… And Why Board Experience Matters for Tech Leaders
If you’re a tech executive in Austin and you haven’t yet served on a nonprofit board, now’s the time. But any ask about how to get a board seat?
Board service isn’t just a way to give back… it’s a masterclass in leadership. Whether it’s the Austin Technology Council, a local charity, or an industry-specific organization, joining a volunteer board gives you access to a level of experience and perspective that doesn’t come from your day-to-day responsibilities.
The first way to get a board seat is to be involved in your community or industry trade association. Too often people think they will just be asked to join a board, but if you are not known to the organization or company… it would be hard for them to find you.
Real leaders show up.
Being on a board means being in the room when decisions get made. It means thinking beyond your company and engaging with the bigger picture; whether that’s workforce development, education, civic innovation, or the long-term strength of Austin’s tech ecosystem. These conversations stretch you, challenge you, and often introduce you to people you would never meet otherwise. Plus the community is watching, and those who serve the greater good get noticed in good ways.
Board experience prepares you for the next step.
Many executives aspire to sit on corporate boards later in their career. But that kind of seat isn’t handed out lightly. Serving on nonprofit boards shows you understand fiduciary responsibility, strategic governance, and how to be an asset in a boardroom… not just a name on a roster. You build the muscle for leadership at the highest level. Many of the more prestigious boards (non-profit or corporate boards) look to add those who have served other organizations.
And let’s be honest… the relationships are worth it.
Some of the best and most meaningful conversations happen around board tables. When you work side by side with smart people to solve real problems, you form bonds that last. Board service is networking with purpose. it allows a cross section of our community to see who you are behind the veil of your company.
It’s also worth noting: some boards have real expectations. Time commitments. Financial commitments. And that’s a good thing. When you’re on a board where members are asked to give or raise funds, it changes the level of investment and accountability. Everyone in the room has skin in the game.
Austin has thrived because civic-minded leaders have consistently stepped up to lead. Our tech community was forged by “Civic-Minded Leaders”. These types of people don’t just cheer from the sidelines, they roll up their sleeves. They attend meetings. They mentor. They fundraise. They advocate. They show up.
If you’re building a tech career in this city, you are encouraged to seek out board service… not just for the good it does, but for the growth it creates in you.
At the Austin Technology Council, we are actively seeking tech company leaders who want to help forge the future of Austin’s tech community. If you believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and civic-minded leadership, let’s talk.
Real leaders show up—and the future of Austin tech needs you.
If you want to learn how to get a board seat, reach out to the ATC leadership for a conversation.