The Cannon develops innovation infrastructure to create and evolve entrepreneurial communities all over the world.

At The Cannon, we are dedicated to developing innovation infrastructure that creates and evolves entrepreneurial communities worldwide. Our mission is to build the world’s most effective and valued entrepreneurial community, providing every resource necessary to support individuals and corporations in their innovation, creation, and delivery of entrepreneurial visions.

We introduce this dynamic community to regions where entrepreneurial potential is strong, but investment has not yet been prioritized. The Cannon Community aims to transform underserved cities and regions into powerful drivers of new business, job creation, and innovative activity, enhancing the social and economic well-being of their members.

We believe that entrepreneurship is fundamental to economic sustainability and growth.

The spirit of entrepreneurship knows no demographic boundaries, and the pursuit of entrepreneurial dreams should be an opportunity available to all.

JON LAMBERT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Jon Lambert joined The Cannon as Chief Executive Officer on November 1, 2019. Jon brings over 30 years of professional experience and organizational and operational leadership across the public and private sector. Prior to joining The Cannon, he served in a number of leadership roles with KPMG including four years as Executive Director of Investment Operations for KPMG Capital providing oversight to a diverse portfolio of global investment companies. 

Jon played key roles in the formation and growth of a number of start-up entities and M&A driven rapid growth companies including Houston based Equaterra, SourceNet Solutions, Superstand Entertainment Co. and Universal Computer Systems and holds a BS in Mathematics from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

HILARY AGHO

CHIEF ENABLEMENT OFFICER

Hilary graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Master’s Degree in Public Policy in 2015, and from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay with three Bachelor’s Degrees with summa cum laude honors. She has always had a passion for local and sustainable economic development and is committed to working with local government, community and private sector leaders to foster and maintain economically sustainable communities for businesses and people. Hilary moved to Houston from Chicago after grad school and pursued work within a startup as well as a marketing and advertising agency in the past 4 years. Outside of work, Hilary enjoys spending time with her family, painting, gardening, and participating in competitive runs.

CLEMMIE MARTIN

CHIEF OF STAFF

Clemmie took on the role of Chief of Staff at The Cannon in January 2024, leveraging a background in leading high-growth early-stage start-ups and bringing an excitement for strategic planning and business optimization to the team. Clemmie is dedicated to shaping and executing the company's strategic vision as it embraces new growth, and optimizing operational and team efficiency. She works closely with the CEO to foster effective leadership and a thriving work environment at The Cannon, with a distinct emphasis on achieving strategic objectives. Clemmie's favorite moments outside of the office are the little moments with her son and daughter, husband and labrador retriever (George!), with a particular passion for baking with (and for) them. 

BRAD TRUE

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Following a winding career in the sports world that featured stops at the University of Oklahoma, Houston Texans, University of Louisville, 2016 Final Four and Professional Sports Partners, Brad joined The Cannon in December 2017 and now oversees all overall day to day operations of The Cannon and its growing community, including all current and future Cannon locations. Holding an undergraduate degree in marketing from Texas A&M and a graduate degree from the University of Oklahoma, Brad enjoys pretty much anything outside, including trying to visit every major National Park in the US, occasionally attempting to surf, and also aims to go on (and win) Survivor one day.

ROBERT PIERONI

STRATEGIC ADVISOR

Robert is a seasoned professional with over 13 years of experience specializing in bridging gaps within entrepreneurial ecosystems. His skill set encompasses forging strategic partnerships, fostering entrepreneurship, and nurturing venture capital environments. Robert's successful leadership in innovation ecosystem initiatives spans California, Texas, and Italy, facilitating collaborations among entrepreneurs, startups, development organizations, corporations, investors, academia, and government entities. He actively contributes to the venture capital community as an advisory board member for Ecliptic Capital, a prominent Austin-based venture fund. Additionally, Robert co-founded Village Insights, an ecosystem management platform empowering universities and innovation hubs to seamlessly achieve their objectives through effective network management. Following its acquisition by the Cannon in December 2023, he now serves as a Strategic Advisor to the Cannon.

ANDREW RAMIREZ

DIGITAL ADVISOR

Andrew Ramirez is a Digital Technology Advisor at The Cannon where he focuses on digital strategy to enhance community engagement and services. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and supporting the Texas Longhorns.

THEO DIMARHOS

DIRECTOR OF MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

After graduating Rutgers University with a degree in Economics and Political Science, Theo joined Angelou Economics to lead the firm’s business development efforts. At AE, he worked on economic development and strategic plans for towns and cities around the U.S. and abroad. At The Cannon, Theo started out managing the new Cannon Uptown Sports & Entertainment, and Cannon Post Oak locations, as well as initiatives across The Cannon's digital community and now oversees member relations across our entire membership base. Outside of work, Theo works on his startup, Ellis, that helps immigrant families stay in touch with their roots.

CONNOR POGUE

DIRECTOR OF CONSULTING

Connor Pogue graduated with an MS in Business from Texas A&M University in 2018, while he also became a startup founder as a college student. Since then, he has been involved in multiple organizations and often loves taking on the role as being a catalyst for change. Connor enjoys working with driven individuals who are passionate about ideas, work, and life. In his free time, Connor loves fishing, scuba diving, and all things outdoors.

MADDIE TAYLOR

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

After graduating from the University of Denver in 2017, Maddie developed a diverse range of perspectives working first at a luxury travel agency in Manhattan and later at a local non-profit in her hometown of Houston. She joined The Cannon in summer of 2021 as the Member Engagement Manager for our two downtown locations and now oversees the operations for all of our growing number of workspaces. Her favorite activities include hiking and camping (when it's not miserably hot and humid) and binging the latest HBO series while cooking up a fresh bowl of spaghetti marinara. 

KAROLINE HAKES

MEMBER EXPERIENCE & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Karoline earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree from the University of Mississippi. She has experience working in marketing and administrative careers within the medical field, including managing daily operations of an applied behavior analysis clinic. Karoline currently oversees both the day-to-day activities and strategic expansion efforts at our Woodlands location. This entails managing the operational intricacies while also spearheading initiatives for future growth. Additionally, she collaborates closely with the Chief Operating Officer to manage and grow strategic partnerships across all Cannon physical locations and municipal partnerships. In her free time, Karoline enjoys spending time with her family, watching anything scary and eating sushi. 

AUBRIE SMITH

COMMERCIAL AND ACADEMIC SERVICES MANAGER

Aubrie Smith graduated with a B.B.A in Entrepreneurship from Stephen F. Austin State University in December 2022. During her time there she was the President of the Society for Entrepreneurial Advancement on campus and was a primary developer of SFA’s inaugural Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition and Pop-Up Pitches. Aubrie is passionate about innovation and enjoys incorporating education with entrepreneurship. In her free time, you can find Aubrie attending a show at The Alley Theatre, watching stand-up comedy, or enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.

KATE TORTORELLA

MEMBER EXPERIENCE MANAGER / HR & P

Shortly after graduating from Texas Christian University in 2021 with a degree in Communication and English, Kate joined The Cannon team as a Community Associate and was eventually promoted to manage all members at The Cannon's flagship location while also absorbing a number of HR related duties. With her super out-going personality, Kate is excited to help foster and maintain a great work environment for the members at The Cannon. Outside of work you can find her either reading by a pool or playing with all sorts of dogs.

SAMMY JO WHITTON

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Sammy Jo was a student at University of Houston's Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship and graduated in December 2021 with a double major in Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Management with a certificate in Strategic Sourcing. While pursuing her degree, she and her fiancé started a sailing charter business in Galveston that provides a great experience for small groups. She enjoys putting to use her entrepreneurial knowledge and abundant customer service experience as The Cannon's Member & Advisor Engagement Manager. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, exploring local gems and spending time with her growing family.

XIMENA DOMINGUEZ

MEMBER EXPERIENCE & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Originally from Mexico City, Ximena earned her degree at the University of Houston in Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism. Later, she received a certificate of completion in Digital Marketing from Rice University. Ximena joined The Cannon team as a community associate in 2022. She brings great experience in events, social media, content creation, and writing. In her free time, Ximena enjoys playing guitar, singing, and reading. She loves staying up to date on the latest pop-culture and music industry news and trends, as well as spending time with her family, friends, and puppy.

SYDNEY DURAN

MEMBER EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

Sydney is a proud Red Raider and graduated from Texas Tech University in 2020. She is the Member Experience Coordinator for The Cannon Memorial, steering operations with expertise and enthusiasm. She hopes to build a strong community through forming relationships and providing the necessary tools for members to succeed. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is driven by a passion for exploration and sets her sights on visiting as many national parks as possible.

MIRIAM MOGUS

MEMBER EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

Shortly after graduating from The University of Houston in 2020 with a degree in Marketing and Management, Miriam joined The Cannon team as a Community Associate in fall of 2021. With her experience as a director for her women focused Bauer organization, Miriam is excited to create a cohesive community and work environment. She is passionate about coordinating events for members as well as ensuring day to day office tasks run smoothly. Outside of work you can find her discovering new restaurants, traveling, or cooking up a new recipe while listening to soul music. 

BAINDU MOMOH

MEMBER EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

Baindu is a creative professional with a rich background in event decor and coordination, where she thrived on transforming dreams into reality. Her passion extends beyond events; she has dedicated herself to supporting families in the Houston area, partnering with parents to ensure their children receive the essential care and attention for healthy development. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree to become a Radiology Technologist, Baindu is committed to making a positive impact in healthcare, aspiring to change the world one patient at a time. With a genuine love for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, she brings warmth and empathy to every interaction. In her spare time, Baindu enjoys gathering with friends and family, experimenting with new recipes for cooking and baking, and deepening her relationship with Christ. Though she identifies as more of a homebody and introvert, she values the connections she makes with people from diverse backgrounds, looking to leave every interaction with a better understanding of people and herself.

WALKER RIDGEWAY

MEMBER EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

Graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University in August 2023, Walker studied finance and entrepreneurship, eventually achieving recognition by winning a competitive entrepreneurship competition. He also served as the finance chair for his fraternity for 2 years. His hobbies include spending time at my family ranch, video games, riding motorcycles, and exercising!

A'SHIA ROSE

MEMBER EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

Prior to joining The Cannon, A’shia worked extensively in hospitality and event coordination. A’shia joined The Cannon team as a Community Associate in February 2022 and has enjoyed making connections and building relationships with the various members and companies in our community. She is passionate about maintaining and promoting a happy work environment for all of our Cannon members. In her spare time, you can find her spending time with friends and family, attending local concerts, reading up on psychology, and trying her hand at a variety of creative activities.