Strategy is one of the board’s most important responsibilities, but in many organizations, the board's role in strategy remains unclear.

CEOs often ask:

• When should I bring the board into strategy?
• How much input is helpful versus disruptive?
• How do I use the board without losing management ownership of execution?

At the same time, board directors are asking their own questions:

• How do we add real strategic value without stepping into management’s role?
• What questions should we be asking?
• How do we know when to challenge versus support leadership’s direction?

Join the Private Directors Association (PDA) Minnesota Chapter for a practical discussion on how boards and CEOs can work together effectively on strategy. This session will introduce a simple framework for the board’s role in strategy that clarifies when boards should engage, how they can contribute meaningful perspective, and where governance stops, and management execution begins.

Through a moderated conversation, experienced board leaders will share examples from their own boardrooms on how strategy discussions unfold, from shaping direction and asking the right questions to monitoring progress and adapting when conditions change.

The objective is to give CEOs and directors a clearer way to think about strategy together.

Parking:
Free Parking is available on-site.

Registration:
PDA Members: $35
Non-Members: $50

Register

Panelists:

Mary Jayne Crocker Independent Board Member Bridgewater Bank

As one of the Twin Cities’ most admired business leaders, Mary Jayne Crocker is known for her strategic vision, commitment to leadership development, and dedication to building organizations that empower people. As Bridgewater Bank’s first employee, she played a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s strategy, culture, and growth, ultimately serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, where she guided long-term strategic planning and organizational alignment. She also held the previous roles of Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Communications, in addition to being the bank’s EOS Integrator. Mary Jayne’s leadership helped scale the organization to $5.4 billion in assets as of December 2025, and she continues to guide the bank as a member of its Board of Directors. Beyond Bridgewater, Mary Jayne serves on the Advisory Board for S&P’s Community Bankers Conference and has previously held board positions with Habitat for Humanity Minnesota and the Bank Holding Company Association. She is a founding member of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Council, and currently serves on the boards of TeamWomen and Merevie. Also an ICF-certified coach, Mary Jayne is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and fostering accountable, inclusive, high-performing cultures. It’s no surprise her leadership and influence have been widely recognized through multiple industry and business honors throughout her career.
 

Margrette Newhouse Independent Director/Managing Officer Lake Mountain Ventures, LLC

Margrette Newhouse has spent the better part of two decades in boardrooms where strategic conversations impact not only business success but family considerations, employee-owned futures, and the communities they serve. As an independent director and Managing Officer of Lake Mountain Ventures LLC, she has helped private company and nonprofit boards engage in strategic dialogue around client segmentation, finance, ESOP governance, technology, leadership development, and business continuity planning. A former commercial banking executive and college professor with family business roots of her own, Margrette holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, a BA from the College of Saint Benedict, and has completed the Private Directors Association certificates in Private Company Governance, ESOP Essentials, and Private Equity Governance. She currently serves as an independent director for Eckroth Music and has previously served on the board of Scherer Bros. Lumber Co. An active PDA Minnesota Chapter member, she most recently served as 2025 Vice President and Programming Chair and was recently elected to the PDA national board for a three-year term. She also serves on the nonprofit boards of Crescent Cove, a palliative and hospice home for children in Brooklyn Park, and Christmas Lake Homeowners Association.

Angela Christman Founder Merevie

Angela Christman is the founder of Merevie, a strategic advisory firm that helps leaders align strategy, people, and culture to drive sustainable organizational performance. Merevie partners with executive teams and boards on strategic planning, leadership alignment, organizational design, executive coaching, and culture transformation. The firm focuses on helping organizations navigate growth, change, and leadership transitions while building strong, resilient teams. Angela brings 20 years of leadership experience working alongside executives to translate business strategy into effective organizational structures and leadership practices. Prior to founding Merevie, she held senior leadership roles at Walmart and Marvin, where she led initiatives focused on strategic planning, leadership effectiveness, and organizational transformation. She also brings a personal understanding of business ownership and leadership transitions, having grown up in a family business. This experience shaped her appreciation for the unique dynamics of privately held and founder-led organizations. Angela also serves as Board Chair of the HR Executive Forum and as a member of the Board for Tubman, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families affected by domestic violence and trauma. She is also a member of the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Council, a network of senior women leaders focused on advancing leadership and business impact across the region.

Thank you to our Chapter Sponsors!

 

 

BRONZE SPONSORS

Thank you to our National Sponsors!

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