Each year, Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress presents the Gene Schultz Community Service Award to an individual whose volunteer service to the community best exemplifies Mr. Shultz’s own commitment to service. To be eligible for this award, one must contribute to the betterment of their community, participate in civic activity, be proud and enthusiastic of their community, make a difference, and have no selfish motivation, among other traits. 2025 marks the 36th year of this community recognition.
The 2025 recipient is Robert (Brian) Morgan. In the community, Brian's impact is incredibly broad. For over 15 years, he was a steady presence as a youth coach, directly shaping the lives and character of countless young athletes. His care is personal and often anonymous: he quietly helps those in need when they face hardship. He is known for donating to events and being a reliable small business supporter. Beyond his own work, he's a dedicated cheerleader and caring friend to others, always encouraging and supporting their efforts to improve Ottumwa. On the civic front, he has dedicated himself to public service, with terms on both the Ottumwa City Council and Wapello County Board of Supervisors. He has, and continues to, lend his time and expertise to a huge range of organizations over the years, including the boards of Pathfinders RC&D, the Bridge View Center, and the Ottumwa A-Club, and has been deeply involved with groups like Main Street Ottumwa, Meet Ottumwa, Southern Iowa Mental Health, and Oktoberfest, just to name a few. Most notably, he is the driver behind one of the region's most important recent projects as President of the Southeast Iowa Sports Commission, who lead the development of the Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center. This dedication starts at home. Brian (and Jill of course) are admirable and supportive parents who lead by humble example, actively supporting their own children and extending that support outward. This willingness to step up defines his contribution to the workplace, where he models strong ethical leadership and community partnership.
Brian Morgan promotes the improvement of Ottumwa through a powerful combination of grassroots community service and strategic public leadership, ensuring that progress reaches both city and county residents. One of his biggest impacts was his service as a Wapello County Supervisor. During his time as Supervisor, he was critical in securing the region's future through key achievements, including: he was instrumental in the county’s investment to expand rural broadband internet, connecting over 90% of residents and ensuring modern access across the county; he championed the board's ability to secure funding to essentially triple the size of the Pioneer Ridge Nature Center campground, significantly boosting local tourism and recreation opportunities; and he prioritized the effort to improve the salaries of county employees, a difficult but vital investment that was a hallmark of his term, showing his commitment to the people who serve the community.Each year, Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress presents the Gene Schultz Community Service Award to an individual whose volunteer service to the community best exemplifies Mr. Shultz’s own commitment to service. To be eligible for this award, one must contribute to the betterment of their community, participate in civic activity, be proud and enthusiastic of their community, make a difference, and have no selfish motivation, among other traits. 2025 marks the 36th year of this community recognition.
The 2025 recipient is Robert (Brian) Morgan. In the community, Brian's impact is incredibly broad. For over 15 years, he was a steady presence as a youth coach, directly shaping the lives and character of countless young athletes. His care is personal and often anonymous: he quietly helps those in need when they face hardship. He is known for donating to events and being a reliable small business supporter. Beyond his own work, he's a dedicated cheerleader and caring friend to others, always encouraging and supporting their efforts to improve Ottumwa. On the civic front, he has dedicated himself to public service, with terms on both the Ottumwa City Council and Wapello County Board of Supervisors. He has, and continues to, lend his time and expertise to a huge range of organizations over the years, including the boards of Pathfinders RC&D, the Bridge View Center, and the Ottumwa A-Club, and has been deeply involved with groups like Main Street Ottumwa, Meet Ottumwa, Southern Iowa Mental Health, and Oktoberfest, just to name a few. Most notably, he is the driver behind one of the region's most important recent projects as President of the Southeast Iowa Sports Commission, who lead the development of the Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center. This dedication starts at home. Brian (and Jill of course) are admirable and supportive parents who lead by humble example, actively supporting their own children and extending that support outward. This willingness to step up defines his contribution to the workplace, where he models strong ethical leadership and community partnership.
Brian Morgan promotes the improvement of Ottumwa through a powerful combination of grassroots community service and strategic public leadership, ensuring that progress reaches both city and county residents. One of his biggest impacts was his service as a Wapello County Supervisor. During his time as Supervisor, he was critical in securing the region's future through key achievements, including: he was instrumental in the county’s investment to expand rural broadband internet, connecting over 90% of residents and ensuring modern access across the county; he championed the board's ability to secure funding to essentially triple the size of the Pioneer Ridge Nature Center campground, significantly boosting local tourism and recreation opportunities; and he prioritized the effort to improve the salaries of county employees, a difficult but vital investment that was a hallmark of his term, showing his commitment to the people who serve the community. ... See moreSee less
