Vanderpool is Palm Springs’ interim city manager

James Vanderpool has been named Palm Springs’ interim city manager.

The former interim city manager of Anaheim replaces Scott Stiles, who who will retired on Nov. 1, according to a statement on the city’s website.

Vanderpool began work Oct. 21. Palm Springs will continue its search for a permanent city manager, a process that is expected to take four to six months.

While working in Anaheim. Vanderpool was in charge of 3,000 employees and a $2 billion annual budget. During that time the city had a population of 350,000, accommodated, 25 million visitors a year, was home to 20,000 businesses.

Vanderpool resigned this year following a disagreement with the mayor related to leadership and a complaint filed by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

“The city council carefully considered Jim’s extensive qualifications, professional experience, and the circumstances surrounding his Anaheim resignation,” said Mayor Naomi Soto in the statement. “We believe his decades of municipal leadership, experience managing complex city operations, and understanding of tourism-driven economies make him well qualified to serve Palm Springs.”