An automotive teacher for 38 years, Tim Gilles is professor emeritus in the Automotive Technology Department at Santa Barbara City College, has authored or coauthored several textbooks and has been active in professional associations for many years. He has served as president and a board member of the California Automotive Teachers (CAT), a board member and election committee chair of the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT), a member of the California Community College Chancellor's Trade and Industry Advisory Committee and Education Committee chair for the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Independent Automotive Professionals Association. Mr. Gilles has also served several terms as a board member of the Santa Barbara Automotive Service Council and is active in industry associations such as AERA, The Automotive Repair Coalition and IATN, including presenting at numerous conferences. In addition, he has held ASE Master Automotive Technician and ASE Master Engine Machinist industry certifications.