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Derek Prior

Engineering Leader

Derek Prior is a seasoned software professional with almost two decades of experience in web development. He emphasizes successful team and product processes over rigid adherence to specific technologies. Derek shares his insights at conferences and through his podcast, The Bike Shed.

Derek holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

In his career journey, Derek has held various key roles at renowned organizations, including GitHub where he served as Principal Software Engineer, Senior Director of Engineering, Principal Engineering Manager, Staff Engineering Manager, Senior Engineering Manager, and Engineering Manager. Prior to GitHub, he contributed his expertise at thoughtbot as Development Director and Developer, as well as at Akamai Technologies, Inc as a Senior Applications Developer, and at Ipswitch, INC as a Systems Developer.

Derek's professional journey kicked off with a role as a Software Test Engineer Intern at Microsoft, and he also served as PC Classroom Operations: Programming Manager at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Highlights

May 1 · linkedin

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Senior Director of Engineering at GitHub! I'll be working with teams focusing on the overall health, performance, and maintainability of GitHub.com.

Jul 27 · linkedin

When I first got into Ruby, I set a goal to work at @thoughtbot. Two years later I joined and for the past five years it has not disappointed.

It’s time for my next adventure. Today is my last at thoughtbot. I’m full of emotion but the overwhelming one is thankfulness. I'm so thankful to have worked with this collection of people.

In early August, I'll begin a new chapter as an Engineering Manager at GitHub. I'm excited to live the remote-work lifestyle, for my new role, and to tackle new challenges these present.

Derek Prior
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Location

Somerville, Massachusetts, United States