RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC– Steve Handschuh, an automotive aftermarket industry veteran of more than 30 years, has been named executive director of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and vice president of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), effective Feb. 25. AASA, a market segment association of MEMA, exclusively serves and represents North American aftermarket product manufacturers.

Handschuh will provide general oversight of all organizational management of AASA and aggressively represent AASA members on critical business issues by generating dialogue, education and action, which will help provide a stronger, unified voice for aftermarket suppliers.

Additionally, 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.

“Steve is a highly-motivated and accomplished executive with a vast range of experience that will help take AASA to the next level,” said Bob McKenna, MEMA president and CEO. “He has had a distinguished career in the aftermarket and has experience in articulating a vision and building an energized team for advancing an organization’s mission. I believe his impressive track record will help position AASA as the strongest voice for the aftermarket supplier.”

Handschuh had been vice president of sales for Hughes Supply’s Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) business. He was responsible for the MRO sales force of about 300 employees nationwide for Hughes, an Orlando, FL-based diversified wholesale distributor of materials, equipment and supplies primarily to the construction industry.

Prior to Hughes, Handschuh was senior vice president at AutoZone, where he was responsible for more than $700 million in sales through more than 3,500 stores. Before AutoZone, he worked for NAPA Auto Parts/Genuine Parts Co. for 18 years, including a stint as NAPA president from 1998-2004. Handschuh began his career at Mighty Auto Parts where he rose to the position of vice president of sales and marketing.

For more information about AASA, go to: www.aftermarketsuppliers.org.

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