City Manager Jim Vanderpool takes a new job in Anaheim

Aaron France

After serving as Buena Park City Manager for eight years, Jim Vanderpool, is leaving to fill the top administrative spot with the City of Anaheim.

Vanderpool started his career with the City of Buena Park over 25 years ago in the Public Works Department, and served as Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager, before ultimately becoming City Manager in 2012. Under his leadership, the City has experienced a renewed interest in business attraction, including Porto’s Bakery & Café and the UNIS Corporation, the development of affordable and market-rate housing, increased tourism, the revitalization of Beach Boulevard, the expansion of the Auto Center, and construction of two key public infrastructure projects: Fire Station No. 61 and the Buena Park Navigation Center.

“City leaders are sad to see Vanderpool go, but are glad he’s not going too far,” said Mayor Fred Smith. “He’s helped our city do so many things. You couldn’t ask for a better City Manager.”

Vanderpool is expected to start with the City of Anaheim in September.

Aaron France, Buena Park’s current Assistant City Manager, will assume the role of City Manager on an interim basis beginning in September.

France began his career with the City of Buena Park in 2005, as an Administrative Analyst in the City Manager’s office. He was appointed Assistant to the City Manager under Vanderpool in 2012, and promoted to Deputy City Manager in 2017 and then Assistant City Manager in 2018. Currently, France oversees the Economic Development Division, Purchasing Division, Visit Buena Park, and the City’s marketing and social media efforts.

France holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from California State University Fullerton, and earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He is an Orange County resident and the proud parent of two sons, Aaron Jr. and Owen.