RPA is proud to recognize Trevor Larson, PE, who has successfully passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) Examination and is now a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Montana.

In recognition of his achievements and growing responsibilities, Trevor has also been promoted to Project Engineer in RPA’s Water/Wastewater Group. In this new role, he will lead and support a wide range of infrastructure projects — including the planning and execution of engineering studies, the development of construction drawings and specifications, and the oversight of construction observation and contract administration efforts.

Trevor has consistently demonstrated strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit — all of which have made him a key contributor to the success of our projects and our team. We look forward to his continued growth and leadership at RPA.

Congratulations, Trevor, on this well-earned recognition of your hard work and dedication!

Bill Bell, PE, has passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Examination and is now a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Montana. In recognition of this accomplishment and his contributions to RPA, he has been promoted to Project Engineer. Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University and has been an integral part of the Streets & Highways Group since 2018. Outside the office Bill is a board member of the Big Sky Alumni Association for MSU and he enjoys golfing and fishing in his spare time.

Nicole Biers has been promoted to Senior Information Technology Specialist. In her new position, Nicole’s primary responsibility is to provide software and network support, training, and troubleshooting for the firm’s networked computer system. She also administers RPA’s telecommunications services and equipment, performs hardware/software upgrades, provides support to all branch offices and remote employees, and serves as the network security administrator. Nicole began her career with RPA as a Computer Support Specialist in 2016 and is MCSA Office 365 Certified.

Aaron Peters, PE, has passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Examination and is now a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Montana. In recognition of this accomplishment and his contributions to RPA, he has been promoted to Project Engineer. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Montana State University – Northern and has been a part of the Site Development Group since 2023. Outside the office Aaron volunteers with Prickly Pear Land Trust and the Montana Bicycle Guild. When he is not volunteering, Aaron enjoys spending time mountain biking and hiking the trails that Helena and the State has to offer.

Holly Manning, PE, has been promoted to Site Development Group Manager. In this new leadership role, Manning will promote the growth and development of the Site Development Group, assure the highest quality of work, and ensure the group continues to meet the needs of our clients with innovative, practical solutions. When asked of her promotion, Manning said, “I am humbled, honored and excited at the opportunity to lead this incredible group here at RPA.”

Beginning as an intern in 2001, Manning joined RPA full-time as a member of the Water/Wastewater Group in 2002, working her way from Engineering Designer to Project Manager. In 2017 she transitioned to the Site Development Group and has since provided excellent site accessibility, drainage, site grading, storm water detention and treatment, utility, parking lot, and sidewalk design for projects throughout Montana. Manning’s well-deserved promotion is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and key contributions to RPA’s success for the past 22 years. Manning serves on RPA’s Board of Directors and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University.

Sarah Nicolai, PE, PTP, has been promoted to Transportation Planning and Operations Group Manager. In her new position, Nicolai will continue developing and managing projects for numerous state, federal, and municipal transportation agencies, as well as private clients throughout the northwest. “I am honored to step into this new role in support of the RPA team and in service to our clients,” says Nicolai. “I greatly appreciate the opportunities RPA offers for career advancement and personal growth.”

With nearly 20 years of experience, Nicolai has extensive knowledge and background with the development of highway corridor studies, transportation planning and safety assessments, statewide policy documentation, environmental evaluations, and public and stakeholder outreach. She has served on RPA’s Board of Directors since 2022 and is the Past President for the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Montana Section. Nicolai holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Civil Engineering from Carroll College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Carleton College.

“Sarah has been an immensely valuable member of RPA since she joined the firm in 2020,” says Scott Randall, RPA Vice President and former Transportation Planning and Operations Group Manager. “She is a highly respected leader in the transportation industry, with a focus on outstanding client service. We are thrilled to see Sarah take on this new role, and we are grateful for her continued steady leadership as we move forward.”

Ryan Seyler, PE, has passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Examination and is now a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Montana. In recognition of this accomplishment and his contributions to RPA, he has been promoted to Project Engineer in the Water/Wastewater Group. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University. He joined RPA in 2019 and has proven himself an invaluable team member of the Water/Wastewater Group. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors with activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing.

Tyler Jirges, PE, has passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Examination and is now a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Montana. In recognition of this accomplishment and his contributions to RPA, he has been promoted to Project Engineer in the Structures Group. Tyler holds a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University (MSU) as well as a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with Highest Honors from MSU. He joined RPA full-time in 2018, following two years as an engineering intern, and has proven himself an invaluable team member of the Structures Group. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time on the Yellowstone River and exploring the mountains around Livingston with his wife and four children.

Kaela Murphy, PE, has passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Examination and is now a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Montana. In addition to this significant milestone in her career, Kaela’s recent contributions and increasing responsibilities has earned her a promotion to Project Engineer in the Water/Wastewater Group. Kaela holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Bio Resource Option, with honors from Montana State University. She also holds an Associate of Science degree in Engineering from Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming. Kaela joined RPA in 2018 and has proven herself an invaluable team member of the Water/Wastewater Group. In her new role, Kaela will plan and conduct engineering studies, prepare construction drawings and specifications and oversee construction observation and contract administration.

RPA is pleased to announce Scott Randall, PE, PTOE, as our newly elected Vice President of Human Resources. As Vice President of Human Resources, Scott is responsible for developing and executing human resource and marketing strategies in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of RPA. This includes developing and implementing companywide policies and procedures, contributing to firm-wide marketing, staffing, training and development, and performance management.

In addition to his new duties as Vice President of Human Resources, Scott is RPA’s Transportation Planning and Operations Group Manager. Scott began his career with RPA in 2007 and has 19 years of experience in the transportation industry. He successfully oversees the operations of the group and provides traffic engineering, transportation planning, and project management expertise on projects throughout the northwest. Additionally, Scott served on RPA’s ESOP Board of Trustees from 2015 – 2021, holding the Chairman position for the last four years. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Transportation from Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman.

Chris Hayes, PE, has been promoted to Assistant Group Manager of the Water/Wastewater Group.  Chris holds a Master of Science degree in Project Engineering and Management from Montana Tech in Butte, coursework in Civil Engineering Pre-Master’s Degree Program from Montana State Bozeman, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology from Montana State University – Northern in Havre. Chris joined RPA in 2006 and has 20 years of management and design experience on numerous water and wastewater treatment, storage, collection, and distribution system projects. In addition to his valuable contributions to the Water/Wastewater Group, Chris has served on RPA’s Board of Trustees since 2018.  In his new role, Chris will continue developing and managing projects and assist with the group’s marketing, administration, and quality control.  

Brandon Theis, PE, has been promoted to Site Development Group Manager. He began his career at RPA’s Kalispell Branch Office in 2005 and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University. For nearly two decades, Brandon has served as one of RPA’s leading municipal engineers providing project management, civil engineering design, and construction administration services for numerous urban street and site development projects. In his new role, Brandon will oversee the entire Site Development Group and will primarily be responsible for the group’s marketing, administration, and quality control.

Lance Bowser, PE, has been promoted to Airports Group Manager. He joined RPA in 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in the airport industry. Lance has completed master planning, airport layout plans, environmental assessments, land acquisition, airport design, construction inspection, and overall project management and administration for nearly 100 airport improvement projects with over 20 airports across Montana. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Montana State University – Northern in Havre and is a licensed professional engineer in Montana and Colorado.

Stephen Markwardt, PE, has been promoted to Design Team Leader in RPA’s Streets and Highways Group. He works in the Helena office and holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University.  In this role, Stephen will oversee project development to ensure work is completed on schedule, meets the client’s expectations, and adheres to the appropriate industry standards. This promotion is a fitting recognition of the hard work and dedication Stephen has continually shown in the Streets and Highways Group.

RPA is pleased to announce Craig Jenneskens, P.E. as our newly elected President/Chairman of the Board. As President, Craig will be responsible for the management and general operations of the company, with a focus on continuing to attract and retain outstanding employees while providing exceptional professional services to our clients. Craig has served on RPA’s Board of Directors since 2005 and was Chairman of the ESOP Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2017. Since 2017, Craig has held the Vice President of Business Management position. In his 27 years with RPA, Craig has also served as the Water Division Manager and the Site Development Group Manager. A native of Bigfork, Montana, Craig has a B.A. in Mathematics from Carroll College and a M.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. He serves on the Board of Directors for the American Council of Engineering Companies of Montana, the Carroll College Engineering Advisory Board, and the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce.

RPA is pleased to announce Ryan Mitchell, PE, PLS, as our newly elected Vice President of Business Management. As Vice President of Business Management, Ryan will be responsible for company-wide financial planning and projections, strategic planning, business development, and marketing strategies. He will also work closely with our President and Corporate Controller in establishing and tracking annual budgets and reviewing corporate insurance policies and standard forms of agreement. Ryan began his career at RPA’s Helena office in 1999 working in the Streets & Highways Group, Site Development Group, and Airports Group. In 2005, Ryan moved to Kalispell to open the Kalispell branch office and was promoted to Branch Operations Manager. Ryan has an A.A.S. in Land Surveying with highest honors from Flathead Valley Community College and a B.S. in Civil Engineering with highest honors from Montana State University.

Sarah Nicolai, PE, PTP, was promoted to Transportation Planning and Operations Assistant Group Manager. Ms. Nicolai holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Civil Engineering from Carroll College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College. With over 16 years of experience in the transportation industry, Ms. Nicolai has extensive knowledge and background with highway corridor studies, transportation planning and safety assessments, statewide policy documentation, traffic evaluations, and public and stakeholder outreach. In her new role, Ms. Nicolai will continue developing and managing projects and will assist with the group’s business development, marketing, administration, and quality control. Ms. Nicolai is currently assisting the Transportation Planning and Operations Group with the Downtown Whitefish Highway Study, City of Helena Multimodal Traffic Study, and the MDT ADA Transition Plan Update.

Kerry Pedersen, PE, has been promoted to Transportation Engineer/Planner in the Transportation Planning and Operations Group. Ms. Pedersen recently passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Examination and is now a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Montana. She joined the Helena office in 2017 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and an Honors Degree from Montana State University (MSU). Ms. Pedersen specializes in transportation engineering and planning projects that include transportation plans, traffic studies, urban planning, traffic simulation, corridor studies, and safety projects. She is currently working on the ADA Transition Plan for the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), the Greater Triangle Area Transportation Plan in Gallatin County, and the MDT Clearwater Junction Intersection Improvements project.