The Board of Directors of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) recently accepted Steve Handschuh’s decision to retire as the association’s president and chief executive officer, effective December 31.
The association said Handschuh’s decision was prompted by recent concerns with his health, combined with his love for the industry and desire to make sure MEMA is effectively managed moving forward.
“I truly loved my entire career, including especially my time with AASA and MEMA,” Handschuh said. “This is an incredible trade association, which will continue to lead the industry in responding to the many industry changes underway.”
Daniel E. Sceli, chairman of the MEMA board of directors and CEO of Peterson American Corporation, said MEMA will begin to search for a new CEO immediately.
Handschuh dedicated his 40-year career to the automotive aftermarket industry. He worked for NAPA Auto Parts, a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Co, for 18 years, including serving as NAPA president from 1998-2004. He also served as a senior vice president at AutoZone. Handschuh began his career as an outside salesman for Mighty Auto Parts, where he rose to VP of sales and marketing.
Handschuh joined MEMA in 2006 as president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), which exclusively serves and represents North American aftermarket product manufacturers. He was appointed president and chief executive officer of MEMA in October 2013. Handschuh led MEMA and its four divisions, AASA, the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).
“Steve has led the association through many challenging years, coming out of the economic crisis and into the major tax overhaul, the technology evolutions, and global trade battles,” Sceli said. “We are genuinely happy that Steve can move forward and fully appreciate his wonderful family, but MEMA will miss the leadership and dedication that he brought.”