John L. Downey was elected General President of the International Union of Operating Engineers in January 2025

John became a member of our Local in 2002, through an organizing drive at TDS Concrete, later working for TCM Sweeping.

From 2003-2005, John served as a shop steward for Academy Recycling and Winzinger. In 2005, he became a C-Branch Business Agent for Local 542.

Over his career, he gained hands-on experience in industries like concrete, concrete crushing, and sand and gravel pits.

John’s career at the International began in 2010, when he took on the role of International Representative for the Northeast Region. John was promoted to Assistant Construction Director at the International in 2014, where he administered national agreements and served on key national committees.

After being promoted to Director of the Construction Department in 2021, he was appointed Chief of Staff at the IUOE in 2023 by General President Callahan.

In January 2025, he was elected by the membership to serve as General President of the International Union of Operating Engineers.