My name is Zachariah Bryan, and I am the new lead reporter and web editor for the Ballard News Tribune. You can call me Zach.

I am taking over for Anne-Marije Rook, who has taken a position as staff writer for Cascade Bicycle Club.

My background is in writing, journalism and civic engagement. Last year I graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Bachelor's degree in English, concentration in creative writing.

While at SPU, I was assistant news editor for the award-winning student weekly, "The Falcon," a student worker at the City of Seattle Mayor's Office, a campaign intern with League of Education Voters and a student lobbyist for higher education.

More recently, I have worked as a freelance writer, editor and editorial intern. My work has appeared in Crosscut, Public Data Ferret and Northwest Asian Weekly.

I hope to combine my experience in civic engagement and journalism to tell the story of one of my favorite neighborhoods, Ballard.

With its rich history, interesting culture, growing music scene and, if I may say, darn good bars and restaurants, I have always found an excuse to visit Ballard. Now, while at the BNT, I hope to explore and understand the neighborhood on a more intimate level. With your help of course.

Feel free to contact me at (253) 219-8663 with any thoughts you have. You can email me at zachb@robinsonnews.com with story tips, letters to the editors, press releases or any other comments and ideas.

I am excited to meet you all.