Sean Middlemist
Cave Creek,AZ
Summary
Accomplished Senior Director of Software Engineering with over 25 years of experience leading high-performing engineering organizations, delivering scalable software solutions, and driving strategic technology initiatives. Known for strong leadership, a strategic mindset, operational excellence, and the ability to align engineering execution with business goals. Proven track record managing large teams, multimillion‑dollar budgets, and complex cross‑functional programs.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Engineering
Choice Hotels
Scottsdale, Arizona
04.2004 - Current
- Oversaw an engineering organization of 40+ software developers, managers, and technical specialists, delivering mission-critical applications and services.
- Owned and managed a $5M annual engineering budget, optimizing resource allocation, tooling investments, and vendor spending.
- Partnered with business and IT stakeholders to define and deliver annual technology roadmaps that aligned engineering priorities with strategic goals.
- Led vendor management efforts, including performance oversight, contract evaluation, and integration of third-party solutions.
- Ensured strong financial governance by working closely with finance and audit teams to meet compliance, reporting, and control requirements.
- Built and scaled high-performing teams through recruitment, coaching, and succession planning.
- Guided multiple parallel initiatives across the software delivery lifecycle, driving predictability and execution excellence.
Senior Software Consultant
Meridian Technology Group
Lake Oswego, Oregon
01.1998 - 04.2004
- Developed detailed functional and technical specifications for call center, inventory and warehousing, and billing system applications.
- Served as a Database Administrator, overseeing database performance, maintenance, and optimization.
- Executed quality assurance testing to verify software functionality and user experience.
- Managed project timelines and deliverables to ensure successful completion within scope.
- Implemented best practices in software development lifecycle to optimize project outcomes.
Programmer Analyst
Greenbrier & Russel
Denver, Colorado
01.1994 - 01.1998
- Developed and maintained software applications based on user requirements and technical specifications.
- Conducted thorough application testing to identify and resolve software defects prior to deployment.
- Managed database management tasks, optimizing data storage and retrieval processes for improved performance.
- Created and updated technical documentation, ensuring clarity and accessibility for end-users and stakeholders.
- Supported software deployment activities, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
University of Colorado
CO05-1994
Skills
- Technical leadership and organizational management
- Strategic thinking and technology road mapping
- Stakeholder engagement
- Budget ownership and financial management
- Vendor management and contract negotiations
- Audit controls, compliance, and financial governance
- Cross-functional collaboration (business IT stakeholders)
- Talent development, team building, and interviewing
- Program management and delivery oversight
- Agile and Lean software development practices
- Effective communication
Affiliations
Fly Fishing, Golfing, Camping, and Coaching Youth Sports
Timeline
Senior Director of Engineering
Choice Hotels
04.2004 - Current
Senior Software Consultant
Meridian Technology Group
01.1998 - 04.2004
Programmer Analyst
Greenbrier & Russel
01.1994 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Science -
University of Colorado