The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has named William (Bill) Long president and CEO. Long was selected by the MEMA board of directors after a national search to replace former MEMA President and CEO Steve Handschuh, who retired in December 2018.
“Bill brings to bear decades of level-headed experience participating in all market sectors in this industry, and we are fortunate to have his guidance as we address unprecedented levels of change,” says Dan Sceli, MEMA board chairman and president and CEO, Peterson American Corp. “Bill is a staunch advocate for our members. With his leadership, we will be able to face these headwinds and advance our industry in the global marketplace. I am excited to have Bill in this key role at this important time.”
Previously, Long was president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), MEMA’s light vehicle aftermarket division, which exclusively serves and represents North American aftermarket product manufacturers. He also served as MEMA executive vice president, government affairs, representing the business interests of all four MEMA divisions, which, in addition to AASA, include the Original Equipment Manufacturers Association, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association and MERA, the Association for Sustainable Manufacturing.
“Our industry and our members are both experiencing and driving transformational advances in vehicle technology while at the same time adapting to tectonic shifts in the global marketplace,” Long says in a statement. “Now more than ever, it is important that our collective voice, across all of our divisions, be clear and strong on the issues that affect us all. I am grateful to the Board and the MEMA membership for the opportunity to serve them at this level.”
Prior to joining AASA in 2012, Long served as president of Long Strategies LLC and as managing partner of BC Partners, providing strategic planning, brand relevance and leadership services to the automotive industry. Long is most recognized for his 25 years at Echlin/DANA, where he led the company’s Engine Management Division and during his time as executive vice president, North American Operations, Proliance International, the association says.
Long serves on the board of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) and as member of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Advisory Board and the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Board. Long also is a past chairman of the National Car Care Council. Long was awarded the MEMA Triangle Award and Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award, both recognizing his work in educating federal lawmakers and serving as a technical expert on issues concerning the industry’s access to vehicle on-board diagnostics and repair information. Long was also honored with the Jack Arute Sr. Excellence in Motorsports Award for his contribution and dedication to the motorsports industry.
