Barbara Matthews Email & Phone Number

Traverse City, Mi, Us

West Palm Beach, Florida, United States

Senior Managing Director at Commonwealth Capital, LLC, performing the role of Executive Director, Capital Markets. Founded in 1998, Commonwealth Capital has evolved from its geographical roots in Chicago, Illinois, into a hybrid venture technology company today in West Palm Beach, Florida. Our team includes former Wall Street investment bankers, securities regulators, and leading experts in corporate governance, information technology, and law to service our portfolio companies, partners, and capital sources.

United States

Provided strategic guidance to the Board of Directors and executive management for this global automotive enthusiast brand and world’s largest membership organization for people who love cars. Member of the executive team responsible for developing and executing strategy to drive sustainable double-digit growth and expansion into new and innovative products and services. Handled matters with significant company-wide impact including commercial contracts, regulatory and operational compliance, intellectual property, privacy and data security, employment and litigation, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, domestic and international expansion, risk management and legal operations. Built and developed a high performing team of lawyers, legal paraprofessionals, and outside counsel that provided legal, compliance, risk management, information security, and licensing services.• Guided the company through all legal and regulatory aspects of the company’s sale in 2019 of a minority share of the company involving a $212 million capital investment and the completion in 2021 of a SPAC transaction resulting in its listing on the NYSE based on a $3 billion enterprise valuation.• Negotiated strategic alliances with many of the largest insurance carriers in the US including Markel and State Farm.• Established a Bermuda based insurance company recently rated A- by AM Best and which generates a healthy return on capital and significant earnings.• Partnered with the CFO to modernize the legal and capital structure of the business to enable the establishment of a syndicated credit facility and the completion of a sale leaseback transaction for the headquarters facilities freeing up significant capital to reinvest in the growth of the business.• Led the creation and development of Hagerty’s Board which is well recognized for its effective governance practices and oversaw its transition from serving a family-owned business to a public company board.

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan

Chicago, Illinois

Member of leadership team responsible for management of Heller’s international operations. Provided legal counsel and documentation for all types of domestic and international commercial finance transactions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, and bank regulatory and supervisory matters. Developed and implemented programs to protect intellectual property assets, including trademarks and service marks, and managed Corporate Secretary activities on a global scale. • Advised the management team and board in connection with the company’s initial public offering and subsequent successful tender offer by GE Capital. • Received 1999 Chairman’s Club Award for developing the strategic approach to improving Heller’s relationship with its regulators, allowing Heller to obtain approval for the Sony Financial Services joint venture and the acquisition of HealthCare Financial Partners.• Advised on structuring and establishing consumer lending aspects of Sony Financial Services joint venture.• Handled all legal issues, from due diligence through structuring and documentation, of Heller’s acquisition of 50% of a Chilean factoring company. Received 1996 Chairman’s Club Award as part of the team accomplishing this transaction.• Conducted and managed lobbying efforts in Canada resulting in changes to the Canadian Bank Act, which allowed Heller’s direct entry into the Canadian market.• Assisted in the successful formation and strategic restructuring of investments throughout Europe and Latin America.• Supported formation of strategic alliances in Japan and Mexico to provide broader market coverage for Heller’s customers.

Chicago, Illinois

Juris Doctor, Law

Bachelor'S Degree, International Business