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. The role is seen as important for helping IAM veterans navigate complex processes related to benefits and providing assistance during emergencies.
“We’re proud to add Teressa to our Retirees and Membership Assistance team,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “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 department, said: “Teressa has played a critical role in advancing our IAM veterans support initiatives 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.“
Peart began her career with the union in 1998 at Local 733 (now Local 774) at Beech Aircraft as a radio and electrical engineer. She comes from a family with deep roots in the organization—her mother, grandfather, and grandmother were all members—and has held several leadership roles including shop steward, trustee, secretary-treasurer of District 70 for six years, as well as Chairman of the Veterans Services Steering Committee.
In addition to her advocacy work for veterans through events like Flags of Freedom with United Way of the Plains, Peart also mentors women leaders through programs such as LEADS. She was elected by membership to serve on the International’s Law Committee in 2025.
Peart’s appointment reflects an ongoing effort within IAM to ensure that retirees, active members, and especially veterans receive timely support.
