Kearney city manager retiring at end of year

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - The top city official for Kearney announced he plans to retire, again.

Mike Morgan has served in the role of city manager since January 2005 with the goal to retire effective December 31, 2023.

He had announced plans back in July 2021 that he had hoped to retire in early 2022, but after city leadership was unable to find someone to fill the position, he remained on the job.

This time, it looks like Morgan will step away from the position.

Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse said Deputy City Manager Brenda Jensen will serve as interim city manager following Morgan’s retirement.

“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 project currently in the works,” Clouse said.

During Morgan’s 38-year career in local government, he has served the cities of Des Moines, IA, Dallas, TX, Delaware, Ohio, Salina, KS and Kearney.

“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. The commitment, dedication and hard work, as well as teamwork, demonstrated by the City Council and City employees is the reason for our success,” Morgan said.

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