Vice President Ryan Hiestand

Ryan Hiestand was elected by the membership to serve as a Vice President of the UAW in October 2026. He is a proud third-generation UAW member with more than 31 years of service at General Motors. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as a strong advocate for working members and a dedicated union leader.

Ryan has served in numerous leadership roles, including Shop Committeeman, two-term Local Chairman, By-Laws Chair, and CAP Chair. His commitment to strengthening the union and empowering members also led him to serve as a Region 2B Servicing Representative for five years. During that time, he was twice elected by his peers to serve as a Staff Council Representative.

Ryan has worked across three sectors of General Motors—powertrain, assembly, and stamping—giving him a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing UAW members throughout the industry. He has led and participated in negotiations across multiple sectors, including the Big Three, IPS, aerospace, and others.

Ryan recognizes that successful negotiations are never the work of one individual, but the result of teamwork, collaboration, and solidarity among union representatives and the membership. He believes that listening to members, working together, and standing united are essential to protecting workers’ rights and securing strong agreements.

Ryan has also collaborated with fellow staff to develop an interactive Advanced Grievance Handling class designed to strengthen member representation across Region 2B and is looking to expand it nationwide. Known for his collaborative leadership, he has worked closely with Local Union Presidents, Chairpersons, and Local Union Committees to prevent whipsawing between plants and promote unity and solidarity among UAW members.

Above all, Ryan is a man of faith and a devoted family man. He is the proud father of his daughters and sons, a loving grandfather to six grandchildren, and looks forward to sharing his life with his future wife. His faith, love for his family, and dedication to working families are at the heart of who he is and what he stands for. Ryan remains committed to building a stronger UAW, protecting the rights of working people, and creating a brighter future for the next generation.