SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has named William (Bill) Long as president and CEO, effective immediately.
Mr. Long previously was president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), MEMA's light vehicle aftermarket division.
He succeeds Steve Handschuh, who retired in December.
MEMA represents the motor vehicle parts supplier industry, which includes the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. The association said the industry is adapting to threats to international free trade, wide-ranging tariffs, significant regulatory shifts and workforce development initiatives. Mr. Long will be tasked with ensuring that MEMA is able to continue to successfully represent it's 1,000 company members in Washington, D.C., and around the world.
"Bill brings to bear decades of level-headed experience participating in all market sectors in this industry, and we are fortunate to have his guidance as we address unprecedented levels of change," said Dan Sceli, MEMA board chairman and Peterson American Corp. president and CEO.
"Bill is a staunch advocate for our members. With his leadership, we will be able to face these headwinds and advance our industry in the global marketplace. I am excited to have Bill in this key role at this important time."
Mr. Long has served as executive vice president, government affairs for MEMA, representing the business interests of all four MEMA divisions: AASA, Original Equipment Manufacturers Association, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association and MERA — The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing.
"Our industry and our members are both experiencing and driving transformational advances in vehicle technology while at the same time adapting to tectonic shifts in the global marketplace," Mr. Long said. "Now more than ever, it is important that our collective voice, across all of our divisions, be clear and strong on the issues that affect us all."
Prior to joining AASA in 2012, Mr. Long served as president of Long Strategies L.L.C. and as managing partner of BC Partners L.L.C. He also is well-known in motorsports circles, where he served as a corporate officer for NASCAR in Daytona Beach and as a top executive for the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Mr. Long serves on the board of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) and as member of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Advisory Board and the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Board.