Bill Bell, PE, Promoted to Project Engineer

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.