Kearney city manager to retire at end of year

KEARNEY, Neb. — A longtime city leader in Central Nebraska is planning to retire.

Kearney City Manager Mike Morgan announced on Monday that he will retire at the end of the year. He has served as city manager since 2005 and has 38 total years of experience working in local government.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Kearney and I am extremely proud of the amazing accomplishments that have occurred during this period,” Morgan said in a statement. “The commitment, dedication and hard work, as well as teamwork, demonstrated by the City Council and City employees is the reason for our success.”

Mayor Stan Clouse says deputy city manager Brenda Jensen will serve as interim city manager following Morgan’s retirement while the city council evaluates future city leadership.

“Although Mike’s departure is a great loss for the City of Kearney, succession planning efforts will ensure the City will continue to provide excellent service to our residents as well as complete major projects currently in the works,” Clouse said.

Morgan had announced in July 2021 that he would retire in early 2022. He then decided to stay on as city manager as the city worked through major projects like changing the air service provider at the airport and starting construction on the Kearney SportsPlex.

Morgan also worked in government in Iowa, Texas, Ohio and Kansas.