Bruce Parker, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Washington-based Environmental Industry Associations, plans to retire at the end of 2012.

Parker joined the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA), one of the sub-associations of EIA, in 1981 as its general counsel. He became head of the association in 1996. EIA represents the private-sector solid waste industry also through the Waste Equipment Technology Association (WASTEC).

The search for Parker’s successor is being led by Charlie Appleby, EIA chairman and chairman and CEO of Advanced Disposal Services Inc.

“There is no question that Bruce will be missed. He has had a storied career at the association during the past 30 years, and he has been an outstanding leader who has introduced major changes and programs at EIA as the industry has grown in size and complexity,” Appleby said in a news release. “Still, his retirement is well-earned, and I hope he can learn how to relax. We will never replace Bruce, but we will find a new CEO to lead the association into the future.”

 “Working in the solid waste industry during the past 30 years has been both a privilege and blessing,” Parker said. “I am extremely proud of what our volunteer leaders, member companies and EIA staff have accomplished. Together we have increased membership; become more effective in our state, local and federal advocacy; created the ‘Environmentalists. Every Day,’ educational effort to help media representatives and decision makers better understand the industry’s activities and contributions toward environmental sustainability; created a nationally-recognized safety program that provides information for managers, supervisors and front-line employees to prevent workplace accidents and fatalities; as well as other achievements.”

Before joining NSWMA and EIA, Parker was an attorney in the Federal Trade Commission’s Office of Federal Affairs, general counsel for the National Cemeteries Association and an associate at a large Washington law firm doing environmental and regulatory work.