How Do I Get on a Board?

• Obtain leadership experience. CEO’s and nominating committees want directors with senior management credentials, especially profit-and-loss responsibility.
• Make a strategic plan for yourself that points toward line positions. Operating experience and financial knowledge are key.
• Be visible at your company. Seek out committees or projects that give you a chance to interact with top management.
• Serve on a nonprofit or advisory board. You gain hands-on experience as a director while you discover what board service entails.
• Join and speak at professional or industry-related organizations. Participation in professional organizations provides opportunity for recognition and raises your visibility as a potential board candidate.
• Make board members, colleagues, and senior management aware you are interested and available for nonprofit and corporate board positions.
• Be aware of your company's policy about board service.
• Know about boards; be well read; take courses.

Source:
www.catalyst.org