MEMA Highlights New CEO, Strengthened Senior Leadership Team

WASHINGTON, D.C. — MEMA, the Vehicle Suppliers Association, today reaffirmed its leadership transition and the strength of its senior executive team, underscoring the organization’s focus on delivering greater value for vehicle suppliers across the mobility ecosystem. 

In 2025, MEMA announced the appointment of Paul McCarthy as president and chief executive officer. McCarthy brings deep industry experience and a member-first mindset to the role, positioning MEMA to navigate a period of rapid transformation in vehicle technology, supply chains and public policy. 

The leadership transition builds on the strong foundation established under former President and CEO Bill Long, whose tenure was marked by expanded member engagement, increased advocacy impact and the successful navigation of unprecedented industry disruption. 

Supporting McCarthy is a seasoned senior leadership team that reflects MEMA’s strategic priorities and commitment to advocacy, innovation and operational excellence. Senior leaders include: 

• Emily Poladian, president, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers
• Collin Shaw, president, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers
• Ana Meuwissen, senior vice president, government affairs, MEMA. The Vehicle Suppliers Association
• Mike Blawas, chief financial officer, MEMA. The Vehicle Suppliers Association 

As announced in October, Emily Poladian joins MEMA with deep roots in the supplier community, bringing more than 27 years of industry experience from Bridgestone, where she most recently served as president of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. At Bridgestone, she led a multi-billion-dollar aftermarket business with a focus on strategic growth, digital transformation and partnership development across global markets, underscoring her ability to drive value and innovation for MEMA’s aftermarket supplier members. 

Together, the leadership team is focused on embedding MEMA more deeply into the business priorities of its members, strengthening industry representation and ensuring vehicle suppliers’ perspectives are heard in policy, regulatory and market discussions. 

“MEMA’s leadership reflects both continuity and momentum,” said Jon Husby, chair of the MEMA Board of Directors and president and CEO of ADAC. “Paul McCarthy and the senior leadership team bring the experience, credibility and urgency our industry needs right now. The Board has full confidence in their ability to lead MEMA forward and deliver tangible value for vehicle suppliers.” 

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.  

Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in vehicle innovation. MEMA members supply the vehicle from cradle to grave: from its birth on the assembly line through the vehicle lifetime.  

MEMA serves vehicle suppliers through two membership groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers. Our members conceive, design and manufacture the parts, systems and technologies that make up two-thirds of the value of every vehicle and keep hundreds of millions of vehicles on the road running safely and affordably. We meet and enhance society’s transportation needs and our members are committed to safety, sustainable businesses, innovation, and the people who rely on us. 

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