Chris Zapata, with more than 35 years of public service including 25 years leading cities in California and Arizona, has been appointed Anaheim’s city manager.
The City Council unanimously approved Zapata’s appointment on July 24.
Zapata most recently served as city manager for San Leandro, a city of nearly 90,000 people just south of Oakland.
Earlier, Zapata served as city manager for National City in San Diego County and as deputy city manager of Glendale, Ariz., just west of Phoenix. He is set to join Anaheim on Aug. 6.
“Chris has the experience and community dedication we are looking for in a city manager,” Mayor Tom Tait said. “He has led growing, diverse cities similar to Anaheim with a strong focus on serving residents. He embraces what it means to be a city of kindness. We welcome him to Anaheim and look forward to working together.”
Working at the policy direction of the City Council, Anaheim’s city manager runs daily operations of Orange County’s largest city.
“Anaheim is a unique and vibrant community,” Zapata said. “It will be a privilege to continue my public service working with everyone who lives, invests and visits there. I plan to move to Anaheim, immerse myself in the community and spend time listening, observing and learning. I look forward to sharing my career experiences and working together with the mayor, City Council and organization to move the city forward.”
Anaheim’s city manager oversees a $1.9 billion annual budget and a full-service city with dedicated police, fire, public utilities, community services and other departments serving residents, businesses and visitors.
Since July 2017, Linda Andal has served as interim city manager. Andal is set to return to her prior position of city clerk upon Zapata’s start.
“I want to personally thank Linda for stepping up to lead our city during this transition,” Tait said. “We owe her a debt of gratitude for all she has done in the past year. She has worked to address key issues facing our city and has helped improve the quality of life of everyone here.”
Zapata will be Anaheim’s 13th city manager since the position was created in 1919.
