About

Amelia Pilgrim

is a Content Producer for Hville Blast whose mission in life is to spread the love about the place she has called home her whole life. After graduating from Auburn in December 2024, she joined the Hville Blast team as an intern before returning as a full time Content Producer. Her favorite part of the job is meeting new people and discovering hidden gems around Huntsville.

When she is not out covering a story, Amelia enjoys visiting museums and galleries, baking sweet treats, and getting outside for a nature walk. Cinnamon rolls are her specialty, and if you see her around town, she is always happy to share a restaurant recommendation.

Ben Johnson

is the Videographer for Hville Blast. He’s an avid film buff, reader, and a big fan of Sam & Greg’s pizza.  

Cindy Martin

is the Founder and CEO of The Hville Blast. Previously, Cindy served as President of Alabama Media Group and CEO of AL.com.

Dee Dee Mathis

is the Market President of Hville Blast, where she works with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to help tell the stories that make Huntsville such an exciting place to live. A University of Alabama grad, Dee Dee has built a career spanning digital and traditional media leadership, helping brands connect with audiences through creative storytelling and smart partnerships.

Originally from Birmingham,  Dee Dee recently traded the Magic City for Rocket City and couldn’t be happier about it. When she’s not meeting with local partners or dreaming up new ways to spotlight Huntsville, you’ll likely find her trying new restaurants with her husband Ed or wrangling their three rescue dogs as they settle into their new hometown.

Gabi Hembree-Lee

is the Business Development Manager for Hville Blast and its sister brands, where she works with organizations across Alabama to build meaningful partnerships through digital campaigns. With eight years of experience in marketing, media, and digital strategy, she enjoys helping brands share their stories and connect with communities across the state.

Originally from the Athens and Ardmore area, Gabi loves exploring Alabama’s trail systems and outdoor spaces. When she is not working with partners or planning her next adventure, you will likely find her spending time with her husband Danny or at home with their three cats Luna, Apollo, and Nebula and the neighborhood strays she inevitably ends up feeding.

Elizabeth Hobbs

is a Senior Content Producer for Hville Blast who came on board in August of 2024 after starting out as an intern. She lives by the mantra “be a tourist in your own city” and loves helping locals explore the area, including some shoutouts to her hometown of Athens. 

An Auburn University grad, she loves blending written storytelling with scroll-stopping visuals to support our partners and highlight the various sides of Huntsville, especially our arts and culture. You can usually find her sipping a matcha at Gold Sprint or browsing records at Vertical House when she’s not out on a solo adventure in town. 

Katie Aitken

is an Account Executive at Hville Blast who loves helping local businesses share their stories with the right audience. With nearly a decade of experience in tourism sales, she enjoys building strong partnerships and finding creative ways to spotlight what makes local organizations special.

Originally from Wetumpka, AL,  Katie earned her degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of South Alabama before heading north to Huntsville. When she is not connecting with partners, you will likely find her hanging out with her three dogs, delivering a well-timed pun, or keeping her Owala water bottle within arm’s reach.

Lisa Battles

is a content strategist, editor and writer with 25+ years of experience in news, marketing and PR for leading brands in tourism, economic development, media and music. She is a journalism graduate of Auburn University.

Mallory Kimbrell

is a Social Media Coordinator for Hville Blast, where she helps bring stories to life and keep the community connected through engaging social content. She enjoys staying on top of the latest trends and finding creative ways to share what is happening around Huntsville.

Originally from Athens, AL, Mallory earned her BS in Business Administration in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing from The University of Alabama in Huntsville. When she is not creating content, you will likely find her listening to a podcast, curled up with a good book, spending time with animals, or proudly claiming her title as a top tier Harry Styles fan.

Michael Seale

A 30-year media veteran, Michael has worked in print, digital, television and radio and has a knack for telling stories. Having covered a vast array of news beats from sports to business to courts and politics, he especially enjoys covering the energy and excitement surrounding a community, which is what brought him to Huntsville.

He is a 4+ year Huntsville resident and Birmingham native, and when he’s not writing about all the cool stuff happening in Huntsville, he’s hanging out with his wonderful wife and daughter and following baseball, football and any music he can listen to.