Ann Forte Trappey, P.E. | 2025 LSU Hall of Distinction Honoree
Ann Forte Trappey (1982 BACH SCI), a registered professional engineer in civil and environmental engineering, has been a cornerstone of the Louisiana engineering community for more than four decades. As former President and CEO of Forte and Tablada, she led the Baton Rouge-based firm through decades of growth, shaping it into a powerhouse of civil and environmental engineering. Under her leadership since 1983, the firm expanded to nearly 100 employees, serving diverse markets across the state.
She has continuously supported the university through her service and philanthropy. She helped commission the original LSU River Model, housed in a building named in honor of her father, a tribute to their shared legacy.
Her vivid memories of growing up in a purple-and-gold household speak to the emotional bond she shares with her alma mater. From cheering at football games to the Delta Gamma sisters she calls family, LSU has been the backdrop to some of her most formative experiences.
“As a young child who grew up in a household with two parents who were LSU graduates, LSU and the purple and gold were frankly all I ever knew...LSU was the only place I knew I would ever call my alma mater. From watching the LSU Band practice on Saturday mornings with Dad...to walking down the aisle in my cap and gown to receive my diploma, LSU holds more memories than I can count. Family, friends, Delta Gamma sisters, football and basketball games, concrete canoe races, falling in love and getting your heart broken, to the excitement when a topic finally clicked the night before a final exam. Too many memories to count and so much to be grateful for.”
Trappey’s impact extends beyond her firm. She holds the distinction of being the first female elected to several roles within the American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana (ACEC/L), including board president. She was inducted as an ACEC Fellow in 2007 and was also the first woman elected as a state director for the Louisiana Engineering Society (LES).
She has served as president of the Louisiana Engineering Foundation and held leadership roles in the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Her work paved the way for more women to step into leadership roles in STEM fields.
A lifelong advocate for education, leadership, and civic engagement, Trappey has
Ann Forte Trappey has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including LSU College of Engineering Hall of Distinction, Louisiana Engineering Society’s 2024 Waldemar S. Nelson President’s Award, Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction, Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, Business Report Woman of Achievement, BRAC Jensen Holliday Award, Delta Gamma Shield Award, Greek Excellence Award, LSU Order of Omega Award, Top 40 Under 40 and Outstanding Young Engineer.
These honors reflect her professional accomplishments, civic leadership, and ongoing dedication to the betterment of Louisiana. Even after naming her successor at Forte and Tablada in 2020, Trappey remains actively involved as Vice President of Outreach, leading strategic initiatives and client engagement, and serves on the firm's board of directors.
Trappey is married to Alfred “Fred” Trappey II and they have two children and four grandchildren. Her enduring commitment to mentorship, service, and innovation continues to inspire future generations of LSU engineers.
Learn more about the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction.