Kneeland Youngblood

Kneeland C. Youngblood is co-founder and managing partner of Pharos Capital Group, LLC., a private equity firm that invests in technology, business services and health care companies.

He is Chairman of Converge, a leading independent distributor for semiconductors, electronic components, computer products and networking equipment serving leading original equipment and contract manufacturers, as well as distributors and resellers.

Mr. Youngblood is currently chairman of the American Beacon Funds, a $20 billion mutual fund company, managed by American Beacon Advisors, a $42 billion investment affiliate of American Airlines. He is also a director of Starwood Hotels and Lodging, Burger King Corporation, Gap Inc. and the $3 billion Dallas Employee Retirement Fund.

From 1993 to 1999, Youngblood served on the board of the $100 billion Teacher Retirement System of Texas as a trustee and chairman of the Fund's Real Estate Committee, directing asset allocations and managing the fund's $1.4 billion portfolio.

He also served on the Board of Directors and developed direct private equity experience with the Texas Growth Fund, a $500 million private equity fund providing growth and expansion capital.

Mr. Youngblood graduated from Princeton University in 1978 with an A.B. in Politics/Science in Human Affairs and earned an M.D. degree from the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School in 1982.