MEMA Names Megan Gardner Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

Research Triangle Park, N.C. – MEMA, the Vehicle Suppliers Association, has named Megan Gardner as executive director of Marketing and Communications. 
 
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 7-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.”

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.
 
About MEMA
MEMA, the Vehicle Suppliers Association, is the leading trade association in North America for motor vehicle and mobility suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. It has been the voice of the automotive and commercial vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are strong by association.  
 
MEMA supports members within its two groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers.  Vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in new vehicle innovations. Members conceive, design, and manufacture the OE systems and technologies that make up two-thirds of the value of every vehicle and 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 Washington, D.C.; Southfield, Mich.; and Research Triangle Park, N.C. Learn more at MEMA.org.