MEMA's Center for Sustainability Appoints Bryan Russell as New Senior Director

Washington, D.C., July 22, 2024 – MEMA. The Vehicle Suppliers Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Bryan Russell as Senior Director of the MEMA Center for Sustainability. In his new role, Bryan will be responsible for elevating the Center’s prominence, expanding current programming, and increasing member engagement. He will work cross-functionally within the organization and with MEMA’s partners to advance the Center’s mission to meet members wherever they are on their sustainability journey.

Russell brings to MEMA more than 20 years of experience in the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors. His career includes roles at Ricardo, Brose, and American Specialty Cars. Most recently, Bryan served as Marketing and Communications Manager and Senior Sustainability Consultant at DNV, a world-renowned testing, certification, and technical advisory services firm. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University, with a double major in communications and environmental science.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bryan to the MEMA Center for Sustainability,” said John Chalifoux, Chief Sustainability Officer at MEMA and COO of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “His significant industry experience and work in the sustainability field make him ideal to guide the Center’s initiatives and increase our ability to provide problem-solving solutions for our members.”

Since its formation last year, the Center has made significant strides in addressing sustainability within the vehicle supplier community. In addition to hosting a Sustainability Summit focused on the needs of small and middle-market suppliers, key programming includes:

• Sustainability Hour: These monthly, 60-minute webinars provide a platform for members to learn about key sustainability topics. Each episode includes subject matter experts, along with live question and answer sessions.
• Sustainability Workshop: When topics and issues need additional time, members get together in an interactive problem-solving environment. These half- and full-day workshops provide the opportunity for members to address real issues, share experiences, and build their sustainability networks.

Looking ahead, the Center plans to expand its programming and outreach. Current initiatives include increasing member engagement and forming strong alliances with academic institutions and other sustainability-focused organizations. These steps at the Center—along with the inherent advantage of working directly with MEMA’s Washington D.C. advocacy team—will only increase MEMA’s ability to provide full coverage of the commercial and policy issues and topics in sustainability.

“At the MEMA Center for Sustainability, we are committed to supporting our members at every step of their sustainability journey,” said Bryan Russell. “I am excited to join this dynamic team and contribute to the Center’s mission of helping members assess and respond to the needs of their customers and other stakeholders.”

For more information about MEMA’s Center for Sustainability and its initiatives, please visit mema.org/sustainability or contact Bryan Russell.

About MEMA. The Vehicle Suppliers Association

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, is the leading trade association in North America for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. It has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.

Companies join MEMA via two membership groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers. Automotive and commercial 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 Southfield, Mich.; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and Washington, D.C. Learn more at MEMA.org.