Explore the stories of leadership and vision in Birmingham’s advertising industry with our special 12-part series, Behind the Brands. Featuring CEOs from a diverse range of agencies, this series sheds light on the personal journeys, leadership philosophies, and decisions that drive some of the most influential brands today. Whether seasoned veterans or fresh faces on the scene, these leaders share insights that inspire and shape our advertising community. As AAF Birmingham marks its 82nd year in 2025, we celebrate the people who are shaping the future of our industry.
On Jan. 16th: Cindy Martin will speak on ‘How 3 decades in digital media led to building Bham Now.’ What’s next?
Cindy Martin is a digital media pioneer, nature lover and community supporter. Martin is the Founder and CEO of media brands; Bham Now, The Bama Buzz and Hville Blast. She serves as Director-at-Large for the Downtown Rotary and as a Board Member for the Black Warrior Riverkeeper.
Previously, Martin was President of Alabama Media Group and the founding CEO of AL.com where she led the company from its inception, for 16 years. Before moving back home to Alabama, Martin was VP of Sales and Marketing for Magellan Search Engine in San Francisco, one of the first public search engines on the Internet. She started her career in the Leadership Continuity Program at corporate AT&T in New Jersey and served on the founding team of AT&T’s Internet service offerings in 1994.
Martin received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, ’84 cum laude and an MBA, ’86 both from the University of Alabama.
Her honors have included: Women’s Leadership Award (Culverhouse School of Business); Advertising CEO of the Year, Birmingham Ad Fed; Top 10 Women in Business, Birmingham Business Journal, Small Business CEO of the Year, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and BADASS Woman, BG Media.
A native of Bessemer, Alabama, Martin is married to Cliff and lives in Birmingham with her cat Fluffy. When not working, Martin enjoys hiking, traveling and growing native plants.
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