Like a photographer, the typical role of a writer, editor or graphic artist is to stay out of the picture-to go unnoticed while giving voice to others. So unless you're a hotshot editor with a regular column, the world never really gets to know the personality behind the byline.

So allow me to introduce my editorial coworkers.

Staff Writer Ron Kotrba, a graduate of Michigan State University, joined us in January, returning to journalism after working as a lab technician for the emissions control division of a major automotive supplier. Ron's background makes him well suited to breakdown technical topics, as he has aptly done in "Knocking Out NOx," on page 32.

Staff Writer Dave Nilles-a guy that's perpetually working the phone lines lately-is a graduate of North Dakota State University. He's been with us for a year now. Dave works closely with the National Biodiesel Board to plan and coordinate the association's "Inside NBB" section in each issue of Biodiesel Magazine. He was our lead reporter at the 2005 National Biodiesel Conference, and he quarterbacked this month's "Proposed Biodiesel Plant List: 2005" on page 24.

Associate Editor Jessica Williams, a graduate of the University of North Dakota, has been with Biodiesel Magazine since its inception. She's our grammar guru and the news editor that keeps our stories crisp, accurate and on deadline. With Jessica, it's like having a writer, editor and quality control manager wrapped into one.

Last but not least is Jaci Urbaniak, our graphic artist and production coordinator. Jaci is also a University of North Dakota graduate and has been with us from the start. She created the publication's look, and almost everything about its design is the result of her talent. She's often working under deadline pressure with little or no time to spare. She can turn drab photos-sometimes no artwork at all-into a great looking piece. Jaci's work never fails to surprise us.

We're fortunate to have such talent.

Tom Bryan
Editorial Director
tbryan@bbibiofuels.com