About Stephen E. Sorrell, P.E., M.P.A.

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Stephen E. Sorrell, P.E., M.P.A.

Experience

Stephen (Steve) Sorrell brings over 35 years of management and technical experience in municipal, county, state, and special district agencies to Colin Baenziger & Associates (CB&A). In a very real sense, he has seen government from all angles and knows how to cut through the bureaucratic fog. He actively gets to the root of the problem, builds a team with the necessary expertise and leads them developing and implementing the right solution. His skill in identifying the right people - exceptional people - and empowering them to get the job done is what has led to his success across all levels of government, and proven invaluable to CB&A.

Although Steve is a Professional Engineer, he relishes working with people - in seeing them for not just what they are but what they can be. He is a mentor who strives to develop not just himself but others. He uses his appetite for growth to inspire others. His areas of expertise are many: electronics and electrical systems, collective bargaining, real estate, welding, automotive mechanics, air conditioning and heating, law enforcement, water and wastewater systems, solid waste, recycling, compost operations, and environmental regulations. No area of management or subject area is obscure to him and that means he can take on virtually any search assignment comfortably.

Some of the top management and leadership positions Steve has held include serving as Executive Director, Emerald Coast Utilities Authority in Pensacola, Florida, and as City Manager, Director of Public Safety, Assistant City Manager, and Director of Finance, all for Hamilton, Ohio.

Over the years, Steve has been responsible for hiring, among others:

  • Administrative Services Directors,
  • Finance Directors,
  • Engineering Directors,
  • Fire Chiefs,
  • IT Director,
  • Police Chiefs, and
  • Utilities Directors (in general operations as well as Electric and Gas).


Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Degree from the University of Dayton, Ohio, and Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was also a doctoral candidate at the University of Cincinnati. He is a member of the International City/County Managers Association, and has been a member of Florida City/County Managers Association, Florida Finance Officers Association, American Water Wastewater Association, President of the Exchange Club, President of the Safety Council, Chairman of the Neighborhood Watch Program, and served on the Board of Directors for Senior Services and the Chamber of Commerce. One day, he hopes to slow down - just not yet.