Palm Springs Appoints James Vanderpool Interim City Manager
The city council selected the former Anaheim executive to oversee operations as a search for a permanent successor begins.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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The Palm Springs City Council has appointed James Vanderpool to serve as the city's interim city manager. He steps into the role as outgoing city manager Scott Stiles prepares to retire.
Why it matters
The appointment leverages Vanderpool's extensive background in municipal leadership and his specific experience managing tourism-driven economies. His transition period will overlap with Stiles to ensure operational continuity during the recruitment for a permanent hire.
Vanderpool brings extensive leadership experience, having previously managed a $2 billion city budget and a workforce of 3,000 employees in Anaheim. The city has hired Bob Murray & Associates to lead a search expected to last four to six months.
The players
James Vanderpool
He is an experienced municipal administrator who previously served as the city manager for both Anaheim and Buena Park.
Scott Stiles
He is the outgoing city manager of Palm Springs who is departing the role.
Bob Murray & Associates
This is an executive search firm contracted by the city to manage the nationwide recruitment process for a permanent city manager.
The details
Vanderpool brings over three decades of local government experience, including an eight-year tenure as the city manager of Buena Park and a recent leadership role in Anaheim. The council initiated a nationwide recruitment effort to find a permanent replacement for the position.
Timeline
Vanderpool began his local government career in 1995.
Vanderpool served as Anaheim city manager from September 2020 until February 2026.
Vanderpool starts his new role on October 29, 2026.
Scott Stiles will officially depart on November 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition reflects the broader trend of leadership turnover in Southern California municipal government as cities seek experienced hands to navigate complex local economies. The move aligns with standard regional practices of utilizing executive firms to maintain continuity during leadership gaps.
Residents can expect a standard transition period as Vanderpool takes over daily municipal operations from Stiles. The city's primary services and administration remain under professional management while the search for a permanent leader proceeds.
The takeaway
Interim appointments are common tools cities use to maintain stability during leadership transitions. Residents should stay informed through official council updates as the nationwide search for a permanent successor progresses in the coming months.
Further reading
For more information on local government leadership changes, visit Palm Springs People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
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