How Senior Executives Get Directorships

A Roadmap to Your Next Board Seat was written with two groups of readers in mind. First, current board directors seeking additional seats, looking to expand into PE-owned, ESOP, family enterprise, public company, advisory, or industry nonprofit boards. Second, aspiring board directors, including senior executives, functional leaders, entrepreneurs, retired military officers, and transitioning federal executives.

Publication date: October 1, 2026

A Roadmap to Your Next Board Seat is a practical, end-to-end playbook for executives and current directors who are board-capable but not yet consistently board-selected. The book offers a guide to board fit, positioning, networking, outreach, and the selection process. It starts by demystifying how boards actually recruit and decide: what nom/gov committees screen for, the signals that create confidence (and the red flags that stall candidacies), and how different ownership models (PE, family, ESOP, public, founder-led) change what “a good director” looks like.

For current directors, the book improves seat velocity and portfolio quality: sharper positioning, clearer committee utility, and a more systematic approach to expanding into PE, ESOP, and family-enterprise boards—without wasting cycles on low-probability targets.

For aspiring directors, it translates strong operating careers (including military/federal leadership) into governance language and proof points, reducing the “experience gap” perception and increasing interview conversion.

For both, it replaces ad hoc networking with a repeatable process that yields better introductions, stronger credibility signals, and faster, better-fit board outcomes.

Also by Tate Pursell

A Primer For Financial Managers Transitioning Between Sectors

Are you ready to make the leap between government service and the private sector—or vice versa? The path to success in this transition can be daunting, but Government vs. Private Sector Financial Management is your comprehensive guide to navigating the financial, operational, and cultural differences between these two worlds.

Whether you’re a government executive stepping into a corporate boardroom or a private sector leader entering the halls of public service, author Tate Pursell brings decades of cross-sector leadership to help you succeed. With real-world examples, practical strategies, and expert analysis, Tate reveals how to adapt to new financial standards, balance public accountability with profitability, and develop the leadership skills necessary to thrive in your new environment.

This book doesn’t just explore the technical differences in accounting and financial reporting; it equips you with the tools to lead effectively, manage risks, and make informed decisions that align with your new organizational goals. From financial planning and risk management to performance metrics and governance, Government vs. Private Sector Financial Management is the essential resource for executives preparing to excel in their new roles.

A practical guide for financial managers transitioning between sectors, informed by experience across government, industry, and the boardroom.