Joseph Shannon has had a profound effect on Atlantic Canada as a Cape Breton-based businessman, community leader and philanthropist. President and founder of Atlantic Corporation Limited, he is renowned for his canny business sense, his determination to help modernize Cape Breton's economy through the restructuring of several major Crown corporations, and his commitment to mentoring young business leaders. His community stewardship and philanthropy have benefited health care, educational and economic initiatives; he is also a generous benefactor of Cape Breton University.