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 including shop steward, trustee, secretary-treasurer at both local levels and District 70.
For six years she served as Secretary-Treasurer of District 70 while also chairing the IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee (VSSC). In this role she led advocacy efforts for veterans within the union community. She also co-hosts an annual Flags of Freedom event honoring military service alongside United Way of the Plains.
Beyond her work with veterans, Peart mentors women through the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) program and was elected by membership to serve on the International’s Law Committee in 2025. Her background combines family legacy, military experience, and dedication to solidarity—qualities that align with what Bryant described as “the IAM’s tradition of service — ensuring members, retirees, and veterans receive the support they deserve when they need it most.”
