James Dondero, better known to those around him as Jim, is the Co-Founder and President of Highland Capital Management that is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dondero’s involvement in the credit and equity markets includes work in mortgage-backed securities, bonds with high-yield, and preferred and common stocks. Visit his website at jamesdondero.com.
A known pioneer in the development of collateralized loan obligations (CLO) and the advancement of credit-oriented solutions for institutional and retail investors worldwide. His work with Highland Capital Management has lead to the development of many of their signature award-winning products and solutions for companies in retail industry and institutions looking to invest in their future. These assets total $13.8 billion and are associated with multiple affiliates. Altogether James Dondero oversees, advises, and helps manage roughly $20 billion in assets.
James Dondero graduated from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce in 1984. At the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce Dondero earned dual bachelor degrees in Accounting and Finance. Dondero also holds certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA),a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). After graduating, he started his career the same year as an analyst with the Morgan Guaranty training program at JP Morgan. Read more about James Dondero on Bloomberg.com.
The women of Highland celebrated the accomplishments of first ladies at the @TheBushCenter’s First Ladies: #StyleofInfluence exhibit and Engage lecture in honor of Women’s History Month and #InternationalWomensDay2018 pic.twitter.com/ba1w6Xb1Z4
— Highland Capital (@HighlandCapMgmt) March 8, 2018
Following his time with the Morgan Guaranty training program, he joined American Express in 1985 as a Corporate Bond Analysis. During his time with American Express, Dondero eventually rose to the position of Portfolio Manager before leaving in 1989. After his time with American Express, Dondero became Protective Life’s Chief Investment Officer for their GIV subsidiary before moving on to co-founding Highland Capital Management. The subsidiary, created and managed by Dondero between 1989 and 1993 accumulated over $2 billion under his leadership.
Besides his work in the financial industry, James Dondero strives to improve his community through his active pursuit of improvements to education, veteran affairs, and public policy. His sense of duty to his community is shown in his work with the Perot Measure of Natural Science, the Education is Freedom initiative, and as a member of the Executive Board of the Southern Methodist University Cox School.