Madalen Shipman has joined RPA as our new Marketing Coordinator. She grew up in Dillon and came to Helena for college, studying Management and Marketing at Carroll College.

At Carroll, Madalen ran cross country and track and field for the Saints. She served as team captain for two years and earned two All-American honors in track and field, plus an Academic All-American honor. She was drawn to marketing because it balances creativity and strategy, and that mix is what she brings to her role here.

Outside of work, Madalen enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with family. She and her fiancé love taking her nephew and niece to the carousel for a ride and ice cream. RPA is employee-owned, so everyone on our team has a stake in the work, and we’re glad Madalen is now part of that. Welcome, Madalen!

Please join us in welcoming Sam Kelderman, EI, to RPA as an Engineering Designer based in our Kalispell office, joining our Water & Wastewater Group.

Sam studied chemical and biological engineering at Montana State University in Bozeman, with a background spanning microbiology research, fluid flow modeling, and semiconductor manufacturing. That mix of experience led her to water and wastewater engineering, where she now works on delivering safe, environmentally responsible infrastructure to communities across Montana. She also competed in Division I track and field and cross country at MSU, and grew up in Issaquah, Washington.

Outside the office, Sam trains for marathons and triathlons with her husband, paddleboards, bikes, skis, and gets outside with her German Shorthaired Pointer. She ferments her own food at home, everything from sourdough to kombucha, and coaches elementary school kids in cross-country skiing in Whitefish each winter.

As an employee-owned firm, everyone on our team has a stake in the work. Welcome to RPA, Sam.

RPA is proud to welcome Braeden Guse to the team as a full-time Engineering Designer in our Water & Wastewater Group.

What drew Braeden to civil engineering was the chance to make a real, visible difference in the communities that are proud to call Montana home. That sense of purpose is what he brings to work every day, and it is rooted in a genuine connection to the state and the people who live here.

A Bigfork native, Braeden earned his degree from Montana Technological University in Butte, graduating in 2026. While his degree is in mechanical engineering, his passion for strengthening local communities is what pulled him toward civil work. During his time at Montana Tech he stayed active on and off campus, competing in athletics and taking part in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), experiences that gave him a strong, well-rounded foundation as he begins his career.

When he is not on the job, you will find Braeden hunting, fishing, or out at the range, making the most of the Montana outdoors he grew up in.

We are glad to have Braeden on board and excited to see what he brings to the team. Welcome aboard, Braeden!