Assistant city manager John Hayden will replace Tom Fromme as the Newport city manager.
The Newport City Commission decided Tuesday evening to hire Hayden to succeed Newport City Manager Tom Fromme, who announced in September that he would retire at the end of the year after 44 years with the city, including 19 years as city manager. Hayden’s appointment will be official with a formal vote of the city commission, which has yet to be scheduled.
Newport Planning and Building Director Brian Steffen will be named assistant city manager when the commission votes. Both will assume their new roles on Jan. 1, 2025.
Hayden, 43, is a Newport native and graduate of Newport High School; he is also an attorney who served eight years as a Newport City Commissioner.
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I fully realize that I have tremendous shoes to fill,” Hayden said. “Tom Fromme was an amazing city manager who taught me tremendous lessons that have prepared me for this role. I am looking forward to this incredible opportunity.
“I’ve lived in Newport my whole life, I’ve worked with the city since 2009 and I’m very excited to begin this next chapter in our city’s history,” he said. “Brian and I, along with the city commission and our great city staff, have a lot of exciting development taking place and some great plans for the future. I am confident this team is up to the task.”
Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. said Hayden was selected after an internal search and careful consideration.
“We are confident that John Hayden brings the leadership, experience and vision that will continue to guide Newport toward a bright and prosperous future,” Guidugli Jr. said. “John’s vast knowledge and experience are excited for the fresh perspectives and energy he will bring to Newport. He is eager to engage with our community, listen to your concerns and work collaboratively to ensure that Newport remains a thriving and vibrant city for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
Fromme said he was pleased with the leadership team the city will have in place for the future.
“It was a difficult choice because we have some very good candidates,” Fromme said. “But I am pleased with the process and the results. It is a new era. And I know John and Brian will keep the city moving forward.”
Hayden has been involved in politics and government for most of his adult life.
As a 21-year-old college student, Hayden interned for Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell. He was elected to the Newport City Commission in 2008, defeating the longest-serving commissioner in the city’s history at the time. He is a graduate of Thomas More College and Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University.
Hayden’s wife, Nichole, is the assistant principal at Newport Primary School. The couple has four children.
Fromme joined the city as a police officer in 1980, became police chief in 1991 and was named city manager in 2005. For a time, he served a dual role as police chief as well as city manager.
“Under Tom Fromme’s steady hand, Newport experienced remarkable growth and progress, achieving too many accomplishments to list,” Guidugli Jr. said. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Tom for his long-standing service and commitment to making Newport a better place for all.”