Cybersecurity Think Tank Wins Annual Business Technology Council Competition
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Business Technology Council announced the fifth annual winning BTC Think Tank presentation during the 2025 Aftermarket Technology Conference on October 7, 2025. The Cybersecurity team was selected as the top group, presenting challenges and solutions that could benefit the automotive aftermarket today. The winner was selected via voting by members during the BTC Fall Meeting: Part 1 last month.
The Cybersecurity in an AI World team was led by Hemant Damani, director of IT at Niterra. Members of the Think Tank include:
- Sultan Ahmed, Niterra North America
- Mike Conley, East Penn Manufacturing
- Michael Ehrenhofer, DRiV
- Kyle Johnson, JNPSoft OptiCat
- Justin Leflar, Gates Corporation
- Kevin Pentecost, Standard Motor Products
- Jason Popillion, SPS Commerce
The Cybersecurity Think Tank concentrates on helping overcome typical security issues while considering the latest threats as technology and business scenarios evolve. The group's objective is to develop and exchange ideas on any number of topics, focusing on the main dangers to aftermarket suppliers and how to best address them.
Previous Think Tank Winners include:
- 2024: Global E-Tailing
- 2023: Emerging Vehicle Technologies
- 2022: Emerging Vehicle Technologies
- 2021: E-Commerce Readiness
"All of this year's Think Tanks did an incredible job, and the Cybersecurity in an AI World Think Tank was especially insightful," said Sara Kaderly, director of programming & remanufacturing lead, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. "It provided members with real-world examples of the threats emerging from AI and offered practical strategies for protecting data and systems in this rapidly evolving environment."
Other 2025 Think Tanks included AI Apps and Opportunities and Repair Shop Automation.
The BTC Executive Committee is now selecting the 2026 Think Tank Topics. Information on joining the 2026 Think Tanks—open only to BTC members—is available on the MEMA website.
About the Business Technology Council (BTC)
The Business Technology Council (BTC) is the aftermarket’s leading business technology forum. Members network and exchange best practices related to current and emerging technologies that support their efforts to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and pursue new business opportunities. For more information on how you can get involved and upcoming events, visit mema.org/networking-groups/BTC.
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 over 900,000 American jobs in all 50 states. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a recognized industry change agent—promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for member companies. Members represent 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 North American trade association 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.