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 International President Brian Bryant.
Haehnlein has been a member of IAM Local 701 since 2011. He began his career in the heavy-duty trucking industry at M&K Truck Centers, where he served as Shop Steward and resolved labor disputes for his colleagues. In early 2021, he became an Organizer and later that year advanced to Business Representative. By June 2022, he was named 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.”
Haehnlein works with members in sectors such as freight, heavy-duty vehicles, automotive dealerships, machine shops, equipment manufacturing, and other independent industries. He also helped strengthen Local 701’s communications by editing its newsletter and contributing to its website and mobile app.
In addition to his work within Local 701, Haehnlein serves as a delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and is Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. In January 2024, he was appointed by International President Bryant to serve on the IAM Law Committee.
Haehnlein’s trustee roles include serving on the Local 701 Training Fund board, managing the local’s 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan, and training as a Trustee for the Health, Welfare, and Pension Fund.
