LAS VEGAS – Gene Ezzell, retired president of Crane Cams, was presented the prestigious Triangle Award by MEMA during the AASA Executive Breakfast at AAPEX today. 
For more than 30 years, MEMA has presented its Triangle Award periodically to that person, persons or organization whom the association’s members choose to honor for selfless contribution to the automotive industry.
“Gene Ezzell has been involved in the automotive aftermarket most of his career, and he has devoted countless hours as a volunteer leader in our industry,” said Bob McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA, in his presentation of the award. “Gene is a committed servant and leader and has quietly been an instrumental contributor to the success of MEMA and the betterment of the aftermarket. He exemplifies the spirit of the award and is deserving of MEMA’s highest honor.”
McKenna noted that the association chose to present the award during AAPEX due to Ezzell’s long involvement with the event. “Gene represented MEMA and its aftermarket affiliate association, AASA, on the AAPEX show committee and the AAIW Joint Operating Committee,” he noted. “He has contributed greatly to the event’s success over the years.”
Ezzell began his career at Maremont Corp., where he held numerous sales and marketing positions. In 1978, he joined Crane Cams Inc. as director of marketing and sales. He rose through the ranks and in 1994 was elected to the position of chairman, president and CEO.
He has been a member of the MEMA board for more than 20 years and served as its chairman in 1995. Ezzell has held the position of MEMA treasurer for the past 10 years and has given countless hours to the association in that role. He also served on the SEMA board and is a past chairman.
Ezzell also has been deeply involved in his community, Daytona Beach, Fla., serving on boards and committees of the Chamber of Commerce, the United Way and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The MEMA Triangle award was presented to David O’Reilly, chairman, O’Reilly Automotive Inc., Springfield, Mo., in 2008. Other past winners include Pete Joy of Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems, Kansas City, Mo.; the late Joseph M. Magliochetti of Dana Corp.; Tom Gallagher of Genuine Parts Co., Atlanta, Ga.; Robert H. Raff, MAAP; L. Gene Stohler of Masco Tech Inc.; Frederick J. Mancheski of Echlin Inc.; John M. Riess (then of The Gates Rubber Co.); Larry McCurdy (then of Moog Automotive); and Jack Reilly (then of Tenneco Automotive).
