Merrett Stierheim, the first town manager for Miami Lakes, died on July 7. He was 90.
Stierheim was a renowned professional manager of governments and organizations, credited with reforming scandal-plagued entities or providing stable leadership during troubled times, according to an obituary in The Miami Herald.
His service includes Supt. of Miami-Dade County Schools; manager of the City of Miami; county manager and interim manager in Doral and Miami Lakes
“I think he set the gold standard in South Florida for what professional management looks like,” Miami Lakes Town Manager Edward Pidermann said. “He was a role model for me and for all senior level managers in South Florida that have been here over the last 40 to 50 years.”
After Miami Lakes incorporated as a municipality in 2000, Stierheim served for eight months.
He donated the municipal seal that appears on welcome signs, in town hall and elsewhere; took over municipal services from the county; negotiated the first police contract and led adoption of the first budget and first strategic plan, according to the town and The Miami Laker archives.
Wayne Slaton, the town’s first mayor, said in an email, “Merritt Stierheim was an accomplished professional public administrator of the highest personal character.”
He said he invited Stierheim to take the job as the town began separating from the county and started providing services on its own.
“As the former county manager, he knew everything and everyone in the county government,” Slaton said in an email.
The town offices were on Main Street in a space opposite the Vie de France bakery.
Stierheim’s desk was next to a window and folks walking down the street could see him at work.
“What a change from his 23rd [floor], downtown Miami office,” Slaton said. “He really loved it.”
The men would dine together at the Johnny Rockets restaurant, which is now Korner 67, farther east on Main Street.
“His favorite was their signature hot dog and vanilla milkshake,” Slaton said. “Those were good times. It’s truly an honor for all of us, to have personally known the iconic Merritt Stierheim.”
Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services said plans are pending for a Celebration of Life. The funeral home may be reached at 305-279-6644.