ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2020) — Anaheim’s City Council has approved an employment agreement with James Vanderpool to serve as Anaheim’s next city manager. He will join Anaheim on Sept. 8.
“I strongly support Jim as our city manager,” Mayor Harry Sidhu said. “I look forward to working with him as we continue to navigate the challenge of coronavirus and on revitalizing Anaheim’s economy for the benefit of our residents and neighborhoods.”
On July 28, the Anaheim City Council voted to appoint Vanderpool pending an employment agreement.
The agreement approved on Tuesday calls for an annual salary of $291,000 plus other benefits provided to executive managers.
Should Vanderpool depart in the next five years, he could be eligible for a severance pay equal to 12 months of his monthly base salary. If he departs after five years, after Sept. 8, 2025, he could be eligible for severance pay equal to six months of his monthly base salary.
Working at the policy direction of the City Council, Anaheim’s city manager runs daily operations of Orange County’s largest city.
Anaheim’s city manager oversees a $1.7 billion annual budget and a full-service city with dedicated police, fire, public utilities, community services and other departments serving residents, businesses and visitors.
Vanderpool steps into the role as Anaheim navigates the economic challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. But he also joins as Anaheim is set to see major development around Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Honda Center, as well as continued investment in The Anaheim Resort.
He has served as Buena Park city manager since 2012 and has been with Anaheim’s neighboring city for 25 years.
Vanderpool 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.
He previously interviewed for the Anaheim city manager position in 2015 and was seen as a strong candidate.
Vanderbilt will take over from interim City Manager Greg Garcia, who has led city administration since April. Garcia will resume his prior role of deputy city manager.
“I want to personally thank Greg for stepping up to lead our city during this transition,” Sidhu said. “He has done so with professionalism and the highest concern for the health and safety of our employees, residents, businesses and visitors.”
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, as well as working in the city’s Public Works Department.
Vanderpool holds a bachelor’s in public administration from Purdue University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix.
He will be Anaheim’s 15th city manager since the position was created in 1919, including those who have served on an interim basis.
Vanderpool is a lifelong Orange County resident and lives in Orange with his family. He has two daughters and enjoys watching college football, scuba diving and personal fitness.