that the highest impact professional development solutions are the result of real world industry experience, an intimate knowledge of the industry and trends, and proven adult education methodologies.  When combined, the result is a learning experience that is focused, relevant and strategically invaluable.

Cannon now operates in North America, South America, Europe and Asia.  In fact, over 85% of the leading U.S. financial institutions annually choose Cannon professional development solutions. Cannon continues to serve those firms through our On Campus Schools, On Site Instructor Led Training, and On Demand blended learning options.

Phil and his wife, Susan, live with their two daughters in Athens, GA.  He holds a B.S in Economics from the University of Georgia.

M. Shane O’Neill
Executive Vice President
Director of Strategy

Shane is a creative thinker who thrives when developing innovative solutions for complicated business challenges.  He acts as a chief architect to design and build mission critical business units within Cannon.  In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities of Head of Marketing and Cannon’s e-learning group, Cannon Learning Solutions, Shane serves as an essential source of highly relevant strategic guidance to Cannon’s executives and managers.

Throughout his 17 year career within the financial services industry, Shane has worked to exceed client expectations by providing innovative solutions to complicated challenges.  His experience and success as an advisor, as well as consultant to several premier Registered Investment Advisory firms, gives him a unique insight to our industry.  Shane brings a global perspective and entrepreneurial spirit to help Cannon clients overcome the challenges they face.  

Shane and his wife, Amy, live in Athens, GA with their three children.  Shane holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Georgia.

Jeff Jackson
Senior Vice President
Director of Finance

Jeff is a hands-on Director of Finance.  He has extensive experience in accounting, auditing, forecasting, and financial systems migration and integration, and he has served Cannon in this capacity since 2000.

Jeff has been a controller or CFO in the newspaper, on-line, and financial services industries for the past 16 years.  His current responsibilities include financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, human resources, and legal issues.  He works closely with the other directors and outside tax and legal consultants to ensure that Cannon is executing its business plan and is prepared for the future.