ECUA’s Executive Director Retiring, Board Attorney Departing

February 27, 2019

The Emerald Coast Utility Authority’s executive director and attorney are both leaving in apparently unrelated moves.

Executive Director Steve Sorrell announced his plans to retire at the utility’s regular meeting on Tuesday.

“After 17 years, it’s time for me to take some personal time, be with my family and enjoy our RV, which has been in storage for the last year.  It’s been a privilege and pleasure to work for and with the ECUA Board and staff.  Together we have achieved great things,” Sorrell said.

Bradley Odom, ECUA’s attorney, told the board that he will not renew his contract with the utility when it comes due on March 31.

Odom has not provided a explicit reason for his departure, but Sorrell told NewsRadio 1620 Odom is leaving in relation to ongoing lengthy litigation related to an eminent domain case involving the Lewis Bear Company.

Sorrell said his departure is absolutely unrelated to Odom or a grand jury report.

In July 2018, a grand jury issued a report on an investigation into complaints and allegations involving the ECUA. That report was sealed by the court and has not been released.

Sorrell’s Retirement

Sorrell joined the ECUA in October 2002, and was a driving force behind several significant projects.  These include the construction of the Central Water Reclamation Facility in Cantonment to replace the aging Main Street Wastewater Treatment Plant, the development of the Biosolids Composting Facility, the Materials Recycling Facility, and hundreds of water and sewer infrastructure projects.
At the ECUA board’s request, Sorrell has agreed to remain in his position for an as yet undetermined period to assist in the search for his replacement and the conclusion of key projects.  A final departure date has not been set.

Prior to joining ECUA, Sorrell spent over 30 years in public service involving various positions in engineering, law enforcement, finance, city management and utility services.

Sorrell and his wife, Linda, have been married for more than 44 years and have two children and sxi grandchildren who all reside out of state.

Pictured: ECUA Executive Director Steve Sorrell at the opening of the Materials Recycling Facility in August 2016. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

One Response to “ECUA’s Executive Director Retiring, Board Attorney Departing”

  1. Denbroc on February 28th, 2019 5:54 am

    Maybe this indicates that the Grand Jury report is about to be released. There’s a reason certain parties are fighting to keep it sealed. It’s probably not because it contains excessive praise.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News