WASHINGTON (Sept. 27, 2013) — The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has appointed Steve Handschuh, executive vice president and COO, to be its president and CEO, succeeding Bob McKenna, who will become president emeritus until his retirement Jan. 10, 2014.
Mr. Handschuh has been in his current post since November 2011 and is the former president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, a affiliate of MEMA. His appointment is effective Oct. 1.
An automotive aftermarket industry veteran of more than 35 years, Mr. Handschuh worked for NAPA Auto Parts/Genuine Parts Co. for 18 years, including president from 1998-2004. He later was senior vice president, commercial, at AutoZone before joining MEMA/AASA in 2006.
He began his career as an outside salesman for Mighty Auto Parts, where he rose to vice president, sales and marketing.
In his new role at MEMA, Mr. Handschuh will direct the operations of the association, its Washington office and its market segment associations: AASA; Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association; Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association; and Original Equipment Suppliers Association.
"I look forward to continuing to work with these extraordinary members and a competent and dedicated staff committed to excellence," he said of his new post.
Mr. McKenna is retiring from MEMA after nearly 45 years working in the motor vehicle supplier industry. He joined MEMA in 2004 after a 34-year career at Atlanta-based Genuine Parts Co. His other industry activities include serving on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce "Committee of 100," and as board member of the American Highway Users Alliance and the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Speaking on behalf of the the associations' board, MEMA Chairman Joseph McAleese said MEMA had "emerged as a world-class association" under Mr. McKenna's leadership.
"My nine years as MEMA president have been some of most rewarding in my long career in this great industry," Mr. McKenna said. "MEMA has a great membership base and a tremendous staff to continue to lead the supplier community for many years to come. I have complete confidence that Steve will provide excellent leadership for the association."