Aaron Sutherland is a dedicated public servant and was elected to the Newport City Commissioner in 2024. A native of Carrollton, Kentucky, Aaron hails from a long line of tobacco farmers, but chose instead to pursue a career in law.
Aaron is a lifelong product of public education, including graduating from Carroll County High School, earning a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University, where he double majored in History & Political Science and earned a Juris Doctor from NKU Salmon P. Chase College of Law.
Aaron has a long history of community involvement, serving in various leadership roles during high school, college and law school. He served on the Northern Kentucky Bar Association’s Board of Directors where he also chaired its Young Lawyers Section. He was elected to the Newport Board of Education (2021- 2024), where he was Vice Chair in 2024, further solidifying his commitment to improving the community he loves.
As City Commissioner, Aaron intends to leverage his legal expertise to tackle key issues facing Newport, including infrastructure development, public safety, and ensuring transparency in local government. His career in federal government and private law practice—focused on employee benefits, social security disability, injury and probate law—has honed his ability to navigate complex regulatory and legal challenges.
Aaron is passionate about improving quality of life in Newport, believing that innovative solutions are key to the city's future.
Outside of his professional and civic responsibilities, Aaron is an avid reader and lover of all things history, especially Kentucky and Ohio River Valley history and genealogy. His mom is a public library director. Aaron loves to spend time with his friends and family hiking, kayaking, cycling, skiing and being outdoors.
Aaron, his partner Nicole, their son Leon and dog Stella live in the East Row. Aaron loves his family, his community, animals and the Great Outdoors. His vision for Newport is one of progress and unity, as he works to create a brighter future for all.
“I believe we must be innovative in our approaches to our quality of life, most importantly the safety of our citizens.”