After 24 years as executive director of the Water Quality Association, Peter Censky has announced that he will be retiring early next year.

“While we are disappointed Pete is retiring, we are deeply grateful for his remarkable accomplishments,” WQA president Denise Urbans says. “Pete brought the association and our industry to a new level of credibility, influence and strength. We all wish him the best in his retirement.”

Censky and the board said his retirement will likely take place in the first months of 2012, as a transition to a new executive director is made.

“It has been my privilege to work with so many successful, ethical business leaders over the years,” Censky says. “WQA members are committed to professionalism and top quality, and that has been what has most impressed me while serving the industry.”

Censky was hired to run WQA in July 1987. Board members credit him with programs and leadership that have helped give consumers confidence in water treatment products. The Gold Seal program and laboratory expanded significantly during Censky’s tenure. Government affairs also became a major focus, including successful efforts against harmful regulations and legislation, particularly in California, where WQA involvement helped bring about balanced approaches to salinity and other issues. In the early 1990s, WQA created one of the first association Web sites to go online, and it currently is being upgraded to better serve consumers.

Membership in the association has grown under Censky’s management. WQA Aquatech USA has succeeded every year in attracting exhibitors and visitors, and the trade show constantly is retooled to meet changing demands. WQA also has successfully grown its international program.

More recently, with good will built up in state and federal government, Censky has been at the forefront of the “final barrier” initiative, a proposed restructuring of home water delivery that has the potential to transform the industry.

WQA is a not-for-profit association that provides public information about water treatment issues and also trains and certifies professionals to better serve consumers. WQA has more than 2,500 members internationally.