Sarasota County hires new Stormwater Department director

Just one week after the Sarasota County Commission created its newly structured Stormwater Department, the county has selected a leader to head planning for and response to natural disasters.

On July 7, the county announced Ben Quartermaine, who had previously worked in the county’s stormwater operations when it was part of the Public Works Department, is expected to assume the role on Aug. 11 upon successful completion of standard pre-employment processes. A native of Sarasota, he has nearly 30 years of experience in civil design and stormwater infrastructure throughout Florida and holds a bachelor of science in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida.

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A lifelong Floridian, he’s led sustainable watershed management projects and renewable energy initiatives while working as a senior project manager at engineering, architecture and environmental consulting firm Stantec.

“Ben’s deep technical knowledge, passion for water resource conservation and proven leadership make him the ideal person to head our stormwater efforts,” said Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis in a news release. “We are confident his expertise and leadership will prepare us for the future.”

The Stormwater Department is separate from Public Works by a vote of the County Commission during its budget workshop on July 1. The department's dedication is to enhance flood protection, improve stormwater quality and support healthy watersheds throughout Sarasota County.

In his new role, Quartermaine will develop and implement comprehensive stormwater and flood mitigation strategies, lead infrastructure planning, maintenance and inter-agency collaboration.