Anita Barlow Receives 2023 Michael Cardone Leadership Award

SOUTHFIELD, MICH. USA – Anita Barlow is the recipient of the 2023 Michael Cardone Leadership Award. The award, presented by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in remanufacturing and similar forms of sustainable manufacturing.

The award was presented in Chicago during the MEMA Remanufacturing Councils Event on June 15, 2023, by John Chalifoux, COO, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers; Justin Greenberg, CEO, DieselCore and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Board Member; and Houman Kashanipour, CEO, Alliant Power and Chairman of the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers CEO Council. At the event, Chalifoux highlighted the legacy of the Cardone family and recognized Barlow for her vision, passion, teamwork, and excellence – the key traits associated with the award.

Michael Cardone III, who served with Barlow on the Board of Directors of the former MERA organization, congratulated her via a pre-recorded video. “Anita, you embody everything this award was created to recognize and we thank you for over 45 years of dedication and service to our industry,” said Cardone.

Barlow spent her career in the commercial vehicle segment, supporting the original equipment service and independent aftermarket customer bases. During her career, she worked for Robert Bosch, Navistar and Diesel Forward. In 2013, Barlow became the managing director of BorgWarner’s North America remanufacturing operations in Troy, Mich. Prior to her retirement in early 2023, she was a MERA Board member and active in MERA’s Women in Remanufacturing Network.  

“For her entire career, Anita Barlow served the remanufacturing industry with dignity as a brand ambassador, customer advocate, and strong operational leader,” said John Chalifoux. “Anita earned all the recognition that goes with the Michael Cardone Leadership Award. She is a true remanufacturing industry champion!”

In 2017, the MERA Board of Directors announced the formation of the Michael Cardone Leadership Award in honor of three generations in the Cardone family. In 1970, Michael Cardone Jr. co-founded CARDONE Industries with his late father Michael Cardone Sr. The company grew to become the largest family-owned remanufacturer of automotive parts in the world.

Previous recipients of the Michael Cardone Leadership Award are:

• The Employee Owners of SRC Holdings (2022)
• Eugene Neugebohr, President, Auto Electric International (2021)
• Michael Kitching, CEO, GB Remanufacturing (2020)
• Byron Schneidman, Partner, RSM US LLP (2019)
• Woody Knopf, Former Chairman, Knopf Automotive (2018)
• Eric Smith, Owner, Impression Products (2017)

About MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers
MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports 907,000 American jobs in all 50 states. MEMA Aftermarket is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members across all areas of the aftermarket including light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and remanufacturing. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a membership group within MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association.

MEMA is the leading trade association in North America for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in new vehicle innovations. MEMA has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.

Members supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and meeting society’s transportation needs. MEMA members are committed to safety and sustainability.

MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich.; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and Washington, D.C. Learn more at mema.org/aftermarket-suppliers.