Ryan Haehnlein has been appointed as Special Representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Midwest Territory, effective January 1, 2026. The appointment was made by IAM Union International President Brian Bryant.
Haehnlein has been a member of IAM Local 701 since 2011, starting his union career in the heavy-duty trucking industry at M&K Truck Centers. He served as Shop Steward, where he secured several grievance victories and resolved labor disputes for his coworkers. In early 2021, he became an Organizer and later that year was named Business Representative. By June 2022, Haehnlein was appointed Assistant Directing Business Representative for Local 701.
“IAM members across the Midwest will benefit from Ryan’s deep experience, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to working families,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Ryan has proven time and again that he is a fighter for our members—at the bargaining table, on the shop floor, and in every role he has taken on. We are proud to welcome him to the Midwest Territory staff.”
In his current role, Haehnlein supports members in freight, heavy-duty sectors, automotive dealerships, machine shops, equipment businesses, manufacturing operations, and independent sectors. He has contributed to Local 701’s communications by editing its newsletter and helping develop its website and mobile app.
Haehnlein’s broader labor leadership includes serving as a delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and as Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. In January 2024, International President Bryant appointed him to the IAM Law Committee.
He also brings trustee experience through service on the Local 701 Training Fund and the 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan. Additionally, he is a Trustee-in-Training for the Local 701 Health, Welfare, and Pension Fund.
