City of Sandusky Names John Orzech as Permanent City Manager
“The search for a new city manager has been a longer than expected journey,” said City commission President & Ex-Officio Mayor Dick Brady. “John never applied for this position. It was our Commission that reached out to him to determine his willingness to continue to serve this city as our permanent city manager. Just as so many long journeys end up with the return home, today this City Commission is returning home to one of its own. Under John’s leadership over the last nine months this city has not taken a pause or lost a beat. This city has been blessed with momentum. That momentum is still with us. We are not just turning a page in this city’s history. We are putting this city in the best position possible to continue on a path of progress to benefit all of our residents.”
Orzech first joined the City of Sandusky in 1997 as an officer with the Sandusky Police Department and was promoted to Police Chief in April 2013. In November 2020, Orzech retired from the Police Department and was named Assistant City Manager, a role he served in until being named Interim City Manager in November 2022. As Police Chief, Orzech was instrumental in creating the community policing division, working to create better relations between the department and residents of Sandusky, and implementing efforts to have the police force be more reflective of the city’s demographics.
"I am deeply honored and humbled by the City Commission's decision to appoint me as the permanent City Manager,” said Orzech. “Serving as the Interim City Manager over the past nine months has been a privilege, and I am excited to continue working alongside our dedicated team to enhance the quality of life for our residents and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our city. Together, we will build upon the strong foundation we've established and navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I am committed to fostering collaboration, transparency, and innovation as we shape Sandusky's future together. Thank you to the City Commission for their trust and support, the city staff for their exemplary service, and to the entire community for their ongoing partnership."
A veteran of the US Marine Corps, Orzech attended the 234th session of the FBI National Academy and in 2020 received the prestigious Mark Losey Distinguished Law Enforcement Service Award from the State of Ohio. He and his wife Jean have 4 children and 11 grandchildren.