IAM International President Brian Bryant 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 new role is intended to strengthen the union’s ability to respond quickly during important moments, such as legislative changes or contract negotiations. The position will centralize rapid-response efforts that were previously spread across various departments within the union.
Adams began his career with IAM in April 2017 as a communications representative. He has experience in strategic communications, member mobilization, and campaign planning throughout different areas of the union. Before joining IAM, Adams worked with national labor organizations including 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 responses when immediate action is required from members or when legislation impacts workers. The goal is for IAM to operate more effectively in rapidly changing situations by consolidating communication and action strategies under one leader.
“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.”
Looking ahead, IAM’s Rapid Response and Mobilization Department will focus on developing campaigns such as rallies, media outreach events, actions, and legislative initiatives designed for quick member activation.
