Michael R. Steed, Managing Director, Paladin Capital Group, Washington, D.C.

Steed is founder of Paladin Capital Group, which has multiple private equity funds that primarily invest in small to medium-size worker-friendly companies with strong growth potential. Paladin’s most recent fund is focused on companies who provide products and services for homeland security. Prior to his work with Paladin Capital Group,  Steed served as senior vice president of investments of a major financial services company based in Washington, D.C., and as president of its Securities and Exchange Commission-registered investment advisory firm.

From 1985 to 1992, he was president and CEO of AFIC Group Limited, an investment banking firm. From 1981 to 1985, he served as special counsel to the chairman and as the national director of the Democratic Party of the United States of America. Previously, he practiced law, both as a prosecutor in the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and in private practice. He is a founding board member of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs. Steed received his undergraduate degree and his JD from Loyola Marymount University of Los Angeles, where he currently serves as a trustee. He is a Duke parent (Christopher, AB ’06).