Meet the Team!

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Michael W. Morgan, City Manager
Michael W. Morgan has served the City of Kearney as City Manager since 2005. Mr. Morgan has been in City Management for over 35 years, serving as Deputy City Manager in Salina, Kansas and Delaware, Ohio before coming to Kearney. Boone, Iowa native, Mr. Morgan attended Northwest Missouri State University to receive a Bachelors degree in Political Science and later went on the Drake University earning his Masters in Public Administration.

Under a Council-Manager form of government, as City Manager, Mr. Morgan is the administrative official responsible for implementing Council policies.  The City Manager:

  • Directs the City work force
  • Prepares the annual budget for Council action
  • Recommends to the Council measures considered important
  • Appoints department heads and staff
  • Undertakes a wide range of other necessary tasks

Additionally, the City Manager attends all the City Council meetings and advises the Council on the technical implications of its decisions.

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Brenda Jensen, Assistant City Manager

Brenda Jensen was named Assistant City Manager in March 2022. As Assistant City Manager, Brenda is responsible for assisting with the daily operations of city government, conducting research, and managing special projects. She is also responsible for overseeing the Development Services Department and is responsible for ensuring the quality and compatibility of new development and redevelopment in Kearney and the surrounding jurisdiction.

Brenda is a Certified Planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Brenda earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Community & Regional Planning from Iowa State University and her Master’s of Public Administration from University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has worked for the City of Kearney since 2018. Prior to her time at the City of Kearney, she worked in the private sector as a Community Planner.