Chip Sutherland

Financial Advisor

Business/Organization Represented:
Baird Financial

Chip Sutherland began his public finance career in 2002 at Hilliard Lyons, providing investment banking and municipal advisory services. He joined Baird in 2019 after acquiring Hilliard Lyons and currently serves as a Managing Director. Throughout his career, Sutherland has led over $15 billion in issuances for a variety of municipal clients, including universities, schools, utilities, authorities, healthcare institutions, and water/sewer districts, all while prioritizing community engagement and development.

A strong advocate for community-focused initiatives, Sutherland has spearheaded numerous high-profile financings that enhance local infrastructure and services. He has served as a financial advisor to the Louisville Arena Authority/KFC Yum! Center since 2012, leading a $387 million restructuring in 2017 that upgraded the entity’s credit rating from junk to A-. His efforts have contributed to the arena’s role as a vital community asset. Additionally, he has collaborated extensively with the Louisville Metro Government on projects that benefit the city, including constructing the $300 million Omni Hotel.

Sutherland has also facilitated over $1.2 billion in issuances for the University of Kentucky, funding critical campus projects that enhance educational opportunities and community access. Most recently, he served as lead municipal advisor on UofL Health’s $411 million financing and was awarded the 2022 Bond Buyer Healthcare Deal of the Year, further demonstrating his commitment to improving community health services.

In addition to capital market bond issues, Sutherland has vast experience with non-traditional municipal financings, including direct placements, forward deliveries, and revolving credit facilities. He advises on derivatives, short-term financings, federal loan programs, variable rate products, credit enhancements, guaranteed investment contracts, rating strategies, and Public-Private Partnerships. His relationships with investment banks enable him to create custom debt solutions.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Bellarmine University. Sutherland is licensed through FINRA as an Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative (Series 6), General Securities Representative (Series 7), registered Municipal Advisor (Series 50), and registered under the Uniform Securities Agent State Law (Series 63).