Kearney City Council appoints Brenda Jensen as city manager
The interim city manager in Kearney is now stepping into the role on a permanent basis.
By News Channel NebraskaKEARNEY, Neb. — The interim city manager in Kearney is now stepping into the role on a permanent basis.
The Kearney City Council approved the employment agreement for Brenda Jensen on Tuesday. Her appointment will be official on May 1.
Jensen spent the first four months of the year as the interim city manager, which is the top non-elected position in the city’s government. She spent the past five years as deputy city manager and director of development services.
“It is wonderful to have an internal candidate who not only has the skills but also has the passion for leading our growing community," Mayor Stan Clouse said in a statement. "Brenda has spent years learning the city from the inside out. She has learned the culture of service, transparency, and efficiency to ensure Kearney continues to be a top city in Nebraska.”
Jensen takes over for Mike Morgan, who retired in January after 19 years in the position. He announced plans to retire two years ago but decided to stay with the city in part because the council wasn’t happy with its applicant pool. City staff and officials specifically worked over those two years to develop Jensen for the role.
“Like her predecessor, Brenda and the City Council share the drive to innovate and find creative, new ways to deliver a powerful experience for everyone who chooses to live or visit Kearney,” Clouse said.
Before working for the city, Jensen was a community planner and project manager for a private engineering and consulting firm. She has participated in Leadership Kearney, Leadership Nebraska, and has served on various non-profit community boards.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to be the next City Manager of Kearney. The position comes with great responsibility and I’m ready to give it my all,” Jensen said. “Kearney is a growing community with so much to offer. With all of the exciting projects occurring, I am fortunate to help guide the continued growth that has resulted in Kearney’s progressive ability to provide creative solutions while ensuring we continue providing the high level of service our community expects.”