Despite the challenges, Kerstetter is confident we’ll see an uptick in CIOs serving on outside boards, especially as more are named to their CEO’s management team. Technology is clearly a competitive business strategy for organizations, he says, and having this expertise in the board room is a huge asset.

For those CIOs who seek to serve, there are several ways to go about snagging a board position.

Personal networks: Personal networks are the most common paths to board opportunities, according to the CIO Executive Council’s board survey. Butch Leonardson, senior VP and CIO at credit union BECU, serves on two boards: his alma mater Seattle University and a regional medical center. In both cases, he was approached to serve via his personal connections. "Once you are on a board, your name is out there", Leonardson notes.

Executive search firms: IDP Education CIO Michelle Beveridge used an executive search firm to find her board appointment, a common practice in Australia where she is based. The search firm matched her with a paid director position for the Historical Queen Victoria Women’s Center.

CIOs who have had non-IT experience are attractive recruiter candidates for board positions, says Kerry Moynihan, managing director at executive recruiter ZRG. He notes that the bad economic times may be a great chance for CIOs to nab board positions since companies are often more focused on operational efficiency as they used to be.

Carrie Mathews is senior manager, member services, for the CIO Executive Council.