Ethical. Analytical. Perceptive. Decisive. These traits come up again and again as we profile this year’s Outstanding Directors honorees. The five corporate directors whom Twin Cities Business recognizes this year serve Minnesota companies in a wide range of industries: bio-tech, health care, finance, education, and digital marketing. They provide the big-picture perspective and counsel that help local businesses flourish, from 43 percent revenue growth for Bio-Techne in the past three years to Bridgewater Bank’s rank as the 10th-largest bank in Minnesota a decade after launching. The hard work and expert guidance that lead to those results isn’t always obvious outside the board room, which is why TCB created the Outstanding Directors awards 23 years ago and continues to honor worthy recipients every year. Meet our 2018 honorees, who are fostering innovation, vitality, and diversity in Minnesota companies. They represent the very best in board service.

— Allison Kaplan, editor in chief