Buckeye council hires Doug Sandstrom as new city manager

The Buckeye City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to appoint Doug Sandstrom as the city’s next manager, following a nationwide search and months of interim leadership.

Mayor Eric Orsborn and City Attorney Scott McCoy praised the selection, calling it a critical step for the city’s future as it navigates rapid growth and significant development projects.

“Doing that nationwide search, doing our due diligence, making sure that we went through a process … you were the best in the nation for this position,” Orsborn said during the meeting. “It’s a perfect, very easy transition moving you into that role.”

McCoy emphasized that while the council reviewed dozens of applications, Sandstrom stood out as the top candidate. “It turns out that the best candidate in the nation to fill our position was right under our roof,” McCoy said.

Sandstrom succeeds interim City Manager Dave Roderique, who council members credited with providing stability after the abrupt departure of the city’s previous manager in March. Under Roderique's leadership, Buckeye completed the Harquahala water rights purchase and accelerated capital improvement projects.

Buckeye leaders thanked Roderique for his service and joked that he had “drawn the short straw” by taking on the temporary post.

Sandstrom said he was honored by the appointment and eager to continue building on the city’s momentum.

“I’m really excited about what I know the city will be accomplishing in the coming years,” Sandstrom said. “I’m looking forward to working with the mayor and council, with our extraordinary city team and the entire community, to continue to strengthen our reputation as a community of limitless possibilities.”

His annual salary will be $310,000, and he will begin his duties immediately, according to the city.