Parker

David Parker, the former American Gas Association CEO who helped significantly grow the trade group's profile, has died, the association announced Wednesday.

A cause of death was not given but Parker's family spoke with The Washington Post last year about his struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 78 at the time. The former CEO led AGA from 1997 to 2010, a 13-year tenure during which he coordinated the group's move from Crystal City, Va., to Washington, D.C., and raised its standing in both the nation's capital and the association community.

"Dave was a thoughtful, strategic leader and a tireless advocate for the natural gas industry and the critical role of associations," current AGA CEO Karen Harbert said in a statement. "He was beloved, respected and admired by AGA staff, both past and present, our members and all those who knew him. We have lost a true visionary who will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with the Parker family at this very difficult time."

Before joining AGA, Parker was president of the Aluminum Association for eight years. He spent nine years managing public policy issues for the Edison Electric Institute, where he was responsible for corporate affairs and government relations. He also spent 17 years in various roles in federal government, including senior positions at the White House, Department of Commerce and Department of the Interior. He is a former chair of the ASAE board of directors.

Parker is survived by his wife, Carol; son Kyle and his wife, Michelle; daughter Megan and her husband, Dan.

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