Chatham County Commissioner Aaron R. Whitely is a community activist, entrepreneur and advocate for education representing District 6. He received his bachelor’s in mass communication and a master’s in public administration from Savannah State University. A track and field scholarship from Savannah State University brought him to the Hostess City.

A U.S. Army combat veteran who served a tour in Afghanistan, he is focused on providing educational opportunities to Savannah’s youth. He has served as a youth mentor through 100 Black Men of Savannah and the PitBulls Athletic Organization.

“I believe that public service is in my DNA,” said Whitely. “My father was a Vietnam veteran.”

He added, “Once I was medically retired from the U.S. Army, I wanted to continue serving our community in another way,” he said.

Whitely has coached young men in basketball and baseball and young women in track and field. His passion for education led him to launch reading and tutoring programs and he has worked with grassroots organizations supporting voter registration efforts.

When he is not working for the people of Chatham County, he enjoys reading, traveling with family and learning history.

What does he love about Savannah? “I love the city of Savannah’s diversity and wide-ranging offerings,” he said. “There are spaces for formal engagements and spaces for informal fun affairs. Most of all I love that Savannah is in Chatham.”