Ottumwa Regional Health Center Welcomes New Board Member, Dr. Jeff Hendred (Ed.S.)
September 11, 2026
By Raquel Alderman
OTTUMWA, IA (September 11, 2026) – Ottumwa Regional Health Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jeff Hendred (Ed.S.), Drake University, to its Board of Directors. A lifelong Ottumwa resident, Dr. Hendred brings more than three decades of leadership, service, and community advocacy to ORHC.
Dr. Hendred has served Ottumwa as a teacher, longtime school administrator, and dedicated community leader. His service includes roles with the Human Rights Commission, Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation Board, School Administrators of Iowa, Buena Vista University Advisory Council, and the Ottumwa Community School District Advisory Committee. He currently serves on the Indian Hills Community College Investment Committee, Kennedy‑King Scholarship Committee, and Ottumwa’s Juneteenth Celebration Committee.
His contributions have earned numerous honors, including the KYOU Spirit of the Community Award (twice), the Gene Schultz Community Service Award, the Red Cross Hero of the Heartland Award, and the AmeriCorps Bronze Award, presented on the House Senate Floor of the U.S. Capitol. Dr. Hendred is also recognized as the founder of Ottumwa’s first ecumenical ministry serving Hispanic immigrants—an effort that helped establish a foundation for multiple Hispanic congregations now thriving in the community.
Beyond his civic leadership, Dr. Hendred continues to serve as a motivational speaker, associate pastor, mentor, bilingual interpreter, consultant, and Dean of the 2025–2026 Ottumwa Leadership Academy. He also contributes to the family business, Polar Xpress, and shares his musical talents through the ensemble Dave and Jeff.
“Dr. Hendred’s lifelong commitment to service and his deep connection to Ottumwa make him an exceptional addition to our Board,” said Richard Bergmann, CEO of Ottumwa Regional Health Center. “His leadership, integrity, and passion for strengthening communities align perfectly with our mission. We are honored to welcome him and look forward to the insight he will bring to ORHC.”
Dr. Hendred’s appointment reflects ORHC’s continued commitment to strong, community‑driven governance and advancing healthcare for the region.
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About Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC)
Ottumwa Regional Health Center is a 217-bed hospital that has served Ottumwa, Wapello County, and surrounding southeast Iowa communities for more than 130 years. The hospital provides a broad range of services, including emergency care, medical and surgical care, critical care, acute rehabilitation, obstetrics, pediatrics, and specialty services. These include cardiac catheterization, diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, wound care, pain management, sleep studies, pathology, and more. Ottumwa Regional Health Center is committed to its mission of Making Communities Healthier® and providing compassionate, high-quality care close to home. For more information, visit www.OttumwaRegionalHealth.com.