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. 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 within 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 involvement—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 prior to this appointment, Peart served as Secretary-Treasurer of District 70. She also chairs the IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee (VSSC), leading advocacy efforts for veterans within the organization. In addition to her work with veterans’ services, she co-hosts an annual Flags of Freedom event honoring military service alongside United Way of the Plains.
Peart is also active in mentoring future leaders through programs like LEADS (Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters), encouraging women across the union to pursue leadership positions—a path she herself followed up to being elected by membership to the International’s Law Committee in 2025.
Her background combines family legacy, military service, financial stewardship experience, advocacy for veterans’ rights, disaster relief coordination efforts, and mentorship within the labor movement.
