BRIDGEWATER BANK - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Professional Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Open-minded leadership fueled by a can-do spirited team. Our clients notice the difference."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President Regional Branch Lead
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "What sets Bridgewater apart is our team of like-minded individuals renowned for our extraordinary work ethic. We consistently go above and beyond to make certain our clients' needs are met. Our clients know they have a partner in Bridgewater Bank to help support their business."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President Treasury Management
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Construction Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "A bank for entrepreneurs founded by entrepreneurs. We don't just understand our clients' needs, we anticipate them."
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "We are a relationship-based bank first and provide our clients with one of the industry's most efficient loan delivery processes."
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "BWB is constantly evolving to anticipate our clients' wants and needs."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President Treasury Management
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "An entrepreneurial approach with exceptional customer service, flexibility, responsiveness and focus on growth makes it easy to serve clients and build lasting relationships."
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Senior Lending Officer
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "It's the people that make up the Bridgewater experience. We take the time to get to know our clients and never have a one size fits all approach to anything."
David, a director of the Company and the Bank since 2010, serves as Lead Independent Director. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Colliers Mortgage, a full-service nationwide mortgage banking firm. David has been with his company (and its predecessor Dougherty Financial Group) since 2002. Prior to joining Colliers Mortgage, he served as Senior Vice President of a regional investment banking firm for over 13 years. David serves on the board of Summit Academy and Minnesota Attainable Housing.
David, a member of the board since 2017, is a principal at Castle Creek Capital, an alternative asset management firm focused on the community banking industry located in San Diego, California. He has been with Castle Creek Capital since 2005 and has led or supported investments in numerous recapitalization, distressed and growth situations. His extensive financial institution experience based in strategic planning, operational improvements, acquisitions and capital financing brings a perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing banks nationwide.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Chief Financial Officer of Northern Star Scouting
As a member of the board since 2018, Doug is the Chief Financial Officer of Northern Star Scouting and former Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Ameriprise Financial, Inc., a Fortune 250 diversified financial services company. As a Certified Public Accountant, he is a financial expert with 30 years of diverse experience across a number of disciplines, including accounting, finance, audit, risk management, regulatory compliance and corporate governance. Doug serves as a board member for Children's Theatre Company and Northern Star Scouting (Boy Scouts of America).
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Commercial Real Estate
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Bridgewater has a refreshing approach to banking, where we move quickly and have fun along the way."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President Regional Branch Lead
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Bridgewater is a trusted partner made up of confident decision-makers, dedicated customer service professionals, and an impressive referral network. We'll do our very best for you."
Job Titles:
- Director
- Founding Director of the Board and Owner of Flagship Marketing, Inc
Jim is a founding director of the board and owner of Flagship Marketing, Inc., a privately held company that owns franchises with Express Scripts, Inc., dba Express Employment Professionals, which delivers recruiting and staffing support and human resource services through a network of more than 800 franchise locations. In addition, Jim currently serves as Regional Franchise Developer for Express Employment International, which provides consulting services to regional owners and offices located in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and South Dakota. As a prominent business owner in the Twin Cities and long-standing talent acquisition professional, Jim has significant ties to other local business leaders and brings experience with talent management and human resources.
Job Titles:
- Chief Credit Officer
- Director
- Executive Vice President
- Founder
- Founding Director of the Board
Jeff is a founder of the Company and founding director of the board. He has worked in the regulatory and commercial banking industry for over 35 years. As Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, Jeff is responsible for all aspects of the Bank's credit policies. He currently chairs the loan and credit committees and plays an integral role in credit actions on the Bank's largest lending relationships.
Jerry Baack - CEO, Chairman, President
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Chief Executive Officer
- President
- President and Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board EOS Visionary
- Principal Founder of Bridgewater
As the principal founder of Bridgewater, Jerry was responsible for all aspects of the Bank's formation, including the initial capital raise, business plan, board and management team structure and recruitment, charter and regulatory approval. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President and Visionary of the Company, positions he has held since the Bank was founded in 2005.
Jerry was recognized in The Minnesota 500 as one of the most powerful and influential leaders in Minnesota in 2019, 2020 and 2022 and in Twin Cities Business as one of the top 100 people to know in 2019. Additionally, he was awarded Banker of the Year by NorthWestern Financial Review (nka BankBeat) in 2017 and was a nominee for the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year award by Ernst & Young. Jerry serves on the Advisory Board for the commercial banking program at Marquette University.
Joe serves as Chief Financial Officer and has been with Bridgewater Bank since 2013. In his position, Joe directs and manages all financial-related activities, including accounting, regulatory reporting, liquidity management, investment strategies, insurance and capital development.
Joe was named a '40 under 40' honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in 2024 and recognized as one of the Notable Chief Financial Officers by Twin Cities Business in 2022 for his ability to effect change and initiate outstanding growth for the Bank.
Job Titles:
- Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "We are constantly moving forward for our clients. We're never satisfied with where we're at and I wouldn't want it any other way."
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Professional Services
Job Titles:
- Managing Director Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "At Bridgewater, we offer common-sense lending and an exceptional client experience. Our relationship approach to banking means we go beyond the numbers, setting us apart from your typical bank."
Job Titles:
- Managing Director Deposits and Treasury Management
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "We work together at the Bank, we're on the same team moving towards the same goals. It's a really exhilarating thing to be a part of!"
A member of the board since 2019, Lisa was recently appointed the interim Chief Executive Officer of Pivot Strategies LLC, a strategic employee communications firm, and was formerly Chief Executive Officer of Salo, a Korn Ferry company. As an accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience, Lisa brings expertise in operations, talent acquisition, human resources, mergers and acquisitions and leadership development to Bridgewater. Before joining Salo, she spent eight years as the owner and entrepreneur behind Brezonik Consulting, a Twin Cities executive coaching and organizational consulting firm. She also serves as a board member for Kipsu, Inc.
Lisa serves as Chief Deposit Officer and has been with Bridgewater Bank since 2018. She is responsible for driving accountability and results through initiatives that deliver revenue growth, market share, new business opportunities and market penetration, including oversight of all deposit operational systems and processes. In addition to leading a talented team of deposit services professionals, she is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the Bank's product offering by maintaining awareness of industry trends to enhance the overall client experience.
Lisa has 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, focused primarily on all aspects of deposit and fee income generation for commercial banking. She was recognized as a Notable Leader in Banking and Finance by Twin Cities Business and one of the Top Women in Finance in the Twin Cities by Finance & Commerce in 2021. She currently serves on the board of UMACHA.
Job Titles:
- Vice President Treasury Management
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Bridgewater is a bank where we truly care about our customers and employees. We don't just talk the talk, we walk the walk. Working together to build something truly special, that is unlike anything out there."
Job Titles:
- Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Flexibility. Local decision making. Responsive. It's as simple as that."
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "We provide what many other banks cannot offer: creative loan structures and local decision making, while providing a simplified on-boarding process and the ability to close quickly."
Mark joined Bridgewater Bank in 2019 as Chief Technology Officer. In his position, he is responsible for driving the Bank's technology strategy by developing innovative, resilient, and secure solutions that generate efficiencies across the organization. By leading a dynamic team of IT professionals, Mark ensures the Bank's technology roadmap is aligned with business goals and growth objectives.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Executive Vice President
- Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer EOS Integrator
Mary Jayne has been with the Bank since its origin and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since 2014. Prior to her role as COO, she was the Bank's Senior Vice President of Communications, where she was instrumental in building awareness of the Bridgewater Bank brand, creating the branch network, introducing banking solutions and helping develop a strong positive culture. In her current role, Mary Jayne is responsible for directing the implementation of all strategic initiatives.
Mary Jayne has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and was recognized as one of the Top Women in Finance in the Twin Cities by Finance & Commerce in 2013 and 2020. Furthermore, she was honored as one of the Top Women in Business for 2017 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and is a founding member of the Women's Leadership Council of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Mary Jayne currently serves on the board of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional? "We have a knowledgeable and creative team that welcomes the 'out of the box' opportunity and moves quickly to structure a package best suited for our clients' needs."
Job Titles:
- Vice President Treasury Management Lead
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Commercial Lending
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President Consumer Lending
Mohammed joined the board in 2020 and is the lead founder, CEO and Principal Architect of LSE Architects, Inc., an entrepreneurial, Twin Cities-based architecture, interior design and planning firm. He has over 30 years of experience in design, planning and programming. Under his leadership, LSE Architects has provided architectural services for a variety of projects ranging from barbershops and schools to multifamily housing and U.S. Bank Stadium. As an architect that designs commercial buildings and market-rate housing projects, Mohammed brings unique insights into current real estate and construction markets.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "We go above and beyond serving our clients through unparalleled focus and dedication - offering smart tailored solutions with local decision making."
Job Titles:
- Vice President Treasury Management
What Makes Bridgewater Unconventional? "As a high-growth company, we have hard-working and dedicated colleagues doing the right things. We are building an extraordinary place with extraordinary people."
Nick serves as Chief Lending Officer and has been with Bridgewater Bank since 2007. He oversees a talented team of lenders and an active portfolio of loans. Nick is actively engaged in loan originations, primarily focusing on real estate lending in the Twin Cities. He has been instrumental in strategically developing specialty loan products in response to market demands.
Nick currently serves on the boards of Rethos Places Reimagined and Minnesota Housing Partnership and is often a guest speaker on numerous commercial real estate panels throughout the Twin Cities.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President Regional Branch Lead
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Bridgewater Bank is built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. When you work with us, you are working with banking experts dedicated to providing top-notch service at every interaction."
Job Titles:
- Vice President Construction Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "While many things comprise BWB's unconventional nature, my own contribution lies in my uncommon path to becoming a lender after previously being among the earliest clients of the bank as a real estate investor, builder, realtor, and property manager."
Job Titles:
- Managing Director Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "We understand our clients' needs and move quickly. The lending process at Bridgewater is streamlined and uncomplicated."
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Bridgewater's creativity and willingness to think "outside the box" is what separates us from traditional Big Banks."
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Not only are new ideas and approaches to banking accepted, they're encouraged."
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "At Bridgewater you have a team approach with a friendly, willing and able staff there to assist you with all of your banking needs. You can count on creative solutions and have direct access to decision makers that have the ability to think outside the box."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President Consumer Lending
Job Titles:
- Vice President Treasury Management Lead
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "At Bridgewater, identifying a challenge isn't a road block, it's simply the first step to solving it."
Job Titles:
- Director
- Founding Director
Todd is a founding director of the board. He is a shareholder at the law firm of Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A., a law firm located in Minneapolis. Todd has practiced with Winthrop & Weinstine since 1985 and has been a shareholder with the firm since 1988. He has served on the Board of Directors of Winthrop & Weinstine as well as its senior management and compensation committees since 1993. In addition, he is a practice leader for the law firm's real estate group, giving him significant knowledge of lending in local markets. Todd's involvement in real estate also expands to the development and ownership of several local real estate projects, primarily focused on multifamily housing.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Our dedicated team members make lending easy for our clients with sensible and quick decisions."
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Construction Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Banking and lending can be cumbersome. At Bridgewater, we're dedicated to simplifying the client experience."
Tom is a founding director of the board. He is the President and Founder of Trutna Enterprises, Inc. dba BIG INK, a visual communications company that creates branded solutions for Fortune 1000 companies, an organization he has run since 1999. Prior to founding BIG INK, Tom held marketing and business management positions at General Mills and Periscope, a Twin Cities advertising firm. As a prominent business owner in the Twin Cities and a long-standing resident of Minnesota, he has experience leading an organization and has significant ties to other local business leaders.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Bridgewater does things differently. When everyone else is going one way, we go the other and see things from a new perspective."
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President Commercial Lending
What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "We are able to understand deals quickly and offer seamless execution from initial meeting to loan closing by taking a common-sense approach to lending."