Birth date: Sep 25, 1933 Death date: Jul 7, 2024
For more information about Merrett's life and career, please visit the following links: • Honoring Merrett R. Stierheim - Florida Atlantic University • FAU - Merrett R. Stierheim Video • Miami Herald Obituary • WTA - 'Remember Read Obituary
Over the years, I had fully intended to write to Merrett about how much I appreciated working with him at the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. As I looked into doing so again today, I learned that he had left us for a better place in 2024. A missed opportunity to tell someone how much they meant to you. Thank you Merrett for embracing a young girl from Arkansas on your team. Your kindness and work ethic were a true inspiration.
Shonna Green
Sunday, 10th October 1982 at 10am, City of Miami Alice Wainwright Park
We are braver and wiser because they existed, those strong women and strong men... We are who we are because they were who they were. It's wise to know where you come from, who called your name.
Maya Angelou
(https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/maya-angelou-quotes)
MRS was a true visionary, not only professionally, but in a way that he would provide pathways to leadership for young professionals regardless of gender or race. He created internships that operated at the highest levels of county government and gave opportunities for those interns to develop. I was a product of one of those internships that gave opportunities to minorities to succeed in public administration. He believed in me; guided me through the opportunities provided; and supported my continued growth and development. I am who I am because
“he called my name”. He will always be a part of me.
Eileen Maloney
When 20 years of employment with Pan Am Airways ended, I thought I'd never enjoy another job in the travel and tourism industry. I was wrong.
On November 11, 1993, I was hired by Merrett as his secretary at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. I didn't know much about Merrett but I learned a lot very quickly. I saw a strong leader who could also be a follower when called upon, a compassionate listener and an executive who was respected by his colleagues.
November 11 was and still is observed as Veteran's Day and I've often remarked to Merrett that we were veterans of several battles. He was not only my boss, mentor and confidante, he became a lifelong friend. He and Judy included me in many family activities, and I looked upon them as my adopted second family.
For me and many others, Merrett Stierheim is irreplaceable. He was unique in so many ways as evident by the many outpourings of love and kindness.
Rest in peace, dear friend, you will be sorely missed.
Carolyn Brownstein
The Boss-Mr. Merrett R. Stierheim:
I first met Mr. Stierheim in 1976 when he arrived in Miami as County Manager of Metropolitan Dade County. With that began 18 years as a direct report. Also began a 48 year professional and personal relationship. Where to begin. In 1976 I was a young Assistant in the County Manager’s Office with 6 years of local County Government experience.
As a staffer in the Office of Federal Aid Coordination, Mr. Stierheim took a keen interest in our ability to attract significant federal funds. He became impressed with our ability to get stuff done. I was impressed with his ability to analyze situations, establish specific goals and evaluate the results. I was also impressed with his people skills. I learned from him how to deal with elected officials and the press. I also learned the strong importance of ‘Family.’ Over time he then promoted me to the position of Assistant to the County Manager. A direct report with the office closest to his. A lot of confidence in a young staffer. I worked on many important projects for the community. I continued my 24/7 habits. Work hard and play hard. Get stuff done. Mr. Stierheim gave us broad authority and expected excellence. I think we delivered that. Important times in Metropolitan Dade County. Big challenges and big results. When Mr. Stierheim was recruited to be the CEO of The Women’s Tennis Association [WTA] he asked me to join him as Director of Administration. I said Yes. We went from 25,000 employees to 25 global employees. We went from government to a private global company. The confidence he showed in me was beyond belief. I was honoured to join him in that new venture. For me a fantastic learning experience I am forever grateful to him for that opportunity. He gave this kid a shot and I hope I delivered. After 4 years Mr. Stierheim was recruited in 1990 to be the President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau [GMCVB]. He asked me to join him as the Chief Operating Officer. I said Yes. Once again a new experience and expectations. He always assembled a diverse talented team to support his leadership. At every point he supported and helped me grow as an employee and as a person. He was: Simply The Best. He let you know what was expected, measured and rewarded excellent performance while balancing family. One thing he was always known for was his fierce loyalty to staff. He sure had my back lots of times. Hopefully I delivered. Eventually he was asked to be Interim Miami City Manager, again Miami Dade County Manager, Superintendent of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Interim Doral and Miami Lakes City Manager.
The GMCVB then did a global search for a new CEO and then offered me the job. Much of the Team I had was the world class Team Mr. Stierheim has assembled Team Effort Team Win. Over the years we stayed in close touch and had frequent lunches together. I remember August 2, 2023 our lunch at one of his favorites-Old Lisbon in South Miami. He drove there and we had a great time getting ready for his 90th birthday on September 25, 2023. While he may be gone he is still with me every day. I am what I am personally and professionally because of Mr. Merrett Stierheim: The Boss. Simply the Best/One of a Kind. Tough and Fair. Love You Sir, Billy.
*William D. Talbert III CDME. Miami, Florida USA.
18 October 2024.
A statement from the Stierheim family by Judy Cannon Stierheim: https://www.fau.edu/artsandletters/public-administration/pea/tribute-stierheim/
To Merrett's Daughters:
Many were blessed by your Dad in their life. And so many communities as well. We share your Dad with so many families from all the different positions he held and he always referred to them as his Metro Family, WTA Family, GMCVB Family, etc etc etc. His heart was huge with room for so many with so much love to share.
Mum/Judy
Mr. Manager
Boss, Mentor and Friend
I first met Merrett when he was City Manager in Clearwater nearly half a century ago. Worked with him in Pinellas and Miami-Dade Counties. Became friends until he passed.
MRS was a boss, friend, mentor and a role model. To be in his sphere was a privilege and an opportunity.
He cared about all people regardless of status. Equity was his North Star. He could be angry but not hold a grudge. He could be serious yet funny. He could solve the biggest problems and still pay attention to details.
The public service community in South Florida owes MRS a debt of gratitude. So do the tourism, education and tennis worlds. His memory should be cherished and used to motivate young professionals for many years to come.
Roger Carlton
Memorial for celebrated Miami-Dade manager Merrett Stierheim is set.
Here’s how to go:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article292411544.html
