Matthew Small

Blackboard’s chief compliance and risk officer. In this capacity, Matt plays a significant role in Blackboard’s regulatory and policy matters. In addition, as the senior executive responsible for Blackboard’s Business Development group, Matt has secured partnership agreements with companies including Sprint, NBC Learn, McGraw Hill, Follett, and Barnes and Noble.

Since joining Blackboard in 2002, Matt has led several major company transactions, including the acquisition and integration of the SA Cash division of Student Advantage, Inc. in 2003, Blackboard’s initial public offering in 2004, the acquisition and integration of WebCT, Inc. in 2006, the public convertible debt offering and acquisition and integration of Xythos Software, Inc. in 2007, the acquisition and integration of The NTI Group, Inc. in 2008, and acquisition and integration of ANGEL Learning and Terriblyclever Design LLC in 2009. Matt also played a critical role in negotiating the simultaneous acquisition of Elluminate and Wimba in 2010.

In 2006 and in 2008, Matt was named one of Washington, D.C.,’s “Top 40 Lawyers Under 40” by Washingtonian Magazine and in 2008 he was named one of Inside Counsel Magazine’s top 10 MVP GC’s in the USA and one of the “Top 40 Graduates Under 40” of the University of Connecticut.

Before joining Blackboard, Matt was in private practice at the law firm of Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault LLP where he planned, structured and negotiated a broad range of technology company transactions, including public and private mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financings, public offerings, joint ventures and complex licensing transactions.