James Vanderpool
Anaheim’s City Council has selected James Vanderpool, city manager of Buena Park, as Anaheim’s next city manager.
The City Council on Tuesday voted to appoint Vanderpool as city manager, pending an employment agreement.
An employment agreement could come before the Council in August, and Vanderpool could join Anaheim in early September.
Vanderpool has served as Buena Park city manager since 2012 and has been with Anaheim’s neighboring city for 25 years.
He was identified as an Anaheim city manager candidate based on his work in Buena Park, a city that plays host to millions of yearly visitors to Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City and Buena Park’s revitalized section of Beach Boulevard.
“We know Jim, and he knows Anaheim,” Mayor Harry Sidhu said. “His success revitalizing Beach Boulevard is a model for us. We believe Jim is the right fit for the incredible opportunity that lies ahead with our stadium, arena and The Anaheim Resort. Just as importantly, he shares our commitment to seeing us through the coronavirus crisis and making sure our residents and neighborhoods benefit from Anaheim’s economic recovery.”
Vanderpool would take over from interim City Manager Greg Garcia, who has led city administration since April and would resume his prior role of deputy city manager.
Garcia was appointed interim city manager after the April departure of Chris Zapata, Anaheim city manager from 2018 to early 2020.
“I want to thank Greg for stepping up when steady, consistent leadership was needed,” Sidhu said. “He has skillfully managed our city and will continue to play a critical role in the days ahead.”
As Buena Park city manager, Vanderpool has been responsible for daily operations of the city of more than 80,000 residents, including the budget, public safety and policy directives from the City Council.
Vanderpool also has overseen Visit Buena Park, the city’s visitor and convention bureau, and has helped brand the city as a tourist destination.
Before becoming Buena Park city manager, Vanderpool served as deputy city manager and assistant city manager for the city.
He started at Buena Park in the Public Works Department, overseeing improvement projects and maintenance operations.
Vanderpool holds a bachelor’s in public administration from Purdue University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix.
The lifelong Orange County resident lives in Orange with his family. He is the father of two daughters and enjoys watching college football, scuba diving and personal fitness.