About exploreMedia
Founded in 2006 by Pam Mashburn, exploreMedia is the River Region’s trusted marketing partner. Today, more than 300 Alabama businesses rely on us each year for strategies that translate directly into revenue and growth.
Our Approach
Digital marketing is constantly evolving, and keeping up can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
We simplify the process and build strategies that deliver real results. From increasing website traffic to generating high-quality leads, our focus is on helping your business grow with purpose. Each client receives expert guidance, real-time reporting dashboards, and consistent monthly strategy sessions.
Our People
We’re a team of strategists, designers, writers, and analysts united by one goal: your success. Expect proactive communication, honest insights, and solutions crafted around your unique challenges.
When you partner with exploreMedia, you gain a dedicated ally committed to helping your business stand out and grow.
Meet the Experts
Every strategy we create starts with people who care. Our team brings creativity, data-driven thinking, and a shared commitment to helping your business grow.
Meet Pam Mashburn
On the Job: I started exploreMedia in 2006 with a vision to welcome new families in our area (my first niche audience!) From there, we have grown several facets of the business, with a publications group as well as a full-service marketing agency. I love helping businesses connect with new clients and see my role as a trusted resource, people “connector” and business promoter, and God has blessed exploreMedia with a terrific team – talented, motivated and dynamic! We are always looking for great people that are excited about helping clients grow their business.
All About Me: I graduated from Georgia Tech with an Industrial & Systems Engineering degree and then later received my Masters of Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. Born to a family of marketing and advertising executives, my short stint in engineering and manufacturing led me to understand that any idea or initiative starts with educating and marketing the idea to others, whether it’s an internal team or a prospective client.
My husband, Dave, and I have three adult sons – two are software engineers in Atlanta & Austin and the other is an accountant in Atlanta. When I’m not thinking about exploreMedia and our clients, I enjoy hanging out with friends, family and my princess toy poodle, Lucy, at Lake Martin and cheering on the Tigers in Auburn.
Once Dreamed of Being a: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
Honk If You Love: Sea Salt Caramels
Jina Miniard
Director of Operations/ Associate Publisher
Meet Jina Miniard
On the Job: I have more than 20 years of experience within the tourism, marketing, and public relations industries. Currently, I serve as the Director of Operations for exploreMedia and as Associate Publisher for the magazine side of the house.
I truly love connecting with the community to help tell their story and being the connector for ideas, information and resources.
All About Me: I graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery with a dual degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I had big plans to teach, eventually get my doctorate and become a professor, but I ended up finding a job in marketing right after college and never looked back.
Outside of work, I love to do all things with my boys – Hal (husband) and Holt (son). We love to travel, cook and spend time with family and friends.
Once Dreamed of Being a: Professor
Honk If You Love: Tacos- all of the tacos!
Meet Shelby Shubird
On the Job: I started at exploreMedia in 2016 as a graphic designer and worked in that position for four years. When exploreMedia began growing in the digital side in 2020, I was able to grow along with it. I oversee all digital operations- helping with different campaign strategies, analyzing data, collaborating with the team, problem solving, and going on sales meetings.
All About Me: I studied Graphic Design at Auburn University at Montgomery. Outside of work, I enjoy being on the beach or at the lake and taking my dog Harper to the lake or the mountains.
Honk If You Love: Golden Retrievers
Meet Angie Jordin
On the Job: I began working at exploreMedia on August 31, 2020. I love connecting people to ideas, strategies, and solutions! My favorite part of the job is saying YES, we can do that for you. I serve business owners, decision makers, marketing directors, and community leaders in these ways: I bring them new customers, I create loyal fans out of their current customers, and I reengage past customers- all with the goal to help my clients exceed their revenue goals.
I consider myself a consultant because with digital, so much changes so often that I am constantly learning and love to share that knowledge with my clients. Even if a new strategy isn’t a good fit for a client right away, at least I’ve made my client aware of what is possible.
About Me: I’ve been married for 27 years to an amazing and very patient man, John Jordin. We have two extraordinary adult children who we’ve raised to love the Lord while pursuing their passion and purpose in life. As a family, we love to travel, eat delicious food, and buy absolutely useless (but beautiful) things at antique shops we pass by!
Once Dreamed of Being a: Judge- I like to take charge!
Honk If You love: Surprising people, doing the most, and over-dressing for every occasion!
Meet Christina Bennett
On the Job: I began working at exploreMedia in the summer of 2015. Since then I have found a passion for helping clients grow their business and reach their goals.
All About Me: I studied Business Administration at Auburn University. War Eagle! I am happily married to my high school sweetheart. Together, we have the two sweetest baby girls and a cat named Butters. When we get some free time, we love going to the beach!
Once Dreamed of Being a: Mom!
Honk If You Love: Starbucks
Meet McCoy Mandujano
On the Job: I joined exploreMedia in August 2024 with the goal of helping HVAC businesses grow their revenue by attracting new customers through effective digital media marketing strategies. What I love most about working at exploreMedia is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day on the businesses that drive our economy.
All About Me: I am an experienced account executive with a strong background in sales and customer success. I hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Marketing and International Business from the University of Alabama. Outside of work, I love traveling, hiking, and enjoying great food!
Once Dreamed of Being a: Professional soccer player
Honk If You Love: Alabama football!
Meet Kinsey de Torres
On the Job: I began working at exploreMedia in September of 2019. As Managing Editor, I am responsible for all content, deadlines, client communications, and photography needs for our publications. I love the fast-paced environment of exploreMedia and how things are constantly changing and evolving to stay ahead of the ever-changing marketing trends. There is always something new on the horizon or already in the works!
All About Me: I graduated from Faulkner University in 2019. I majored in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing and planned to pursue a career in publishing.
Outside of work, if I’m not curled up on my couch with my sweet pup, Miles, reading a good book or rewatching one of my comfort shows, I’m probably traveling somewhere new, even if it’s just a quick weekend trip!
Once Dreamed of Being an: International Flight Attendant
Honk If You Love: COFFEE!
Meet Alexis Stafford
On the Job: I began working with exploreMedia as an intern in March 2025, where I had the opportunity to learn about different facets of working within a marketing agency. During my internship, I received excellent guidance that helped me further develop my skills and confidence. Eventually, a full-time position opened up, allowing me to seamlessly transition into my current role as a Content and SEO Specialist. My favorite part about working at exploreMedia is that I am constantly learning new things!
All About Me: I graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery in May 2025 with a degree in Communication. I have the sweetest cat in the world named Nova, and I will show pictures of her to anyone when given the chance! In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, crocheting, and spending time with friends.
Once Dreamed of Being an: Author — you never know, it might still happen one day!
Honk If You Love: Crafting
Meet Anna Lynn Grant
On the Job: I started at exploreMedia in March 2023. As the Digital Media Specialist, I create engaging content for our clients’ organic social media channels, manage their social media ads, and optimize their Local SEO listings. My favorite thing about working in the marketing industry, specifically in social media marketing, is that it is constantly changing, so there is always something new to learn and ways to grow.
All About Me: I studied Global Business with a concentration in Marketing at Troy University. Outside of work, you can usually find me with my little Shih Tzu, Coco, enjoying trips to the beach, and spending time with friends!
Once Dreamed of Being a: Professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars
Honk If You Love: Taylor Swift!
Meet Heather Ruddock
On the Job: I began working at exploreMedia in April 2012. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Auburn University at Montgomery. I worked as a designer for a logo branding company for a few years before starting as a designer at exploreMedia. Since then I have grown into my role as Creative Director.
My role as Creative Director is to develop creative guidelines and lead the creative team. I am responsible for upholding the company’s creative vision and standards across all projects and media.
I love that my days at exploreMedia are never exactly the same. Constantly switching between different projects, visions and styles keeps things interesting and allows me to always learn new things and stretch my creative boundaries.
All About Me: I love to spend time with my family and friends, whether that is getting out and exploring new places, playing video and board games, or just hanging out. I’m also a very laid back person, so you’ll often find me cuddled up on the couch with my husband, Chris, and our two dogs- Cinder and Ember.
Once Dreamed of Being a: Storm Chaser (Everyone wanted to be one after Twister came out!)
Honk If You Love: Harry Potter
Meet Jessica Barganier
On the Job: I began working at exploreMedia in February of 2022. I do all things graphic design including digital ads, in-house collateral, animated videos, email templates, logos/branding, and more. I am also Art Director for Know the Community. I am a life-long creative, so I get to do what I love at work every day. exploreMedia is such a fun group, and I enjoy our emphasis on teambuilding to foster an environment of honesty and openness.
All About Me: I graduated magna cum laude with honors from the University of Alabama in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media and a minor in advertising. Outside of work, I enjoy binging my favorite adult animated TV shows like Bob’s Burgers, The Simpsons, and King of the Hill. I also love to read thrillers and fantasy books when I can find the time.
Once Dreamed of Being an: Artist
Honk If You Love: Legos
Meet Pamela Greer
On the Job: I began working at exploreMedia in February 2024. My role encompasses all things financial and accounting, but I also get to enjoy several other duties that allow me to work with my creative brain on occasion. My favorite thing about working at exploreMedia is my amazing coworkers. All my coworkers are truly joyful to be around, and their creativity and knowledge blow my mind daily.
All About Me: I received my education from both Auburn University Montgomery and South University Montgomery. Prior to joining the team at exploreMedia, I worked for 33 years in 2 CPA firms.
I love spending time with my husband Craig and our two Mini Goldendoodles that keep us on our toes. We have two adult daughters, one adult son, and a beautiful granddaughter. My favorite hobby outside of work is competitive Ballroom/Latin dancing!
Once Dreamed of Being: My dream job as a kid was anything and everything WEDDINGS! I didn’t care if I owned a bridal salon, owned a wedding venue, or got to be a wedding planner.
Honk If You Love: Goldendoodles!
Meet Buck Jordan
On the Job: Since joining the exploreMedia team in April 2025, I’ve been working in the media production industry for over 10 years as a cinematographer, photographer, and editor. Working with companies like Disney, Food & Wine, and Saturday Down South has given me a wealth of knowledge to produce the best content possible for exploreMedia and its clients.
All About Me: Outside of work, I love spending time with my two best friends—my wife, Kaycee, and my son, J. They keep me busy with projects around the house when we’re not taking weekend trips to the beach or our favorite place, Truist Park, to watch the Atlanta Braves.
Once Dreamed of Being a: A Cinematographer (Look at me go!)
Honk If You Love: The Atlanta Braves!
Olivia Holloway
Lead Generation & Content Specialist
Meet Olivia Holloway
On the Job: I started at exploreMedia in July of 2025. As the lead generation & content specialist I am responsible for cultivating inbound leads and nurturing the internal marketing efforts of exploreMedia. My favorite part of working at exploreMedia is the opportunity to be exposed to so many different marketing specialties!
All About Me: I graduated from the University of Alabama with my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in marketing with a concentration in digital and social media. Roll Tide! Right after graduation I married my high school sweetheart, and have been enjoying marriage ever since! Outside of work I love to read, play pickleball, and watch sports (particularly Alabama football and basketball)!
Once Dreamed of Being a: Vet
Honk If You Love: Diet Coke or Mahjong!!
Meet Sipelele Ndungane
On the Job: I love working with passionate teams to bring client success and growth. I am a digital academist, who loves to be creative and tell brand stories through best of class marketing campaigns.
All About Me: There’s nothing that a bit of laughter, chocolate and a good book can’t solve.
Once Dreamed of Being a: Media Creative
Honk If You Love: Making Compost
Meet Sergio Perez
On the Job: I joined the exploreMedia team in January 2026. As a Customer Success Manager and Account Manager, I see myself as a strategic partner and problem solver. I’m a graduated Project Manager and Industrial Engineer, which means I’m naturally wired for process improvement. I live to find the “better way” to get things done. But for me, the data is only half the story; I truly care about my clients and my team. I love to serve others, helping them grow and succeed by providing a customer service experience that is as empathetic as it is data-driven.
All About Me: I am a proud Industrial Engineering and Project Management graduate from Universidad Javeriana. When I’m not at my desk, I’m usually chasing my next personal record as a dedicated Marathon Runner and Influencer. I’m also a huge coffee nerd; I don’t just brew it, I calibrate it with a digital scale to find the perfect ratio. Most of my downtime is spent in Bogotá with my girlfriend, Mafe, and my favorite coworker, our black cat, Morita.
Once Dreamed of Being a: Professional Athlete
Honk If You Love: A perfect 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio (and finishing a long run)
Meet Nicolas Rivera
On the Job: I work as a Customer Success Specialist, focusing on helping our clients grow through strategic digital marketing and data-driven results. My experience in PPC and acquisition funnels allows me to optimize performance and ensure that every campaign delivers real value. I enjoy the challenge of turning complex data into clear, actionable success for the brands we partner with.
All About Me: I am a marketing professional passionate about the intersection of business strategy and data analytics. Beyond the office, I’m an avid tennis player and a continuous learner, always looking for new ways to integrate Business Intelligence into my workflow. I value quality, precision, and building long-term professional relationships.
Once Dreamed of Being a: An athlete
Honk If You Love: Tennis
Meet Erick Acevedo
On the Job: I joined this amazing company in October 2024, and from day one, it felt like I had always been part of the team. Since then, I’ve been solving tech issues and empowering business clients with outstanding website solutions.
All About Me: I’m a geek who loves sci-fi movies (especially Star Trek) and enjoys playing video games while keeping up with the latest tech and AI trends. When I’m not in front of a computer, you’ll find me traveling and exploring the beautiful places of my country!
Once Dreamed of Being a: A Combat Pilot
Honk If You Love: Star Trek and Starbucks
Meet Esteban Herrera
On the Job: I joined exploreMedia to bring my passion for technology and creativity into one place. I specialize in web development, automations, and digital solutions that help our clients connect better with their audiences and grow their businesses.
All About Me: I am passionate about combining functionality with design. Beyond tech, I love exploring audiovisual projects like podcasts and short films. I enjoy traveling, creating new experiences, and sharing adventures.
Once Dreamed of Being a: Filmmaker
Honk If You Love: Traveling, Concerts & Movies
Meet DJ Hernandez
On the Job: I joined exploreMedia in January 2026, bringing more than 15 years of experience in service operations and a people-first approach to getting great work done. As Digital Fulfillment Manager, I help build workflows, guide projects, and keep our team moving forward with clarity and purpose. My background in project management and continuous improvement allows me to support both the big picture and the day-to-day details that make delivery successful. With certifications in Project Management and Lean Six Sigma, I’m passionate about helping teams reach their goals while maintaining a strong focus on service excellence.
All About Me: Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife and traveling, both locally and overseas. I’m always up for a good museum day, especially art, science, and history. When I’m on my own, you’ll usually find me reading sci-fi novels, watching team sports, or following esports events.
Once Dreamed of Being a: A priest and a firefighter.
Honk If You Love: Cats and insects.
Meet Juanse Benitez
On the Job: At Explore Media, I manage SEM and LSA campaigns, making sure every strategy is optimized to deliver real results for our clients.
All About Me: I like design and creativity. I also enjoy collecting albums, exploring museums, spending time in libraries, and watching films that inspire new perspectives.
Once Dreamed of Being a: Painter
Honk If You Love: Creative design, collector’s editions, and classic movies
Meet Manuel Henao
On the Job: I joined exploreMedia in February 2026, and honestly, it felt like the right move the moment I saw what we do here. As an SEO Specialist, I get to live in that sweet spot where creativity and data actually talk to each other, and that’s exactly the kind of challenge I’m here for. What drives me is knowing that behind every keyword and every audit, there’s a small business trying to make it work. I’m detail-obsessed in the best way possible, and I bring that energy every time I dig into a client’s performance. Let’s just say the audits get a little passionate.
All About Me: I’m a Publicist by training, a Branding/Design/UX nerd by curiosity, and a lifelong learner by choice I once took a tactical football analysis course just for fun and for the love of the game. That’s pretty much how my brain operates: if something catches my interest, I need to understand how it works. That applies to films and series too, I’m the person pausing every ten minutes (if you’re lucky) to talk about set design, color grading, cinematography, and screenplay structure. Same goes for music I believe there are only three types of music: the kind I like, the kind I don’t, and the kind I haven’t heard yet The way I listen to music is one self-made mix at a time burned on CD, played on my Discman, because great music deserves to be heard the right way (highest quality and most faithful sound possible). Overall, just a certified nerd with a very lightheaded and chill attitude BUT when I find something interesting, I’m all in.
Once Dreamed of Being a: Professional football player (yes, I refuse to say soccer)
Honk If You Love: Overlearning
Meet Dani Hernandez
On the Job: As a Local SEO Specialist at exploreMedia, I help businesses strengthen their local presence through quality, customer-centered content and accurate, helpful information. With more than two years of experience in SEO and content marketing, I love finding creative ways to make each client shine where it matters most — in front of the people searching for them. I’m a creative at heart, so I put intention into every word I write, every attribute I update, and every task I take on. I believe local search is about more than visibility: it’s about building meaningful connections between businesses and their communities. I’m also a natural problem solver who enjoys thinking resourcefully and gracefully through every challenge to find solutions that truly help.
All About Me: I’m a creative soul who loves to travel, write about life’s little moments, and bring a bit of sunshine wherever I go. Whether I’m cooking a good meal, making a matcha latte or coffee, or singing my heart out, I’m happiest when I’m creating something that makes people feel good.
Once Dreamed of Being a: News Broadcaster or Radio DJ: this girl has always loved to talk!
Honk If You Love: Matcha Lattes
Meet Carmen Paz
On the Job: I bring over 7 years of experience in marketing, with a background in Marketing and Advertising from Venezuela. I started my career as an SEO content creator, where I developed a strong foundation in search optimization and content strategy. Over time, I expanded into UGC and social media management, helping brands connect with their audiences through engaging and results-driven digital content. At exploreMedia, I support a variety of marketing efforts, from SEO audits to social media strategy and execution.
All About Me: When I’m not working, you can find me watching movies, experimenting with makeup just for fun, or spending quality time with my friends. I enjoy creative expression in all forms and love anything that lets me explore new ideas and aesthetics.
Once Dreamed of Being a: Movie Director
Honk If You Love: Movies and sushi!