Unlocking Boardroom Opportunities: How the BDOC Supports PDA Members
For professionals aspiring to serve on a private company Board, the path to securing a seat can be complex. Unlike traditional job opportunities, Board seats aren’t widely advertised—they’re often filled through personal networks, executive search firms, or internal company referrals. This makes visibility, preparation and connections essential for anyone looking to step into a governance role.
The Board Director Opportunities Committee (BDOC)aims to help members overcome these challenges by providing valuable resources, networking opportunities and education to position them for Board service. The BDOC is poised to expand its impact in supporting members throughout their Board journey.
Michael DuBois, BDOC Chair and member of the DC Metro Chapter, shared his excitement about this development:
“The most exciting initiative this year is the launch of the BDOC committee and the talent it brings. The expertise of our new members—whether from industry, governance, or personal experience—will enhance the resources we offer, making BDOC even more valuable for members pursuing their first or next board seat.”
Overcoming the Challenges of Board Service
One of the biggest hurdles in securing a Board position is visibility. Unlike traditional corporate roles, Board positions aren’t typically posted on job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn. Instead, companies rely on personal networks, referrals and executive search firms to identify candidates.
“The main challenge is simply being seen,” DuBois explained. “Most Board searches are conducted confidentially, with companies leveraging their own networks or search firms to find candidates. The key is being connected to the right people and having a polished Board resume that clearly demonstrates your value.”
Another challenge is the limited number of Board seats available compared to the number of professionals seeking them. Boards don’t refresh as frequently as traditional job roles, making the competition even more intense. This is where PDA provides a distinct advantage, offering members access to exclusive Board postings, networking opportunities and educational tools to strengthen their candidacy.
Public vs. Private Board Service: Understanding the Differences
For those interested in serving on a Board, understanding the differences between public and private company governance is crucial. Many professionals assume that all Board service is the same, but the responsibilities, regulations and expectations vary significantly.
“Serving on a private company Board is very different from a public company Board,” Michael noted. “Public companies must follow strict regulatory requirements and answer to shareholders, while private companies have more flexibility in their governance. PDA is unique because our focus is exclusively on private company governance, ensuring that our members receive the most relevant education and preparation.”
While many organizations provide director education, PDA’s exclusive focus on private company governance best practices ensures members receive targeted insights, resources and networking opportunities tailored to private Board service.
PDA as Your Boardroom Internship
For those new to Board service, PDA functions as a “Board internship program,” offering a structured way to develop the skills, knowledge and connections needed to secure a directorship.
“Board service is a unique discipline,” DuBois emphasized. “Executives and business owners often assume they can step into a Board role easily, but being a director requires a different skill set. PDA gives members the opportunity to immerse themselves in governance, learn the language of Boards and refine their Board candidacy before stepping into an actual boardroom.”
The Board Journey Resource Centeris a key part of this preparation, offering:
- Recorded webinars and articles on Board governance best practices
- Guides on crafting a strong Board résumé and preparing for Board interviews
- Insights on different types of Boards (private, public, nonprofit)
- Exclusive PDA Board postings
Beyond these resources, BDOC is exploring technical enhancements to improve the candidate experience and help companies more efficiently identify top Board candidates.
Advice for Aspiring Board Directors
For members who are unsure where to start, DuBois’ key advice is to immerse yourself in the director community and build visibility:
“The best way to prepare for Board service is to get involved. Attend PDA events, network with current directors and engage with the educational resources available. Board opportunities come through relationships—being active in the director community puts you on the radar of the people who make Board decisions.”
DuBois also stressed the importance of persistence, noting that landing a Board seat takes time.
“Many highly qualified professionals think they’ll secure a Board seat quickly because of their executive experience, but the reality is different. On average, it takes about two years to land a first Board seat. It’s a marathon, not a sprint and consistency is key.”
Get Involved with BDOC
As BDOC expands, PDA members can engage by utilizing its resources, attending events and applying for board postings. For those interested in joining the committee itself, there is an annual call for volunteers, where members can apply to serve and contribute to BDOC’s mission.
“If you’re looking to serve on a Board, PDA is one of the best places to start,” DuBois said. “The more engaged you are, the better your chances of making the right connections and positioning yourself for a Board opportunity.”