Known affectionately as Mr. Manager, Merrett Stierheim served in local government across six decades. His death was announced July 8, 2024 (obituary) at age 90, and a celebration of life will be held September 25 in Miami.
To FCCMA, he was our longest living past president, having served 1974-75 with several years on the Association’s Board of Directors. He was honored with Lifetime membership in 2001 and became an ICMA Distinguished Service Recipient the same year, which includes Life Membership in ICMA.
Why the title of Mr. Manager? Merrett transitioned between cities, counties, and the school board with ease; he also built a reputation for taking on governments that were going through intense, politically divisive and even dangerous changes. He was twice the county manager for Miami-Dade County (then known as Metro Dade) and served twice as Miami’s city manager. He was an interim manager for Doral and Miami Lakes after their initial incorporations, and assisted Homestead and Opa-locka as a consultant. He served as manager for the City of Clearwater and Pinellas County, too. He was superintendent of the Miami-Dade Public School District, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and managed the U.S. Women’s Tennis Association. An appropriate nickname after all!
Merrett considered the ICMA Code of Ethics as a hallmark of the profession, and to ensure a commitment to it by future generations, he offered to speak on ethics panels at FCCMA and ICMA conferences for over 40 years. His stories were among the most challenging to hear. Over the past few years, Merrett relished serving as a “commentator” at workshops like the Closing Breakfast at the annual conference, he thought of his role as a senior statesman to add thoughts after other managers spoke on topics related to the profession. His wit, enthusiasm, and breadth of experience could not be matched during these workshops.
Merrett served his country as an Air Force cadet and First Lieutenant Navigator from 1953 to 1957. He interned with City of Miami after college. He is survived by wife, Judy Cannon, and his four daughters Laurey, Cathy, Mia, and Paula.
Quotes from past presidents colleagues and Senior Advisors within FCCMA
- ‘Merrett always ran toward the challenge and always advanced good governance as a Dean of the Profession’ (Horace McHugh and Bob Lee); “Merrett was truly a giant within our profession. What an honor to have served with him and worked with him.’ (Carl Harness)
- ‘Merrett was a true force of nature; this is a sad loss for our profession.’ (Ann Toney-Deal)
- ‘Merrett was a great representative of the profession.’ (William Whitson)
- ‘Merrett was an extraordinary man and will surely be deeply missed.’ (Joyce Shanahan)
- ‘Merrett was a remarkable leader and leaves a lasting impression upon communities in Florida’ (Mark Ryan) and; ‘a great man and a great legacy’ (Lee Feldman).
- ‘He was the quintessential public servant serving cities, counties, and school systems. He was a giant of a man who will be missed terribly, both personally and professionally.’ (Dan Kleman).
We know he is remembered throughout ICMA’s and FCCMA’s membership for his vast contributions to the profession; a proud legacy indeed.
