Fountain Hills Town Manager Ken Buchanan has announced he is retiring after 40 years of public service. He has been town manager in Fountain Hills since 2012.

There has been no effective date set at this time. The Town Council will determine a transition plan in the near future.

“It has been an honor these last three years serving the Town of Fountain Hills, and especially working with the mayor, Town Council and our dedicated employees,” Buchanan said in a statement released following the March 19 council meeting.

He added that he has enjoyed the challenge of leading the management functions of organization and working on the many projects that have enhanced the community during his tenure.

“Fountain Hills continues to have a bright future, with many good things yet to happen,” he added.

Mayor Linda Kavanagh said she has mixed feelings about Buchanan’s announcement.

“As mayor, I am saddened by the retirement of Ken but, as his friend and colleague, I am happy to see him embark on a well-deserved retirement after nearly half a century of public service,” Kavanagh said.

“Ken arrived with a wealth of experience and an enthusiastic management style that energized our staff and increased our productivity.

“I wish Ken and his wife, Debra, all the best.”​

During his nearly 40 years in local government Buchanan served as town manager for Payson and Florence and the city manager for Casa Grande.

Buchanan is a native of Arizona, received much of his higher education in the state including an associate of science in law enforcement from Central Arizona College in 1973 and a bachelor of science in community recreation management from Arizona State University in 1975, and master of public administration from ASU College of Public Affairs in 1988.