Mrs. Matthews serves as the firm’s Executive Director of Capital Markets.

Before Joining Commonwealth Capital, Barbara served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Hagerty Inc. (Stock Symbol: HGTY), where she was a team co-leader that took Hagerty public through a SPAC merger. In this position, she was instrumental in developing Hagerty’s corporate Board, which is well-recognized for its effective governance practices.

Barbara has deep strategic organizational experience in areas critical to bringing a company from privately held to publicly traded. Her M&A experience includes leading the acquisition of a $700 million equipment leasing business, a start-up "ride-share" company, and a digital motorsports business. Additionally, Barbara has overseen capital transactions such as real estate sale-leasebacks and a $200 million growth capital investment. She has also managed complex joint ventures with banks and financial institutions globally and led de novo market entries across North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Barbara’s extensive government relations experience includes navigating legislative advocacy, policy development, and regulatory challenges across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Asia.

As a member of Commonwealth Capital’s senior management team, Mrs. Matthews' responsibilities include guiding the firm’s portfolio companies through the production and execution process within our Blue-Chip Program™. Her role includes serving as a member of the firm’s Investment Policy Committee of Commonwealth Capital Income Fund–I™ and participating in firm policy formation.

Beyond her executive roles, Barbara serves on several boards, including Gray & Company, Inc., the Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority, and the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. With a passion for strategic growth and governance, she is committed to leveraging her expertise to drive business transformation, foster sustainable partnerships, and support the next generation of business leaders.

Barbara earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from DePaul University College of Law and a B.S. in International Business from Ferris State University. She holds a NACD Directorship Certification and a certificate in Private Company Governance from the Private Directors Association.