City Manager

John Hayden is a lifelong Newport resident and graduate of Newport High, Thomas More College, and Chase College of Law. He lives in South Newport with his wife, Nikki, and youngest children, Kendall and James. He spent eight years serving as Newport City Commissioner and has worked on city staff since 2017 as an attorney until 2022 when he was named Assistant City Manager. He began the role of City Manager in January 2025.

In Kentucky, the city manager form of government largely resembles the commission plan, in that the city elects four commissioners and a mayor to serve on the board of commissioners. The board of commissioners appoints a city manager who acts as the chief administrative officer for the city. This individual is a professional who is employed by the city to run the operational affairs of the city on a day-to-day basis. The Office of City Manager is responsible for the effective administration and operation of all municipal services for the City of Newport. In addition, the office oversees all redevelopment and economic development. The City Manager also tracks the progress of various projects, monitors city departments, and maintains intergovernmental relationships with the federal, state and other local governments.

The following department heads report to the City Manager: The City Attorney, the Finance Director, the Fire Chief, Planning and Development Director, the Police Chief, and the Public Services Director.