Our Team
Al Blanton
Owner & Publisher
Al founded Blanton Media Group in 2011 and launched 78 Magazine in 2012. He attended the University of Alabama (J.D) and Mississippi State (B.A.). The most rewarding part of Al’s job is the relationships he builds with customers and the ability to celebrate people through story profiles. Al enjoys helping local businesses grow through services provided by BMG. When he isn’t working, Al enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, participating in church activities, and running.
Linley Allred
Production Manager
Linley has been with 78 Magazine since January of 2016. Linley graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in marketing. She has experience working in a university setting and working for various banks prior to her time with 78. Linley’s favorite part of her job is working with the 78 staff, customers and interview subjects. When she’s not working, Linley enjoys reading, spending time with her daughters, and making plans for her home that never come to fruition.
Val Vann
Bookkeeper
Val began her career teaching in public elementary schools. Upon achieving her masters, she taught at Bevill State and UAB. Val then spent 6 years as an area manager for Governor’s Office of Workforce Development/Alabama Career Center System. She also worked for 28 years as an in-house accountant for private businesses, city government and public accounting firms. Val joined the 78 Magazine team in 2017 and her favorite part about her job is working with Al and the 78 team. When she’s not working with 78, she teaches as an adjunct instructor at Athens State. Val enjoys reading and she’s passionate about animal rescue.
Sarah O’Mary Roberts
Art Director & Graphic Designer
Sarah graduated from the University of Alabama with degrees in advertising, graphic design and art history. Prior to working with 78 Magazine, Sarah worked for UA’s strategic communications and remotely for Sip Hip Hooray based out of Houston, TX. Sarah now owns her own design business specializing in event stationery and small business branding. She has worked for 78 Magazine since January of 2018 and her favorite part about her job is creating new designs for each issue. When she’s not designing, Sarah enjoys running, swimming, biking and, most of all, spending time at the lake with her husband Martin and their dogs: Townsend, Rugby and Katie.
Justin Hunter
Staff Writer & Distribution Coordinator
Justin began working for 78 Magazine in fall of 2019 and has enjoyed the opportunity to meet and interview Jasper’s Finest. Justin attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham & Southeastern Bible College. He currently attends King’s Way College — a ministry school in Birmingham. Prior to working full-time for BMG/78 Magazine, Justin served on staff at several local churches before working as a home health/hospice medical driver and technician. Justin is the owner and creative director of his small business: Saints and Mystics Clothing. In his free time, Justin enjoys hiking with his wife, browsing bookstores and record shops as a collector, and reading books on Ancient and Orthodox Christian spirituality.