This is what it looks like when a fund firm adds Nitrous Oxide to its hiring engine.

Highland Capital Management [profile] has hired Robin Thompson to serve as national sales manager, leading the firm's rapidly expanding sales team.

Thompson, who was previously a regional vice president for LoCORR [profile], will be based in Austin, Texas, and will report to Brad Ross, president of Highland Capital Management Fund Advisors.

"We're happy to welcome someone of Robin's caliber to Highland," Ross stated. "Robin's deep sales and management experience, along with his impressive network of contacts, will be instrumental in Highland's continued success."

Ross has been on a tear over, ever since engineering a sales turnaround last year. Earlier this year, he hired 13 sales folk, and named a marketing director in October.

He plans to hire roughly 14 more sales folk next year.

Here is the press release:

Company Press Release
Highland Capital Management Names National Sales Manager to Run Growing Sales Force

� ?Highland Capital Management, L.P. ("Highland") announced today the appointment of Robin Thompson who will lead the firm's expanding sales team as National Sales Manager for Highland Funds. Highland, one of the largest and most experienced global alternative credit managers, is expected to grow its sales force by 30 percent. Thompson will be based in Austin, Texas and will report to Brad Ross, President of Highland Capital Management Fund Advisors, L.P.

"We're happy to welcome someone of Robin's caliber to Highland," Ross said. "Robin's deep sales and management experience, along with his impressive network of contacts, will be instrumental in Highland's continued success."

Thompson joins Highland from LoCORR Funds, where he served as Regional Vice President and was responsible for sales in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Prior to LoCORR Funds, Thompson began his career at Hartford Mutual Funds in 1994, working across several different business lines. While at Hartford, Thompson led a team of 18 advisor consultants who partnered with financial advisors in the Southern and Midwest regions of the United States. Thompson and his team sold funds sub-advised by Wellington Management across all asset classes.

"It's a pleasure to join such a dynamic and talented sales team," Thompson added. "I'm excited for the opportunity to support Highland's continued growth and affirm its position as an industry leader. Highland's alternative offerings truly set the firm apart from the rest of the industry and uniquely position them to meet the needs of today's investors." The appointment of Thompson as National Sales Manager is the latest example of the recent growth the firm has experienced. In January, Highland hired four new Regional Sales Directors in Texas, Illinois, California and the Northeast. The firm also recently named a Director of Marketing to support the firm's expanding profile in the retail space.

Thompson earned his B.A. in Political Science and History from Vanderbilt University and is a Certified Investment Management Analyst, CIMA�.

About Highland Capital Management

Highland Capital Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser which, together with its affiliates, has approximately $18 billion of assets under management. Founded in 1993 by Jim Dondero and Mark Okada, Highland is one of the largest and most experienced global alternative credit managers. Highland's strategies include collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), high yield bonds, distressed credit, public and private equities, structured products and natural resources.

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