Quick links+
After 20 years with the IAM, Aerospace Chief of Staff Tony Wirth will retire at the end of this year. William “Benji” Sullivan will step into the role on Jan. 1, 2025.
Wirth joined the IAM in 2003 as a Niceville, Fla., Local 20 member at Eglin Air Force Base, where he served as the local’s Secretary-Treasurer and on its Negotiation Committee from 2003 to 2008.
In 2008, Wirth was elected District 75 Business Representative before being appointed Special Representative in 2015 and Grand Lodge Representative in the Southern Territory in 2016.
Wirth has served as an Aerospace Coordinator since January 2020 and was appointed Aerospace Chief of Staff in January 2024
“Tony has led IAM Aerospace in negotiating impressive contracts with the world’s largest and most powerful aerospace and defense companies,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “His expertise in the industry and dedication to our aerospace membership has been a powerful asset to our union.”
Wirth’s successor, William “Benji” Sullivan, initiated into IAM Local 2452 in 1997 as a Maintenance Technician. He served as a Shop Steward, Vice President, and eventually President of the local and belonged to the grievance and negotiation committees.
Sullivan was appointed Business Representative for District 73 in 2009 and then elected to the position of Directing Business Representative in 2012 until being appointed Grand Lodge Representative to the Southern Territory in 2020.
Sullivan has served as a Representative on the Local Metal Trades Council in Mississippi and as Vice President (2017-2018) and then President (2018-2020) of the Southern States Conference of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
“We have no doubt that Benji will thrive in this new leadership role,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “He has proved many times over that he has the industry knowledge and extensive bargaining experience to fight for our aerospace members and grow our union in this industry.”
