About Us

al.com is Alabama's most interactive, comprehensive online source for up-to-date news, sports, entertainment, travel, business happenings and classifieds. With over 1.5 million unique monthly visitors (ComScore Media Metrix, December 2009), al.com is Alabama's largest website.

al.com is a subsidiary of Advance Internet, which is a unit of Advance Publications, the country's largest privately held media company.

Executive Team

Cindy Martin has served as President/CEO of al.com since its inception in 1997. Cindy currently serves on the Board for The Birmingham Business Alliance, UAB's School of Communication Studies, Junior Achievement of Greater Birmingham, The Alabama Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and ONB’s Magic City Art Connection where she also served as past- President. Cindy is member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham.

Cindy was named one of the Top 10 Birmingham Women for 2009 by the Birmingham Business Journal and the 2009 Outstanding Small Business Person of the Year by the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Cindy was recognized as the 2007 Honorary Alumna of UAB’s Department of Communications Studies, is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Birmingham and was named the 2003 Advertising CEO of the Year.

A native Alabamian, Cindy grew up in Bessemer and graduated cum laude from the University of Alabama with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a MBA.

As Director of Content, Bob Sims will work with officials at The Birmingham News, The Huntsville Times and Press-Register to develop content and expand the audience of al.com.

Bob Sims most recently held the position as Internet Editor of The Birmingham News. Bob was also previously Managing Editor of The Prattville Progress in Autauga County, Alabama and also employed at The Montgomery Advertiser.

Bob is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the Alabama Army National Guard. He lives in Homewood with his wife, Katherine. They have two children.

Dee Dee Mathis leads the overall efforts of al.com's advertising sales team with offices in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile.

A graduate of the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Business and Marketing, Dee Dee is responsible for al.com's overall advertising revenue and sales strategy. Dee Dee's 20 years of industry experience includes building successful client campaigns through interactive and digital marketing, broadcast television, radio and outdoor advertising. Dee Dee was awarded the Birmingham Advertising Federation's "Peak Award" for Sales Manager of the Year in 2004.

Erin, who joined al.com in 2002, is responsible for media planning, press relations, content alliances and other marketing duties for al.com.

Erin, a board member of the Birmingham AMA, holds a B.S. in Marketing from The University of Mississippi.