IAM International President Brian Bryant announced on April 7 that DeLane Adams has been appointed to the new position of Director of Rapid Response and Mobilization, effective April 1, 2026. Adams previously served as IAM Assistant Communications Director.
The appointment is intended to strengthen the union’s ability to respond quickly during critical moments. The new role will centralize rapid-response activities that were previously spread across several departments, aiming for more coordinated and strategic action when urgent issues arise.
Adams joined the IAM in April 2017 as a communications representative. His background includes experience with the national AFL-CIO, Georgia AFL-CIO, and Citizen Action/Illinois, where he worked on labor organizing and civic engagement efforts.
“DeLane has demonstrated exactly the kind of strategic thinking and mobilization experience this role demands,” said Bryant. “Our members deserve a union that moves as fast as the fight, and this position gives us the unified command to do that. DeLane is the right person to build it.”
In his new capacity, Adams will oversee responses when legislation changes quickly or when immediate member action is needed during contract negotiations or public campaigns. “IAM members show up every day on some of the toughest issues and industries in the world,” said Adams. “The goal is to give us the capacity to respond to fast-changing conditions on the ground with the speed and coordination our members deserve. We operate in a tough 24/7 environment where our opponents have built a sophisticated infrastructure to outpace us. We have to ensure that when the fight comes, we’re already engaged.”
The Rapid Response and Mobilization Department will focus on developing campaign strategies such as rallies, media outreach events, legislative work, and other actions across all IAM departments.
