LAS VEGAS – At a media briefing earlier today prior to the opening of AAPEX in Las Vegas, Bob McKenna, president and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), announced the appointments of Steve Handschuh as executive vice president and chief operating officer of MEMA and Bill Long as president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), effective Thursday, Nov. 1.

“Steve joined MEMA in 2006 as a highly-motivated and accomplished executive with a vast range of experience and he succeeded in taking AASA to the next level,” McKenna said. “His distinguished career in the aftermarket and his experience in articulating a vision and building an energized AASA team has positioned MEMA as the strong voice for motor vehicle parts suppliers.”

“Steve’s experience as an industry and association executive as well as his proven track record growing AASA make him an outstanding asset to MEMA,” said Joe McAleese, chairman of the MEMA Board of Directors and president and CEO of Bendix CVS LLC. “The MEMA board looks forward to working with Steve in his new role.”

Commenting on Long’s appointment, McKenna said, “Bill has served the automotive aftermarket with distinction, as evidenced by the many awards and recognitions he has garnered through the years, including the prestigious MEMA Triangle Award. His experience since joining AASA in June has been an asset and will continue to enhance value to members going forward.”

“Bill’s accomplishments and talents are well known within the automotive aftermarket,” said Jeff Brekke, North America aftermarket president, Gates Corp. and chairman of the AASA Board of Governors. “The AASA board members are pleased to have Bill leading the AASA team as the association continues to establish itself as ‘the voice for the automotive aftermarket supplier industry.’”

In his new role, Handschuh will assume the responsibility of direct supervision of MEMA affiliate associations, including AASA, the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).

An automotive aftermarket industry veteran of more than 35 years, Handschuh worked for NAPA AUTO PARTS/Genuine Parts Co. for 18 years, including serving as NAPA president from 1998 to 2004. Handschuh 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, sales and marketing.

Long joined AASA as its executive vice president on June 4, 2012. In his new role as AASA president and COO, he will provide leadership, direction and administration for all aspects of AASA activities, and work closely with the AASA Board of Governors to maintain a strong focus on providing services and programs that address industry issues and offer members opportunities to advance their business.

Prior to his role at AASA, Long was a managing partner of BC Partners LLC. He also served as executive vice president, North American operations and officer for Proliance International Inc. He began his aftermarket career at Echlin, first as a field sales manager and then was promoted through a series of positions of increasing responsibility. After Dana acquired Echlin, Long served as vice president and general manager of the Dana Engine Management Division. He was then recruited by the Indy Racing League, where he served as vice president of marketing prior to joining Proliance International.

Editor’s Note: Also during the media briefing, members of the MEMA and AASA staff including McKenna, Handschuh, Long and MEMA Vice President of Government Affairs, Ann Wilson, discussed other key issues impacting the supplier industry – including the results of the study AASA commissioned KPMG to conduct on terms and conditions, legislation pertaining to copper levels in brake pads and the impending referendum put before Massachusetts voters on the recently passed Right to Repair legislation. Stay tuned for more details on those discussions later this week.