March 14, 2006 – A seasoned and steady hand will be at the wheel of the IAM’s Legislative and Political Action Department when Assistant Legislative Director Tom Trotter takes over as director from outgoing Legislative Director Rich Michalski on June 1.
“Tom Trotter’s experience, political insights and work ethic are a matter of record and beyond reproach,” said IP Buffenbarger after announcing the appointment at the MNPL Planning Conference in San Diego, California. “I’m confident he will do a superb job for this union and its members in the years ahead.”
An Illinois native and former Northwest Airlines aircraft mechanic, Trotter joined the IAM in 1985 as a member of Local 1833 in Bloomington, Minnesota. Active in political affairs from the start, he served on the local’s legislative committee from 1985 to 1992, when he became Legislative Director for District 143. In 1997, Tom was named Assistant Legislative Director at IAM headquarters, working state capitols and the halls of Congress on behalf of IAM members and their families.
“I’m honored and excited to be able to represent our members in this new capacity,” said Trotter. “The IAM has always had a strong presence in the political and legislative arena, and I plan to continue that tradition.”