Aaron Sanders was born in Lansing, Michigan. He joined the Air Force as a Crew Chief on A10s, then attended Lansing Community College and received a certificate in Corrections and studied toward becoming a paralegal. Once Sanders was employed with OPEIU Local 512, he returned to Lansing Community College to take classes that would better assist him with field labor relations and contract negotiations.

In May 1987, Sanders joined the Michigan Department of Corrections. In October 1995, he was injured in the line of duty defending an officer from a prisoner assault, resulting in a surgery to repair his hand.

In 1996, while convalescing from his injury, Sanders volunteered with Local 512. He later became employed with Local 512 as a Labor Representative.

Sanders is currently employed with Local 2002 as a Labor Representative, but has remained as a member of Local 512. He has arbitrated approximately 300 cases for OPEIU as a Labor Representative in front of the Michigan Department of Civil Services and AAA.

While serving as a member with OPEIU Local 512, Sanders has held positions of Trustee, Recording Secretary, Vice President and is currently the President. In 2004, Sanders was elected to the position of Vice President representing Region VII. He has been married for more than 17 years to Karilyn and has four children.