Davenport was named as one of two new members to the board at the union's annual meeting in Dunedin on Monday night.
The other new member is Ross Hanson, after the board expanded to eight members.
Davenport (36) said she had been looking around for a governance opportunity and a seat on the Otago board would combine that with a lifelong passion for rugby.
She had been involved in the game all her life, had played it, and was a fourth-generation supporter of Otago rugby.
Originally from Waikouaiti, Davenport (nee McKewen) put her name forward and was selected after interviews by a board selection panel.
The mother of two said there had been much talk about the lack of female board members around the country so the best way to change that was by getting involved.
''I think females have not been putting their names forward and not helping themselves in getting on to boards.
''The only way to change that is to put your name forward,'' she said.
''I don't think being a female is going to be a hindrance. Not a lot is going to change for me. I'm in an industry where I find myself being the only woman in a lot of situations and meetings.''
Davenport is the treasury manager at Motor Trade Finances.
Married to James, she is mother of Millie (10) and Oscar (7), who plays rugby for Kaikorai.
Dunedin City Council chief executive Dr Sue Bidrose was involved with the board a couple of years ago but she was only appointed as an observer.
Hanson's elevation to the board is the latest step in a long association with Otago rugby.
Hanson (51), the organisational development manager at South Link Health, has coached teams at the Dunedin club right through the grades, and also coached Otago junior age-group sides.
He played rugby for South Canterbury before moving to Dunedin more than 20 years ago.
Hansen's background is in human resources, policy and procedures and he is keen to use those talents to help the board and Otago rugby.
The eight-member board is not massive and there are high expectations on Otago rugby, which he thinks is appropriate.
''I went to a meeting a while back of all the Otago coaches and management and we all got into a small room and it was not a lot of people in there,'' Hansen said.
''That sort of makes you realise how it is just a small group of people doing the work of the union.''
