IAM Announces Leadership Changes
The IAM Executive Council announced a series of retirements and successions that will ensure IAM members benefit from tested leadership, experience and dedication in the years to come.

After serving the IAM for more than 40 years, Headquarters GVP Robert V. Thayer will retire on June 1, 2006, and be succeeded by Richard Michalski, the long-time director of the IAM’s Legislative and Political Action Department.

Michalski, a 38-year IAM veteran, began his career as a member of Local 1916 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and served in a wide variety of leadership positions before taking the helm of the IAM Legislative and Political Action Department in 1992.

Additionally, on July 1, 2006, Midwest Territory GVP James E. Brown will retire after 42 years of service and be succeeded by current Midwest Territory Administrative Assistant Philip J. Gruber. Gruber is a 33-year IAM member with a long resume of service, including 16 years on the staff of District 9 in Bridgeton, Missouri.

“The service, dedication and loyalty of Bob Thayer and Jim Brown cannot be measured in years or described adequately with words,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger. “They have dedicated their lives to making life better for IAM members and working families in North America. Serving with them on the Executive Council has been a privilege.”

Thayer has served as a General Vice President since joining the Executive Council in 1997. Brown has served as the General Vice President for the Midwest Territory since 2003.