Glenna Milberg, Reporter. Published:July 7, 2024 at 9:24 PM. Updated:July 8, 2024 at 5:55 PM. Glenna Milberg, Reporter. MIAMIDADE COUNTY, Fla. Public servant doesn t begin to describe the South Florida life and career of Merrett Stierheim. Fixer, maybe? Savior? The smart, strategic mind they called in to fix what no one else could. Stierheim was a former Miami city manager and was MiamiDade County manager twice. He was known as a leader who was as ethical and principled as he was analytical and visionary, with a blunt, direct style. What was supposed to be a sixmonth internship at Miami City Hall while getting a masters from the University of Pennsylvania, he ended up writing blueprints for reorganizing a tumultuous government and reforming politically tainted departments. As MiamiDade County manager during tumultuous times, Stierheim was the battle general behind the logistics of absorbing more than 100,000 refugees in the Mariel Boatlift and responding to an erupting city during race riots. In the decades after, he would create economic engines for South Florida as CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and by creating the Beacon Council. In the early 2000 s, Stierheim was brought in to take over a scandalplagued public school district as superintendent and reversed what he himself called a politicallyridden system. Stierheim, the fixer, has been called in to save cities all over the county from spiraling  in some cases without pay, including in Opalocka, Doral and Miami Lakes. His policy papers and work through the decades is preserved in state archives and in the library of Congress. Stierheim, who died at 90 years old, is survived by his wife Judy, four daughters, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Their message to South Florida: that they are lifted up with an outpouring of love from so many in this community. Later this month, the county commission will take up a resolution naming part of the South Dade Busway between Dadeland South Metrorail Station and Southwest 112 Street as The Merrett R. Stierheim Busway. . Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com  All rights reserved. Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as cohost on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida.". email. facebook. twitter. Recommended Videos. Cookie Preferences. If you need help with the Public File, call 954 3642526. Copyright 2024 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company.
Merrett Stierheim, a respected public servant known for his ethical leadership and strategic vision, passed away at 90. Throughout his career, he successfully reformed governments, managed crises like the Mariel Boatlift, and revitalized the South Florida economy. Remembered as a "fixer," Stierheim's legacy lives on through his contributions to various communities.