Ann Forte Trappey, president and CEO of Baton Rouge-based Forte & Tablada, has begun transferring ownership of the consulting, engineering and land surveying firm to the company’s vice presidents.
Trappey has named Joey Coco and Chad Bacas as her successors. As of last Friday, Joey Coco is the firm’s new CEO. The sale of the company to Coco and Bacas includes the firm’s offices on Interline Avenue and North Boulevard, as well as in Denham Springs.
The ownership transfer doesn’t mean Trappey is retiring, however. Trappey will still be involved with the company as the firm’s vice president of outreach, leading a team focusing on clients, strategic pursuits, proposals and marketing events. She will retain her position on the Forte & Tablada board of directors and will remain involved in the business’s daily operations, but in a different capacity, allowing for more family quality time.
“I’m still young and still plan on working full time another several years,” Trappey says. “I’m truly excited for the transition though. I have four grandkids and my husband retired last year. This will give me the ability to spend quality time with them.”
Trappey notes that the company has been working on the leadership transition for several years, with Coco having been with the company for eight years and Bacas for two decades.
Forte & Tablada, founded by Trappey’s father, Vincent Forte, more than 60 years ago, will retain the well-known Forte & Tablada name.
