Authorization and Designation
To Sign and File
Section 16 Reporting Forms

The undersigned, a Director of Altria Group, Inc.,
a Virginia corporation (the Company), does hereby authorize
and designate Sean X. McKessy or Angela M. Crosby to sign and
file on his behalf any and all Forms 3, 4 and 5 relating
to equity securities of the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the requirements of Section
16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Section 16).
This authorization, unless earlier revoked in writing,
shall be valid until the undersigned's reporting obligations
under Section 16 with respect to equity securities of the
Company shall cease.  All prior such authorizations are hereby
revoked.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this
Authorization and Designation this 25th day of March, 2008.

	/s/
Gerald L. Baliles