Our Team

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 and Chief Executive Officer 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 currently serves on the Advisory Board for the commercial banking program at Marquette University.

A member of the board since 2019, Lisa is an Operating Partner at Carlson Private Capital Partners. As an accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience, Lisa brings expertise in operations, talent acquisition, human resources, mergers and acquisitions and leadership development to Bridgewater. Her background includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of Salo, a Korn Ferry Company, and eight years as the owner and entrepreneur behind Brezonik Consulting, a Twin Cities executive coaching and organizational consulting firm. Lisa also serves as a board member for Kipsu, Inc.

Jim is a founding director of the board and owner of Flagship Marketing, Inc., a privately held company that owns franchises with Express Services, 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.

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.

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 34 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. He is a member of AIA Minnesota and, in 2021, he was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows for his exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society.

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 35 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 Vocal Essence and St. Croix Valley Korean American Cultural Society.

Jeff is a founder of the Company and founding director of the board. He has worked in the regulatory and commercial banking industry for 40 years. His extensive experience in community banking includes strategic planning, policy formation, risk management, asset and liability management, as well as external and internal audit. As Deputy Chief Credit Officer, Jeff leverages his vast industry experience to support the Bank as a member of the loan committee and works closely with banking and credit teams to ensure strong asset quality across the loan portfolio. He previously served as the Bank’s Chief Credit Officer for nearly 20 years.

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.

Todd is a founding director of the board. He is a shareholder at the law firm of Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A., 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.

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. David currently serves as a board member for California BanCorp and Spend Life Wisely Company.

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 and Chief Executive Officer 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 currently serves on the Advisory Board for the commercial banking program at Marquette University.

Joe has been with Bridgewater Bank since 2013 where he currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and was named President in 2024. In his position, Joe directs and manages all financial-related activities, including accounting, regulatory reporting, liquidity management, investment strategies, insurance and capital development, while also influencing all facets of the organization, including contributing to strategic decision-making and corporate governance.

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.

Mary Jayne has been with the Bank since its origin and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer since 2024. In her role, Mary Jayne is responsible for shaping the long-term strategic plans and ensuring alignment with the bank’s objectives. She had previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company 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.

Mary Jayne has over 30 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 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in 2017 and as one of BankBeat’s Outstanding Women in Banking in 2024.

Mary Jayne is a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and currently serves on the boards of TeamWomen and the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, as well as the advisory board of Merevie.

Nick Place serves as Chief Banking Officer, where he oversees all aspects of client growth and relationship management, including lending, treasury management, deposit services, and marketing. Since joining the bank in 2007, Nick has played a key role in driving revenue growth and positioning Bridgewater as a premier Twin Cities commercial bank. As Bridgewater’s former Chief Lending Officer, Nick led the lending team and managed Bridgewater’s loan portfolio, playing a key role in building and maintaining client relationships.

Nick also serves on the boards of Rethos Places Reimagined and Minnesota Housing Partnership, and frequently contributes as a guest speaker on various commercial real estate panels across the region.

Lisa serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Bridgewater Bank, overseeing operations, technology, and product initiatives to drive efficiency and enhance the overall client experience. Since joining the bank in 2018, she has played a key role in positioning Bridgewater as a leader in commercial banking. Previously, as Chief Deposit Officer, Lisa led the Deposit Services and Treasury Management teams, contributing to the growth of the bank’s deposit portfolio and maintaining key client relationships.

With over 30 years of industry experience in commercial banking, Lisa has a track record of building effective teams, processes, and solutions that support growth. She was recognized as a Notable Leader in Banking and Finance by Twin Cities Business in 2023 and one of the Top Women in Finance by Finance & Commerce in 2021. She currently serves on the board of UMACHA.

As Chief Experience Officer, Jessica oversees marketing, community impact, and project management. She leads enterprise initiatives that unify and elevate the client experience across all channels, strengthening Bridgewater’s reputation and driving business growth. Jessica joined the Bank in 2014 as its first marketing employee and built the department from the ground up, while cultivating and amplifying Bridgewater’s unconventional brand. She most recently served as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Jessica was named a Notable Marketing Leader by Twin Cities Business in 2025, recognized for her creativity and strategic leadership.

Laura serves as Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing all aspects of finance and facilities. Since joining Bridgewater in 2017, she has held various leadership roles within the finance department where she has helped guide the Bank through pivotal moments, including the initial public offering, acquisitions, and capital raises. Most recently, she served as Chief Accounting Officer. With a background in public accounting and a proven track record of strengthening financial controls during the Bank’s growth, Laura brings a strong combination of technical expertise and leadership continuity. She was recognized as a Top Women in Finance by Finance & Commerce in 2018.

As Chief Credit Officer, Katie is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Bank’s credit policies and practices. She chairs the loan and credit risk management committees and plays an integral role in determining credit actions on the Bank’s largest lending relationships. Since joining Bridgewater in 2020, she has been instrumental in sustaining the Bank’s strong credit culture and performance while supporting its lending teams through a period of strategic growth. Katie brings more than 18 years of experience in financial services, credit risk management, and strategic leadership. She previously served as Deputy Chief Credit Officer.

What makes Bridgewater unconventional:

"Founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, Bridgewater possesses a unique strength in understanding our clients' needs and providing the level of service and financing our clients deserve."

Specialty: C&I

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "A bank for entrepreneurs founded by entrepreneurs. We don't just understand our clients' needs, we anticipate them."

Specialty: Construction

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.”

Specialty: C&I

NMLS #828580

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "We’re more than a bank. This is a community and we’re building something special. Our team and clients are proud to be part of this homegrown story."

Specialty: C&I

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."

Specialty: C&I

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Our commitment to challenging the status quo and continuously searching for new ways to provide creative solutions for our clients is second to none."

Specialty: CRE

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."

Specialty: Affordable Housing

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."

Specialty: Construction

What makes Bridgewater unconventional:

"We approach each client with a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial spirit so that we can understand the client’s needs quickly and provide the level of service they deserve. I should know, I was a client of Bridgewater Bank before joining the team. "

Specialty: Affordable Housing

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Bridgewater's creativity and willingness to think “outside the box” is what separates us from traditional Big Banks."

Specialty: Affordable Housing

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "We understand our clients' needs and move quickly. The lending process at Bridgewater is streamlined and uncomplicated."

Specialty: Commercial Real Estate

NMLS: #1070733

What makes Bridgewater unconventional:

“Bridgewater’s commitment to establishing, building, and growing relationships with its clients is unmatched in today's banking world."

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."

Specialty: C&I Lending

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."

Specialty: CRE

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Banking and lending can be cumbersome. At Bridgewater, we're dedicated to simplifying the client experience."

Specialty: Construction

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."

Specialty: C&I

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "BWB is constantly evolving to anticipate our clients' wants and needs."

Specialty: Construction

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."

Specialty: Affordable Housing

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.”

Specialty: CRE

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: "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."

Specialty: Commercial Real Estate Lending

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Flexibility. Local decision making. Responsive. It’s as simple as that."

Specialty: C&I

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Bridgewater Bank is a dedicated partner in transforming clients' ideas and needs into successful ventures through an entrepreneurial approach."

Specialty: CRE

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."

Specialty: Commercial Real Estate

NMLS #470213

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "Bridgewater has a forward-thinking entrepreneurial spirit combined with common sense banking solutions – what’s not to like?"

Specialty: C&I

NMLS #1767546

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: “We have both the drive to respond to our clients quickly and the knowledge to be accurate with our response. We work to build lasting relationships with our clients – Bridgewater is about more than just accounts and loans.”

Specialty: C&I

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!"

Specialty: Treasury Management

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.”

Specialty: Client Services

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."

Specialty: Treasury Management

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "At Bridgewater, identifying a challenge isn’t a road block, it’s simply the first step to solving it."

Specialty: 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."

Specialty: Treasury Management

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."

NMLS #649588

What makes Bridgewater unconventional:

"Bridgewater Bank was built on taking a unique approach to banking. My goal is to 'hit it out of the park' for our clients, think outside-of-the-box, be professional, flexible and creative."

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "At Bridgewater, you’ll find a cohesive culture fueled by dedicated team members who share a passion for building strong client relationships through our entrepreneurial mindset and unconventional approach."

What makes Bridgewater unconventional: "At Bridgewater Bank, you’ll find expert service tailored for entrepreneurs, delivered by a team who knows how to think outside the box."

Specialty: Treasury Management