Les Alexander stands out as a seasoned partner at Jefferson Capital Partners, bringing extensive expertise to the realm of mezzanine and equity capital for both growth and buyout transactions. His role extends beyond capital provision; Mr. Alexander is an integral member of the firm’s investment committee and actively participates in the strategic direction and corporate governance of numerous portfolio companies through his board memberships.
Prior to his tenure at Jefferson Capital Partners, Mr. Alexander honed his skills at Advantage Capital Partners, where he played a key role in various portfolio company investments and contributed his insights as a member of the investment committee. His diverse background also includes a significant leadership role as president of Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc., a premier manufacturer of fire trucks and emergency vehicles. During his time at Ferrara, he expertly managed a large workforce of 450 employees, overseeing the production of over 300 vehicles annually for a wide array of clients, both domestically and internationally.
Mr. Alexander’s foundation in finance is deeply rooted in his 15-year career as an investment banker. He was associated with reputable firms such as Howard Weil, Southcoast Capital, and J.C. Bradford & Co., where he successfully executed over 50 public offerings of debt and equity securities, private placements, and merger and acquisition transactions. These transactions, spanning diverse industries, totaled an impressive value exceeding $7 billion, showcasing his profound impact on the financial landscape.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr. Alexander is committed to shaping future generations through education. He serves as an adjunct professor at both Tulane University and Loyola University, where he imparts his knowledge in graduate and undergraduate courses covering investment banking, private equity & venture capital, advanced financial management, and entrepreneurship. Further demonstrating his dedication to community and education, Mr. Alexander is the board president for Benjamin Franklin High School, a distinguished public charter school in New Orleans. His leadership extends to the non-profit sector as well, as the former Chairman Finance of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and a member of its global Board of Directors. He is also recognized as a founder of the Louisiana chapter of ACG and has been honored with both the ACG global Meritorious Service Award and the Louisiana chapter’s Outstanding Service Award, underscoring his significant contributions to the field.
Mr. Alexander’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia (1989) and an MBA from the University of North Carolina (1993), providing him with a robust theoretical and practical framework for his successful career in finance and investment.
