MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - KENNY GEIS

For more than 37 years, Kenny Geis has been a steadfast advocate for IAM members, dedicating his career to protecting their rights, strengthening contracts, and helping them through some of their toughest moments. Kenny currently serves as the IAM Grievance Committee Chairman at American Airlines in Charlotte, where he has been employed as an Aircraft Inspector for most of his career, bringing decades of experience and passion to every role he takes on.

Kenny’s union journey includes an impressive list of leadership positions: Shop Steward, Grievance Committee member and Chairman, founding President of Local 1903M, Flight Safety Representative, EAP Representative, District 142 Teller, and District 142 Contract Negotiator. Each role reflects his deep belief that a strong union is built on educated, involved members.

“A strong union is only as strong as its members,” Kenny says. “The IAM International and District 142 want you to be involved, they want you to be educated, and they want the membership to know how important their role really is.”

His motivation to become active in the union began with a simple challenge: the idea that real change only happens when members step up. That challenge shaped his path and continues to drive his work today.

One of Kenny’s proudest accomplishments has been playing a role in negotiating and enforcing the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the IAM and American Airlines, work he considers essential to protecting members’ futures. But for him, the most meaningful moments go far beyond contract language.

“Just when I think the day-to-day workload and stress is too much, a member will let me know that I helped them through a struggle in their life,” he shared. “That’s when I know it’s all worth it.”

When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Kenny’s answer is simple and telling: “Winning!!! And the interaction with our membership.” That same drive motivates him to show up every day, knowing the work he does helps secure and defend the rights outlined in the contract .

To newer members, Kenny offers direct advice drawn from decades of experience: “Get involved. Educate yourself. We, the IAM membership, are the ones who hold the destiny of our own future.”

Outside of work and union responsibilities, Kenny describes himself as an open book to those who know him well. He enjoys fishing, woodworking, and working outdoors on his small farm, but nothing means more to him than spending time with family, especially his five grandchildren, affectionately known as “the Herd.” An outdoor enthusiast at heart, his favorite destinations include Wyoming, Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Florida Keys, and he enjoys watching football and basketball whenever he gets the chance.

As Kenny looks ahead, his goal is to continue serving members through full-time union representative assignments, ensuring IAM members’ voices remain strong, respected, and protected.

District 142 is proud to spotlight Kenny Geis — a true example of leadership, dedication, and what it means to stand up for your union brothers and sisters.