In this study, I investigate the educational background and professional expertise of directors of firms quoted at Borsa Istanbul. The findings reveal that, compared to directors of lower educational and technical qualifications, a higher percentage of directors with advanced degrees such as PhDs, and a higher percentage of directors with accounting expertise, and that are lawyers or professors serve on various committees of the boards, and are assigned as independent directors to the boards. However, a lower percentage of professional experts with advanced educational degrees serve as CEOs or chairmen of boards, compared to other directors. These results highlight the importance of technical skills and knowledge in monitoring effectiveness, whereas suggesting that these skills are not as highly valued in top managerial positions.