Authorization and Designation
To Sign and File
Section 16 Reporting Forms

The undersigned, an executive officer of Altria Group, Inc.,
a Virginia corporation (the Company), does hereby authorize
and designate Louanna O. Heuhsen, W. Hildebrandt Surgner, Jr.
or Angela M. Crosby to sign and file on his behalf any and
all Forms 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 15th day of September, 2009.

	/s/
John R. Nelson