MEMA Presents Triangle Award to Charley Johnson

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) presented the Triangle Award to Charley Johnson, chief executive officer, OptiCat, LLC., on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at his office in Maryland.  

“For more than 45 years, the Triangle Award has been given periodically to that person or persons, or organization, whom MEMA and our divisions choose to honor for selfless contribution to the vehicle supplier industry,” said MEMA President and CEO Bill Long. “Charley’s decades of exceptional leadership and dedication to the supplier industry embody the spirit of the Triangle Award.”  

Long continued, “[Charley] has never missed an opportunity to promote, protect and advance the automotive industry, the automotive aftermarket and pushback against government over-reach. Perhaps his most lasting contribution is the work he has done working quietly behind the scenes, to find paths of collaboration and common ground, leading to a win-win for industry stakeholders and businesses.”  

The prestige of the Triangle Award arises from its selective process. From its inception, the Triangle Award was not intended as an annual award. The award is only presented when truly deserving candidates are found – those who have worked tirelessly, behind the scenes, out of the spotlight and whose contributions have advanced the supplier industry. 

Past recipients of the MEMA Triangle Award include the late Joseph M. Magliochetti of Dana Corp.; Tom Gallagher of Genuine Parts Co.; Mort Schwartz of Masco Tech Inc.; John M. Riess (then of The Gates Rubber Co.); the late Larry McCurdy (then of Moog Automotive); and Jack Reilly (then of Tenneco Automotive). Most recently, the MEMA Triangle award was presented to Mike Mansuetti of Bosch; Jim Kamsickas of DANA; and Don Walker of Magna. A complete list of past recipients can be found here. 

About MEMA 
Since 1904, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has been the voice of the automotive and commercial vehicle supplier industry, the largest manufacturing sector in the United States. Across the entire range of new vehicle innovation—from autonomous to zero-emissions technologies—vehicle suppliers are leading the way. Our member companies conceive, design, and manufacture the original equipment systems and technologies that make up two-thirds of the value in every vehicle. Member companies also supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and meeting society’s need for transportation. And all of our members’ work is done with a focus on public safety and the environment. 
  
MEMA is the parent organization of four affiliate associations: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), MERA – The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing, and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich., Research Triangle Park, N.C., and Washington, D.C. Learn more about our organization, our members, and the great vehicle supplier community at  MEMA.org.