IAM International President Brian Bryant announced on March 12 the appointment of Richard Evans as Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, effective March 1, 2026.
The appointment is significant for members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), especially veterans and retirees who rely on union support for advocacy and resources. Evans has a history of helping veterans navigate complex benefits systems.
“As Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, Evans will help lead the IAM’s programs that support retired members, assist IAM families facing hardship, and continue building the IAM’s nationally-recognized veterans services initiative,” said Bryant. “His appointment reflects our union’s strong commitment to provide veterans and retirees with the advocacy, resources, and respect they deserve.”
Jody Bennet, IAM Resident General Vice President, said: “We are proud to say that in the IAM Union, we have one of the highest percentages of military veterans in the labor movement. Rich was a member and veteran who worked alongside fellow veterans and stepped up to help them with their claims after being exposed to the difficulties veterans face when trying to receive benefits. He brings a strong drive to everything in our union that could possibly affect veteran members, and he ensures that veterans remain a priority for us.”
Evans is recognized for his work as a VA-accredited claims agent for IAM members. He has secured more than $5 million in back pay for affiliated veterans through his efforts with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims. James Little, Director of Retirees and Membership Assistance at IAM, said: “He has become known and respected across the IAM for his achievements in advocating on behalf of IAM veterans and their families. I look forward to expanding and strengthening the resources and capabilities of all of our membership assistance programs with Rich in this role.”
Evans also played a key role in making IAM the first labor union recognized by the VA as an official Veterans Service Organization (VSO), which expands its ability to advocate for veterans nationwide.
Evans’ experience began when he navigated his own denied VA claim while working at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. After successfully appealing his case, he started assisting other members with their claims—a mission that grew into broader advocacy within the union.
In his previous position as Veterans Services Coordinator, Evans helped many IAM members apply for various VA benefits including disability compensation, education benefits, employment resources, home loans, life insurance, pensions, health care, and burial benefits.
