DeLane Adams has been named the new Director of Rapid Response and Mobilization for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, effective April 1, according to an announcement by IAM International President Brian Bryant on April 7.
The creation of this role is intended to strengthen the union’s ability to respond quickly during critical moments, such as legislative developments or contract disputes. The position brings together rapid-response activities that were previously managed separately by various departments within the union.
Adams joined the IAM in April 2017 as a communications representative and later served as Assistant Communications Director. His experience includes work with the national AFL-CIO, Georgia AFL-CIO, and Citizen Action/Illinois. “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 coordinate efforts across departments when urgent action is needed from members or when significant legislative or workplace events occur. He said: “IAM members show up every day on some of the toughest issues and industries in the world. 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 department will focus on developing campaign strategies involving rallies, actions, media outreach, events, and legislative mobilization work throughout all areas represented by IAM.
