Lucas DeSpain became a member of the UAW in June 2004, upon hiring into John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, IL as a welder.

At Local 865, Lucas held positions of Alternate Steward, Steward, Bylaws Committee Chair, Committeeperson and Bargaining Chairperson. Lucas was twice elected Constitutional Convention Delegate, Deere Council and Ag Imp Council Delegate, Vice-Chair of the Illinois Quad City Area CAP Council, served on the Illinois State CAP Executive Board and was Co-Chair of the UAW/Deere National Bargaining Committee in 2015.

In October 2015, Lucas was appointed to the UAW Region 4 Staff with an assignment consisting of Ag Imp, IPS, TOP and independent Local Unions.

Lucas was appointed Assistant Director by Director Brandon Campbell in February.

Lucas and his wife, Rachael, live in rural northwestern, Illinois. They are the proud parents of Keegan, Leah and Sophia.