Raeanna Thiele, Vice President of Thiele Geotech, Inc., has been selected as one of two recipients of the 2026 American Council of Engineering Companies of Nebraska (ACEC NE) Young Professional of the Year Award. The honor recognizes engineers under the age of 35 who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement, leadership within the engineering industry, and meaningful community involvement.
As Vice President and a member of Thiele Geotech’s Board of Directors, Thiele plays a critical role in providing strategic leadership for the firm while managing complex geotechnical engineering projects across the region. Her work contributes directly to the continued growth, technical excellence, and long-term success of Thiele Geotech, a Nebraska-based firm known for its expertise in geotechnical, materials, and environmental engineering.
A lifelong Nebraskan, Thiele earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska and is a graduate of the prestigious Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program at the University of Nebraska Omaha. The program helped shape her strong commitment to leadership, service, and community engagement. Rather than pursuing opportunities elsewhere, Thiele chose to remain in Omaha, where she continues to invest her talents in strengthening both the engineering profession and the local community.
Thiele’s dedication extends well beyond her professional responsibilities. She actively supports and volunteers with numerous organizations and outreach initiatives, including the Omaha Food Bank Canned Food Drive, Wow! That’s Engineering outreach events, ASCE STEM Youth Outreach, Career Rocket, and multiple engineering presentations at the University of Nebraska Omaha and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Through these efforts, she is helping inspire the next generation of engineers while promoting awareness and enthusiasm for STEM careers.
Thiele is a graduate of ACEC Nebraska’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and has served as a mentor for college-age engineering students through ACEC Nebraska’s “Let’s MEET” Program (Mentor Emerging Engineers Together). She has also served as a panelist of Women in Engineering – sharing her experiences and wisdom.
“Raeanna exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and technical excellence that define the ACEC NE Young Professional of the Year Award,” said Robert Lapke, President at Thiele Geotech. “Her impact on our firm, the profession, and the community reflects a deep commitment to engineering as a force for positive change.”
The ACEC NE Young Professional of the Year Award is one of the organization’s highest honors for emerging professionals and highlights individuals who are shaping the future of the engineering industry through innovation, leadership, and service.