Meet the Team!

Brenda Headshot

Brenda Jensen, City Manager

Brenda Jensen was appointed City Manager, effective May 1, 2024. Brenda has a Masters of Public Administration degree with a specialization in Local Government from University of Nebraska at Omaha. She also earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Community & Regional Planning from Iowa State University. Brenda is a Certified Planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). 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. 

As City Manager, Brenda is responsible for the daily operation and overall administration of city government. Under a Council-Manager form of government, the City Manager is the administrative official responsible for:

    • Implementing Council Policies
    • Directing the day-to-day City operations and City team members
    • Appointing all Department Heads and managing senior City employees
    • Coordinating City development projects
    • Developing and maintaining the City’s budget, for Council action
    • Providing recommendations to Councilmembers regarding various issues
    • Undertakes a wide range of other necessary tasks


_KEP4898copyMichaella Bendfeldt, Public Information/ Executive Coordinator
Michaella Bendfeldt has been with the City of Kearney since May 2017, serving as the Public Information/ Executive Coordinator. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor's degree in Advertising and Public Relations, Michaella brings strong communication and organizational skills to her role. She provides essential support to the City Manager and plays a key role in advertising and social media efforts for both the City of Kearney and Kearney Regional Airport. Her work helps keep the community informed and engaged, ensuring that residents stay connected with the city's initiatives and services.