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, particularly veterans and those affected by disasters. The new role is expected to strengthen initiatives that help IAM veterans navigate complex processes for benefits and provide coordinated support 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 IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, said Peart has played a critical 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 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 over six years, as well as Chairman of the Veterans Services Steering Committee.
Her work includes co-hosting an annual Flags of Freedom event honoring military service with United Way of the Plains. She also mentors women through the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) program after being elected by membership to serve on the International’s Law Committee in 2025.
Peart’s appointment reflects both her personal legacy within IAM and her dedication to supporting fellow members through advocacy for veterans’ rights, disaster relief coordination, and leadership development.
