Industry Veterans Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl Appointed to Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame’s Board

Sturgis, South Dakota – April 16, 2024 – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its Board of Directors.

 

Marilyn Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazinewith her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News, edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News, contributes to several powersports media outlets, and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest, and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum’s Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.

 

Steve Piehl’s appointment brings decades of industry experience to the board, in both his own consulting firm and in the 36 years he spent working at Harley-Davidson. Piehl led the team responsible for launching innovative event strategies, such as Harley’s motorcycle demonstration ride program, a Traveling Museum and the groundbreaking LiveWire Experience tour. Early in his career he was asked to create the Harley Owners Group (HOG), a membership program that connects riders with the Motor Company. He was part of the company’s launch of rider training programs and served on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Piehl was inducted into the Sturgis Museum’s Hall of Fame in 2012 and received the Pappy Hoel Award at his induction. Piehl’s communications consulting firm serves several companies in the powersports industry in the US and Europe. He volunteers for the USO and the Boy Scouts of America and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike.

 

“We are delighted to welcome Marilyn and Steve to our Board of Directors,” said Board President Craig Bailey. “Their exceptional backgrounds and unwavering dedication to the motorcycle community, along with the talented individuals already serving on our board, will propel the Museum to deliver an experience like never before.”

 

Stemp and Piehl will begin serving on the board immediately.

 

Founded in 2001, the non-profit Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame is located at the heart of the world’s largest motorcycle event, the annual Sturgis Rally. It is a top year-round tourist destination in South Dakota and is considered a “must see” experience for visiting riders.  The museum’s collection features over 80 vintage and custom motorcycles, which is one of the world’s largest permanent collections of custom and modified motorcycles. The exhibits also feature an extensive collection of art, including paintings, illustrations, and sculptures. The Museum’s Hall of Fame, which precedes the opening of the museum, includes nearly 280 noted individuals from the motorcycle industry and motorcycle culture around the world. The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place during the Sturgis Rally each August.