Donald J. Tata, co-founder and CEO of Tata & Howard. Photo: T & H
Donald J. Tata, co-founder and CEO of environmental engineering firm Tata & Howard, died tMarch 25 at age 63 after a battle with cancer. Since launching Tata & Howard in 1992, Tata helped grow the Massachusetts-based firm to a nearly 70-person, employee-owned company with nine offices in seven states and Canada, including locations in Concord, Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Texas and Vermont.
Tata had a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Northeastern University, and held professional engineer licenses in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, NH, New York, Texas and Vermont. He received the William H. McGuiness award from Massachusetts Water Works Association for his work in the water works industry and contributions to the Association.
Tata served as president until last Nov., when the company’s board of directors appointed Karen L. Gracey and Jenna W. Rzasa as co-presidents and Tata as CEO. Gracey and Rzasa will now jointly oversee daily operations and corporate strategy. Additionally, the firm appointed Kenneth M. Fischer, CFO and treasurer, to the board.
Paul B. Howard, SVP and co-founder, says Tata "was an incredible person, a brilliant engineer and a lifelong friend. He dedicated his talents and drive to Tata & Howard for the past 25 years, and his presence is already greatly missed. His determination, integrity, passion for excellence and commitment to the firm will continue to inspire all of us."
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