Dean Cannon Takes the Helm as President and CEO of GrayRobinson

ORLANDO, FL – September 1, 2019 – GrayRobinson, P.A. announces that Dean Cannon, former Executive Vice President and Chair of the Firm’s government affairs practice and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, has assumed the position as President and Chief Executive Officer of GrayRobinson, effective September 1, 2019. Cannon succeeds Mayanne Downs as she refocuses on her complex litigation practice at the Firm, while continuing to support and participate in Firm leadership and management. 

A fifth-generation Floridian, Cannon began his career with GrayRobinson working as a runner in the firm’s Lakeland office while attending high school. He received both his bachelor’s and juris doctor from the University of Florida, and returned to GrayRobinson where he practiced state and local government law from 1995 to 2007. Cannon’s law practice has included litigation and appellate work at the District Court of Appeal and Supreme Court level, as well as land-use and state and local government law. Cannon is also widely recognized for his service in the Florida House of Representatives. During his eight-year tenure in the House, he played pivotal roles in property tax reform, growth management reform, health care and Medicaid reform, and major transportation infrastructure policy initiatives, among many other accomplishments. Cannon was elected by his peers to serve as Speaker of the House for the 2010 to 2012 term, where his leadership proved particularly effective during a time of great economic and political challenge for the state.  

"I am extremely honored to have received Mayanne’s nomination and the unanimous support of my colleagues, many of whom have provided support and longtime friendship that has helped shape my legal and political career," said Cannon. "We have an incredible law firm, and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and fully committed to our collective future success as I undertake the position of President and Chief Executive Officer."

With guidance from GrayRobinson Chair Emeritus J. Charles Gray, Chair of the Board of Directors Byrd F. "Biff" Marshall, and immediate past President and Managing Director Mayanne Downs, Cannon recently traveled throughout the state, discussing his initial goals and seeking input from the shareholders. These are set to include a keen focus on recruitment in key practice areas and continued geographic expansion within Florida.

Cannon also plans to emphasize one of the Firms’ core principles established by Charlie Gray, that "if you build your community, you will also build your law firm." GrayRobinson, which has been a driving force for some of Florida’s most significant economic development efforts over the last five decades, will continue to embrace the "twin pillars" of civic involvement and maintaining strong relationships within government at all levels. "Building relationships with government leaders, as well as civic and corporate leaders throughout our state, has greatly enhanced our ability to advance our clients’ interests," Cannon said. "In a time of great technological and cultural change, it will be even more important to maintain personal relationships within our communities, and within our government."


Read press coverage below:

"GrayRobinson Announces New President, CEO," Jacksonville Business Journal

"Dean Cannon Takes Over as President and CEO of GrayRobinson," Sunshine State News

"7 Things to Know Today and GrayRobinson Names New President," Orlando Business Journal

Lobbying World, The Hill

"GrayRobinson's New President on the Firm's Future and Culture of 'Libertarian Professionalism'," Daily Business Review

Sunburn — The Morning Read of What’s Hot in Florida Politics — 9.19.19, Florida Politics

"On the Move," Orange County Bar Association The Briefs