ABOUT •
Strategy is only as good as the relationships behind it.
Canon Strategy Group works with global businesses, nonprofit organizations, and forward-thinking executives who are committed to more than the bottom line — they're committed to change that lasts.
Headquartered in the South Bronx, we bring authentic relationships, deep community roots, and two decades of experience to every engagement. Our clients share a common belief: that real progress requires strategy grounded in equity, representation, and community power.
We don't offer off-the-shelf solutions. Every client relationship is built around your specific goals, challenges, and community — because that's the only way the work actually holds.
OUR PEOPLE•
We believe every community deserves representation in the rooms where decisions are made.
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Founder & Managing Principal
Michael Brady is the Founder and Principal of Canon Strategy Group, a boutique government relations and strategic advisory firm rooted in New York City.
A nationally recognized economic development practitioner and nonprofit executive, Brady brings more than two decades of experience advancing equitable economic growth, land use planning, and public policy across New York City and State.
Prior to founding Canon Strategy Group, Brady served as Chief Executive Officer of the Third Avenue Business Improvement District — the oldest and largest BID in the Bronx — where he helped generate more than $3 billion in public and private investment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he raised over $1.4 million in direct business assistance, co-created New York City's Open Streets and Open Dining program, and coordinated emergency food relief for more than 20,000 individuals and families.
Brady also served as Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President of Economic Development and Policy for The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and previously as Master Planner for the South Bronx waterfront — leading transformative initiatives including the Sheridan Expressway redevelopment, the South Bronx Greenway, and multiple Brownfield Opportunity Area planning studies.
In 2025, Brady was named an Economic Development Trailblazer by City & State. He has appeared on power and influence lists published by Crain's New York Business, City & State, and Schneps Media.
Brady holds a BA from Manhattan College, studied Public Administration at NYU as a Senior Clark Fellow, and holds executive certifications from Harvard and Columbia Universities. He currently serves on the boards of numerous civic, economic development, and public policy organizations throughout New York City.
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Vice President of Communications
Tony S. Billups serves as Vice President of Communications at Canon Strategy Group, where he leads strategic communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and messaging initiatives for clients across New York State.
Prior to joining Canon Strategy Group in 2024, Billups spent several years at the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Communications Director. In that role, he helped revitalize the Chamber's communications strategy, amplify the economic development narrative of The Bronx, and advance the organization's policy and advocacy agenda.
Billups has been consistently recognized among New York City's most influential communications professionals. He has appeared on numerous industry and civic leadership power lists and was most recently named to City & State's Power List of Communications Professionals, an honor recognizing the leading strategists, communicators, and public affairs practitioners shaping New York's public discourse.
Prior to his work in the nonprofit and economic development sectors, Billups served as Chief Administrative Officer of William B. May Companies, a subsidiary of Lamb Management, focused on residential and commercial real estate development and management. Earlier in his career, he worked in telecommunications following studies in photography and computer science at Old Dominion University.
A longtime South Bronx resident and community advocate, Billups brings extensive experience in communications, management, community revitalization, business development, and external relations strategy. He is deeply committed to advancing economic opportunity and strengthening communities throughout New York City.
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Principal, Economic & Workforce Development
Jennifer is a Principal at Canon Strategy Group with more than two decades of experience in economic development, workforce development, and community revitalization. She previously served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations at the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, managing a $12M budget, and as Director of Community and Economic Development at Montefiore Health System. Her earlier roles include program strategy and development with United Way of New York City and Nontraditional Employment for Women. Jennifer holds a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from UNC Chapel Hill and is a Global Exchange Fellow at the Urban Design Forum.
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Senior Advisor, Neighborhood & Community Planning
Rose is a collective impact strategist with more than two decades of experience advancing economic mobility, workforce development, healthcare, housing, and education initiatives. She partners with leaders and organizations to build movements, strengthen teams, and design sustainable futures for structurally impacted communities. Her work includes Bronx Impact, the Jerome Avenue Revitalization Collaborative, and NYC’s Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development. Rose holds an MBA in Sustainable Enterprise and certifications in systemic leadership, diversity and inclusion, and embodied leadership coaching.
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Senior Advisor, Organizational Management & Leadership Development
Eileen is a leadership and organizational strategy expert who helps senior leaders of purpose-driven organizations sharpen their vision, strengthen teams, and achieve measurable impact. She brings deep experience as a coach, strategist, and nonprofit executive, with past roles including Managing Director of the Tribeca Film Institute and Executive Director of the Board of Review. Her work spans social justice, education, the arts, youth services, and media, equipping leaders and boards to thrive through succession planning, team building, and strategic growth. Eileen holds a Master’s degree from New York University and serves on the boards of Manhattan Neighborhood Network and New York Women in Film and Television.