Local 776 President Spencer Dearth made a special presentation at the monthly meeting on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Spencer began: "President O'Brien asked me to present a special award at today's monthly meeting. Today, we recognize Brother Leo Deaner for a lifetime of work that strengthened the International Brotherhood of Teamsters' historical record and ensured future generations will understand the Teamsters Union's true legacy."

Leo Deaner has had a long, distinguished career in organized labor, serving for over five decades as a dedicated member and high-level executive within the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Deaner joined the Teamsters in 1968. He began his union involvement at the rank-and-file level, working as a shop steward. Deaner rose through Pennsylvania regional leadership. He was deeply involved with Teamsters Local 776, where he served in key leadership positions, including business agent. In the 2000s, Deaner moved into top leadership at the Teamsters International Headquarters. He served as Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff to General President James P. Hoffa. In this capacity, he helped guide executive administration, labor policy, internal communications, and union initiatives through major national contract negotiations and legislative actions. During his executive leadership, Deaner championed preserving labor history and became one of the largest individual contributors to creating the Teamsters Digital Archives outside the International Union. He led efforts to recover, digitize, and safeguard primary historical materials covering decades of union history.

Spencer continued: "Brother Deaner headed the creation of the Teamsters Labor History Research Center at George Washington University, building an institution that now serves members, students, and researchers nationwide. The Center's foundation rests on Brother Deaner's contributions; he envisioned it and began building it in 2007. In his letter, President O'Brien stressed that Brother Deaner's efforts have ensured the Teamsters Union's true history- its struggles, achievements, and the work of millions of members will be accessible and accurately represented."

"In recognition of this lifelong dedication, Brother Deaner is being formally presented with the Teamsters President's Medal. The Teamsters President's Medal is a prestigious honor bestowed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment, courage, leadership, and dedication to labor values, community service, or the Teamster movement."

"Today, Bret Caldwell, IBT Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the General President, is here to acknowledge that without his leadership, vision, and personal commitment, preserving Teamster history would not have been possible."

Below is a letter from President O'Brien to Leo honoring him with the President's Medal:

After IBT Representative Caldwell gives a brief introduction, Leo is presented with his President's Medal.