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IAM Union International President Brian Bryant has appointed Ryan McCarthy as a Special Representative in the IAM’s Southern Territory, effective Dec. 1, 2025.
“Ryan brings a rare combination of military service, government experience, and deep union roots,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “He has earned the respect of our members by fighting for them every step of the way. The Southern Territory will be stronger with Ryan on our team.”
McCarthy, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime labor leader, joined the IAM in 2008 as a member of Local 859. He went on to serve the local as Steward, Chief Steward, Secretary-Treasurer, and Vice President. In 2019, McCarthy was elected President and Directing Business Representative of District 27, which later merged into District 1888 in 2021. He has since served as a Business Representative, advocating for working families across Kentucky.
McCarthy also holds key statewide labor leadership roles, serving on the Kentucky AFL-CIO Executive Board and as President of the IAM Kentucky State Council.
Before taking IAM staff positions, McCarthy worked for the U.S. Department of the Army, where he helped secure and manage the nation’s chemical weapons stockpile at Blue Grass Army Depot. He served five years in the U.S. Navy, deploying to Iraq multiple times.
Throughout his IAM career, McCarthy has been deeply committed to organizing and collective bargaining. He has been part of numerous organizing victories and successful negotiations across Kentucky and the Southern Territory, strengthening the voice and power of working people.
