Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. has announced several upcoming executive leadership transitions as part of a well-planned succession strategy designed to support continued organizational growth and leadership continuity. Mary Jayne Crocker, currently the Chief Strategy Officer, will retire from Bridgewater effective February 15, 2026, and will remain in her role until her retirement. Meanwhile, Jeff Shellberg, the Chief Credit Officer, will transition to Deputy Chief Credit Officer effective September 15, 2025, and will retire from Bridgewater on October 9, 2026. Katie Morrell, currently the Deputy Chief Credit Officer, will succeed Jeff as Chief Credit Officer, effective September 15, 2025.
In addition, Jessica Stejskal, currently the Senior Vice President of Marketing, will transition to a newly defined role as Chief Experience Officer, and Laura Espeseth, currently the Chief Accounting Officer, will transition to a newly defined role as Chief Administrative Officer, both joining Bridgewater’s strategic leadership team effective September 15, 2025.
Mary Jayne Crocker, who has been with Bridgewater since 2005 and served as the bank’s first employee, has played an instrumental role in the bank's growth. Under her leadership, the bank saw strong asset quality and robust loan growth. Jeff Shellberg, a founding member of Bridgewater, has also been instrumental in maintaining the bank's disciplined credit culture and risk management approach.
Katie Morrell, who joined Bridgewater in 2020, has been instrumental in sustaining the bank’s strong credit culture and performance, while Jessica Stejskal, who joined Bridgewater in 2014, has helped expand the bank’s market presence and reinforced its reputation for an unconventional banking experience. Laura Espeseth, who has been with Bridgewater since 2017, has further strengthened the bank’s financial leadership.
Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: BWB) is a St. Louis Park, Minnesota-based financial holding company founded in 2005. Its banking subsidiary, Bridgewater Bank, is a premier, full-service bank with total assets of $5.3 billion and nine strategically located branches as of June 30, 2025. As a result of these announcements, the company's shares have moved 0.67% on the market, and are now trading at a price of $15.89. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.
