Michelle Cannon

Education:

— New Smyrna Beach High School; Valedictorian

— Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Recipient

— Superintendent’s Elite Scholar Medal for Academic Excellence

— University of Central Florida; Bachelor’s Degree (Graduated top of class)

Industry Experience:

— Creator and architect of the FirsTrust Operations Platform

— Firm receptionist (while attending college evenings)

— Chief Operations Officer (2005)

— Partner (2008)

— Chairman, Independent Advisory Committee (current role)

Professional Background

Michelle “Shelly” Cannon is living proof that honesty, discipline, and hard work can shape an extraordinary career.

Raised in New Smyrna Beach, Shelly excelled academically from an early age. She was featured in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, honored with the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, awarded the Superintendent’s Elite Scholar Medal, and graduated as valedictorian of her high-school class.

In 1999, she made a pivotal decision: shelving a successful modeling career to join FirsTrust as a receptionist during the day while attending college at night. Her work ethic—and unmistakable leadership ability—quickly became impossible to ignore. She graduated at the top of her class from the University of Central Florida, rose rapidly through the firm, became Chief Operations Officer in 2005, and earned Partnership in 2008.

Shelly went on to build and refine the operations platform that still anchors FirsTrust today. Her standards for accuracy, efficiency, and quality control helped define the firm’s culture and remain embedded in nearly every process still in use.

After 23 years of distinguished service, Shelly stepped back from her daily operational role to focus on personal health goals. Recognizing her unmatched institutional knowledge and unwavering integrity, the firm appointed her Chairman of the Independent Advisory Committee—ensuring FirsTrust continues to benefit from her insight, judgment, and commitment to best practices.

Those who know Shelly best regard her as one of the most competent, internally driven individuals they have ever met. And anyone who spends even a few minutes with her quickly sees how someone so extraordinarily bright can also be so refreshingly down-to-earth.

Personal Note

Shelly is also a Certified Personal Trainer and a world-record-holding powerlifter.