Teressa Peart Appointed IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Special Representative

IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed longtime union leader and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Teressa Peart as a Special Representative in the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, where she will focus primarily on veterans' claims and disaster relief efforts for IAM members and their families. The appointment is effective April 1, 2026.

"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."

Read: IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee Representatives Network with Veterans Aid Allies

"Teressa has played a critical role in advancing our IAM veterans support initiatives across the union," said IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Director James Little. "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 IAM journey in 1998 at IAM Local 733 (now Local 774) at Beech Aircraft, working as a radio and electrical engineer. Following in the footsteps of her mother, grandfather, and grandmother, all proud IAM members, Peart carries a family legacy rooted in solidarity and service within District 70.

Her leadership within her local union began as a shop steward, where she quickly developed a reputation for staunchly defending the rights and well-being of her fellow members. Over the years, she expanded her involvement by serving on numerous committees and in key leadership positions, including trustee and secretary-treasurer, gaining extensive experience in financial stewardship and organizational leadership.

For the past six years, Peart has served as Secretary-Treasurer of IAM District 70, helping guide the district and participating firsthand in growing the strength and unity of the membership.

A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Peart currently serves as Chairman of the IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee (VSSC), where she leads efforts to advocate for IAM veterans, connect members with earned benefits, and ensure their service and sacrifices are recognized.

She leads District 70 in co-hosting an annual Flags of Freedom event with the United Way of the Plains, a well-attended and powerful community tribute honoring the service and sacrifice of military veterans.

READ: IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee Brings Community Impact to Wichita, Participates in District 70 Flags of Freedom

Peart's service extends beyond advocacy and assistance for veterans and victims. She is also deeply committed to developing the next generation of IAM leaders through the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) program, where she mentors and encourages women across the union to step into leadership roles, having risen through the ranks herself, even being elected by the IAM's membership to the International's Law Committee in 2025.

Grounded in a proud family legacy, strengthened by her military service, and driven by an unwavering commitment to solidarity, Peart continues to embody the IAM's tradition of service - ensuring members, retirees, and veterans receive the support they deserve when they need it most.