David Speicher Joins SEMA as Chief Technology Officer

David Speicher has joined the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as chief technology officer.

In the new role, Speicher will be “responsible for creating and implementing a forward-looking technology strategy that aligns with business objectives, driving sustainable growth and maintaining a competitive edge, while bringing SEMA’s technology infrastructure up-to-date and ensuring technology initiatives are aligned with overall business strategies and goals,” the association stated in a press release announcing the hire.

Speicher brings more than 20 years of experience developing and applying strategy to technology decision-making, focusing on process automation, system optimization, software development and infrastructure design, according to the release. He has served in a variety of leadership roles, including chief technology officer, senior director of information systems, and chief systems engineer.

“Bringing David on as our chief technology officer marks a pivotal step in SEMA’s commitment to modernization and innovation,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. “His extensive background in transforming legacy systems into agile, scalable platforms aligns perfectly with our vision for growth and operational excellence. As our first CTO, David will drive our technology strategy forward, setting the stage for new advancements that will enhance our services and bring exceptional value to our members.”

Speicher joins SEMA from Vital Incite where, as CTO, he completely revamped the product infrastructure, developed a multiregional disaster recovery solution and increased web app query times tenfold for clients, the release noted.

“I’m thrilled to join SEMA and dive into the vibrant automotive aftermarket industry,” he said. “This industry is all about innovation and that’s up my alley. I’m eager to leverage technology to help our association drive forward. Together, we’ll build a foundation that not only supports our members today but also positions us for sustained growth and resilience in an ever-evolving market.”

In 2016 and again in 2020, Speicher was named Indianapolis Business Journal’s CTO of the Year for non-profit organizations and has been a speaker at MHCA, Open Minds, INSPN keynote, Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Google Road Show.

A native of Indiana, Speicher is a graduate of Purdue University, West Lafayette, with a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering Technology. He and his wife, Kristen, have two sons.

He will be based at SEMA’s headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.