News

Steve Handschuh, highly respected automotive aftermarket veteran who joined the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) in 2006, died on August 22, 2022.

A native of Baltimore, Steve joined MEMA as President and Chief Operating Officer of MEMA’s Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) division and was named President and CEO of MEMA in 2013. Steve retired in December 2018.

An automotive aftermarket industry veteran of more than 40 years, Steve was known for his service to NAPA AUTO PARTS/Genuine Parts Co. for 18 years, including serving as NAPA president from 1998-2004. Steve later served as Senior Vice President, Commercial, at AutoZone. He began his career as an outside salesman for Mighty Auto Parts where he rose to Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

“MEMA and our industry have lost a great one. Steve was a dynamic leader, consummate professional, and friend to all who worked with and for him at MEMA, and he left a tremendous legacy from his leadership. He will be mourned by the entire MEMA family, both employees and membership,” said Bill Long, MEMA President and CEO. “Steve was a man of integrity and always spoke highly of his wife Joann and children, making them his top priority. He was deeply involved in serving in his local Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall and helping its young community. As a son of Charm City, Steve was a lifelong Orioles fan. Steve was also passionate about music and was undoubtably a superfan of The Beatles.”

Steve was awarded the MEMA Triangle Award in 2018, the organization’s highest honor, for his vision, passion, and dedication to the interests of the automotive industry.

Funeral arrangements are being finalized.

About MEMA

Since 1904, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has been the voice of the automotive and commercial vehicle supplier industry, the largest manufacturing sector in the United States. Across the entire range of new vehicle innovation—from autonomous to zero-emissions technologies—vehicle suppliers are leading the way. Our member companies conceive, design and manufacture the original equipment systems and technologies that make up two-thirds of the value in every vehicle. Member companies also supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and society’s need for transportation. And all of our members’ work is done with a focus on public safety and the environment.

We live in a fast-paced industry and world, and MEMA is committed to making both a better place to work and live. We foster a respectful, diverse and collaborative community. We are stronger together because we promote inclusion in all aspects of the vehicle supplier industry.

MEMA is the parent organization of four affiliate associations: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), MERA – The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing, and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich., Research Triangle Park, N.C. and Washington, D.C. Learn more about our organization, our members and the great vehicle supplier community at MEMA.org.