The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced on April 7 the appointment of DeLane Adams to the newly created position of Director of Rapid Response and Mobilization, effective April 1.
The creation of this role is intended to strengthen the union’s ability to respond quickly during critical moments, such as legislative developments or public contract disputes. The new department will serve as a central command for rapid response efforts that were previously spread across several IAM departments.
Adams joined the IAM in April 2017 as a communications representative and has since developed experience in strategic communications, member mobilization, and campaign planning throughout the organization. Before joining IAM, he worked with national labor organizations including AFL-CIO, Georgia AFL-CIO, and Citizen Action/Illinois.
“IAM members show up every day on some of the toughest issues and industries in the world,” said Adams. “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.”
International President Brian Bryant said: “DeLane has demonstrated exactly the kind of strategic thinking and mobilization experience this role demands. 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.”
According to IAM leadership, Adams will oversee campaign strategies involving rallies, actions, media outreach events, and legislative mobilization work across all departments. The aim is for faster activation of union members when needed.
