Stephen McGill

About Stephen McGill

I lead complex, high-impact technology transformations for the City of Seattle—delivering enterprise systems that support public safety, utilities, and citywide operations.As a Technology Transformation Leader within Seattle IT, I oversee a portfolio of multi-agency initiatives and lead a team of 14 project managers responsible for delivering mission-critical systems across departments including Fire, Utilities, and City Light. My work sits at the intersection of strategy and execution—ensuring that large-scale programs not only launch successfully, but create lasting operational value.My experience spans full lifecycle delivery of enterprise platforms, including workforce management, billing systems, CRM implementations, and large-scale integrations. I specialize in navigating complex governance environments, aligning executive stakeholders, and driving accountability across internal teams and external vendors. I hold a PhD in Leadership Studies, where my research examined the implementation of Holacracy in the public sector. This work informs my leadership approach—balancing structure with adaptability, and ensuring that organizational design supports both performance and people. What differentiates my work is a focus on disciplined delivery at scale: 1. Leading enterprise programs across multiple city departments 2. Managing and developing high-performing project management teams 3. Driving governance, financial accountability, and execution rigor 4. Translating strategy into measurable outcomes I am particularly interested in advancing public sector technology leadership at the executive level (CIO/CTO), where I can influence not just delivery—but the future direction of how government serves its communities.

Experience

1. Project Delivery Manager

   City of Seattle

   Jan 2023 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Lead a portfolio of enterprise technology programs supporting multiple City of Seattle departments, including public safety, utilities, and critical infrastructure operations. Responsible for delivering large-scale, high-visibility initiatives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.Oversee and develop a team of 14 project managers, establishing delivery standards, governance practices, and performance expectations to ensure consistent, high-quality execution across the portfolio.Drive full lifecycle program delivery, including planning, execution, governance, financial oversight, and post-implementation support. Ensure alignment with citywide priorities, regulatory requirements, and operational needs.Key contributions and impact:Directed multi-agency enterprise system implementations, including workforce management, customer systems, and operational platforms impacting thousands of usersEstablished and enforced governance frameworks across departments, ensuring compliance with stage gate processes and executive oversight expectationsManaged vendor relationships and complex contracts, holding partners accountable for delivery, quality, and timelinesLed large-scale testing and deployment efforts, including coordination of thousands of test cases and resolution of critical defects prior to production releaseNavigated highly complex stakeholder environments, aligning executive leadership across departments with differing priorities and operational constraintsImproved delivery discipline through consistent use of portfolio tools, financial tracking, and structured reporting (Clarity, governance gates, executive briefings)Operate at a strategic and operational level—translating executive vision into executable programs while maintaining accountability for outcomes, timelines, and organizational impact.

Education

• Saint Martin's University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Organizational Leadership

• Green River College

  None, Radio Broadcasting

  1998 — 1999

• Saint Leo University

  None, Computer Science

  2006 — 2007

• University of Washington

  BA, Politics, Philosophy and Economics

  2009 — 2011

• Saint Martin's University

  Master’s Degree, MBA: Project Management

  2013 — 2014

• Tacoma Community College

  Associate's degree, General Studies

  2009 — 2010

Skills

• Crisis Management
• Education
• Program Management
• Networking
• Security Management
• Physical Security
• Military Operations
• Dod
• Managerial Economics
• Economics
• Business Strategy
• Troubleshooting
• Command
• Active Directory
• Operations Management
• Team Leadership
• Weapons
• Leadership
• Security Operations
• Intelligence Analysis
• Military
• Higher Education
• Army
• Emergency Management
• Security
• Team Building
• Management
• Government Contracting
• Process Improvement
• Project Management
• Network Administration
• Counterterrorism
• Defense
• Restaurant Management
• Government
• Executive Protection
• Interviews
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Security+