Ryan Haehnlein, currently the Assistant Directing Business Representative of IAM Local 701, has been appointed as a Special Representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Midwest Territory. The appointment, made by IAM International President Brian Bryant, will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Haehnlein joined IAM Local 701 in 2011 while working in the heavy-duty trucking industry at M&K Truck Centers. He began his union career as a Shop Steward, where he won several grievance cases and resolved labor disputes for his coworkers. In early 2021, he was named an Organizer and later that year became a Business Representative. By June 2022, he was promoted to Assistant Directing Business Representative for Local 701.
Sam Cicinelli, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President, commented on the appointment: “IAM members across the Midwest will benefit from Ryan’s deep experience, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to working families. 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 currently represents members in freight, heavy-duty trucking, automotive dealerships, machine shops, equipment manufacturing, and various independent sectors. He has contributed to strengthening Local 701’s communications efforts by editing its newsletter and helping develop its website and mobile app.
His involvement also includes serving as a delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and acting as Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. In January 2024, International President Bryant appointed him to the IAM Law Committee.
Haehnlein holds extensive trustee responsibilities with roles on the Local 701 Training Fund Board and the 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan. He also serves as a Trustee-in-Training for the Local 701 Health, Welfare, and Pension Fund.
