MEMA, the Vehicle Suppliers Association, has named Megan Gardner as executive director of Marketing and Communications. Gardner’s appointment is part of a major realignment and rebranding MEMA recently announced. Read more about that here.
In this new role, Gardner leads all MEMA Marketing and Communications functions, including strategy and execution for MEMA’s digital platforms, branding, advertising, event marketing, and media relations. Prior to MEMA’s recent reorganization, Marketing and Communication responsibilities were siloed across MEMA’s four divisions. Gardner was most recently senior director of Marketing, Membership, and Sponsorship for MEMA’s former aftermarket division.
“Megan has proven herself as a dynamic marketer and collaborative leader,” said MEMA President and CEO Bill Long. “She is very member-focused and has the experience we need to support our short- and long-term goals.”
Since joining MEMA in January 2019, Gardner has created a robust aftermarket marketing program and improved member outreach. Under her leadership, MEMA’s former aftermarket division’s membership, event attendance and sponsorships significantly increased. In the last six months, Gardner worked with MEMA’s leadership team and other external partners to successfully drive MEMA’s rebrand.
“It’s an exciting time at MEMA, and I’m honored to be working with such a talented and dedicated team,” said Gardner, who leads the seven-member Marketing and Communications team. “The team will support MEMA and its two membership groups: MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, as well as MEMA’s Government Affairs and MEMA’s Center for Sustainability. It’s a privilege to serve MEMA in a capacity that honors both its rich history and helps to drive its bright future.”
In 2022, aftermarketNews named Gardner in its 2022 “Women at the Wheel” class, a tribute to women making a difference in the automotive aftermarket. That same year, she earned an Aftermarket Automotive Professional (AAP) designation in 2022 from Northwood University.
Gardner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Villanova University and a master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Before MEMA, Gardner was director of client services at TurnKey Marketing and vice president of accounts for 3 Birds Marketing.
