Handschuh dedicated his 40-year career to the automotive aftermarket industry and led MEMA from 2013 to 2018 when he retired for health concerns
Steve Handschuh, an automotive aftermarket veteran who joined the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) in 2006, died on Monday, Aug. 22.
Handschuh 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. Handschuh began his career as an outside salesman for Mighty Auto Parts where he rose to vice president, sales and marketing.
He 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. Handschuh was appointed president and chief executive officer of MEMA in October 2013. He 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.
Handschuh retired as the association’s president and chief executive officer on Dec. 31, 2018. His decision was prompted by concerns with his health, combined with his love for the industry and desire to make sure that MEMA was effectively managed as it moved into the future.
“MEMA and our industry have lost a great one. Steve was a dynamic leader, consummate professional, and friend to all who worked with and for him at MEMA, and he left a tremendous legacy from his leadership. He will be mourned by the entire MEMA family, both employees and membership,” said Bill Long, MEMA President and CEO. “Steve was a man of integrity and always spoke highly of his wife Joann and children, making them his top priority. He was deeply involved in serving in his local Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall and helping its young community. As a son of Charm City, Steve was a lifelong Orioles fan. Steve was also passionate about music and was undoubtably a superfan of The Beatles.”
Handschuh was awarded the MEMA Triangle Award in 2018, the organization’s highest honor, for his vision, passion, and dedication to the interests of the automotive 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, of MEMA, in a news release from 2018 announcing Handschuh’s retirement. “MEMA will miss the leadership and dedication.”
In response, Handschuh had 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.”
Funeral arrangements are being finalized.
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