The board of directors of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) today announced that it has accepted Steve Handschuh’s decision to retire as the association’s president and CEO, effective on Dec. 31. MEMA said Handschuh’s decision was prompted by recent concerns with his health, combined with his love for the industry and desire to make sure that MEMA is effectively managed as it moves into the future.

Handschuh has dedicated his 40-year career to the automotive aftermarket industry. He worked for NAPA Auto Parts/Genuine Parts Co. for 18 years, including serving as NAPA president from 1998-2004. He also 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, sales and marketing.

Handschuh joined MEMA in 2006 as the 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 CEO of MEMA in October 2013. Handschuh has 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). MEMA’s roots stretch back over 110 years, and it is the recognized voice for the motor equipment supplier industry.

“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,” said Daniel E. Sceli, chairman of the MEMA board and CEO of Peterson American Corp. “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 to MEMA.”

Handschuh responded, “I truly loved my entire career, including especially my time with AASA and MEMA. This is an incredible trade association, which will continue to lead the industry in responding to the many industry changes underway.”

The MEMA board and the boards and members of its divisions expressed their sincere thanks Handschuh for his contributions and leadership and wish him well as he moves on to his new phase in life. Board Chairman Sceli announced that MEMA will begin to search for a new CEO immediately.