DIEPPE, N. B. –As first reported by Truck News editor James Menzies via Twitter on Aug. 26, Peter Nelson has parted ways with the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA), the organization he headed as executive director since March 2006.

The APTA confirmed his departure to Truck News the morning he left his post.

Gord Peddle, chairman of the APTA said the executive had been speaking to Nelson about his desire to pursue other interests over the course of the last couple months.

“He’s gone off to bigger and better things,” Peddle told Truck News. Peddle said he’ll be assuming the role of interim executive director as he wraps up his stint as chair of the association. He also said the association is “going to work today, as we speak” to get the ball rolling on finding a permanent replacement.

Peddle also noted the association remains in good hands with a “good competent staff here in Moncton.”

The APTA has its annual general meeting and elections slated for Oct. 5-6 in P. E. I.

Nelson, a native of Saint John, N. B. and graduate of UNB Fredericton, was senior vice-president with William Alexander and Associates for seven years before moving to independent consulting and later to the APTA. He is also a former vice-chair of the board of trustees of the Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation.

Nelson was said to be returning to his independent consulting roots.