IAM International President Brian Bryant announced on Mar. 12 the appointment of Teressa Peart as a Special Representative in the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, effective April 1. Peart, a longtime union leader and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, will focus on veterans’ claims and disaster relief efforts for IAM members and their families.
The appointment highlights the union’s ongoing commitment to supporting its members, especially veterans and those affected by disasters. Bryant said, “We’re proud to add Teressa to our Retirees and Membership Assistance team. Teressa has proven herself to be a fierce advocate for IAM members and veterans, and our union is fortunate to bring her on in this official capacity. Her skillset and story are both unique and unmatched. We are excited to grow our Veterans Services initiatives with the addition of her knowledge and expertise.”
James Little, Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, said Peart has played an important role in advancing support initiatives for veterans across the union. “In her new position, Teressa will help IAM veterans navigate the complex VA claims process that she is an expert in, develop strategies to grow the program, and coordinate support when natural disasters impact IAM communities,” Little said.
Peart began her career with IAM Local 733 (now Local 774) at Beech Aircraft in 1998 as a radio and electrical engineer. She follows a family tradition of union service—her mother, grandfather, and grandmother were all IAM members—and has held several leadership roles within District 70 including shop steward, trustee, secretary-treasurer, and most recently Secretary-Treasurer of District 70 for six years.
As Chairman of the IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee (VSSC), Peart leads advocacy efforts for veterans within the union. She also co-hosts an annual Flags of Freedom event with United Way of the Plains honoring military service. In addition to her work with veterans, Peart mentors women through the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) program.
Peart’s appointment reflects both her personal dedication to service and the broader mission of ensuring that all members—especially retirees and veterans—receive needed support.
