As corporate vice president, guest experiences at Herschend Family Entertainment, Merrill Puckett Miller focuses on creating captivating guests experiences, spanning for the whole development process – from concept to installation. She serves as creative director on selected capital projects, is head of the firm’s core creative team, and is responsible for external creative resources.
One person who nominated Puckett Miller said: “This past year, Merrill led the creative direction for Dollywood Theme Park’s longest family roller coaster, Big Bear Mountain. The ride opened this past spring to international acclaim. At the same time, Merrill and her team at Herschend Creative Studios were working closely with Silver Dollar City to develop the all-new Fire In The Hole indoor rollercoaster – the largest of its kind in the region. Under her guidance, the team artfully recreated the historic 1972 fan-favorite and all-new Fire District for a new generation of fans without sacrificing any of its old-timey charm. This project is Silver Dollar City’s most significant single investment.
“Merrill’s keen understanding of the guest experience, dedication to excellence, and business acumen are second to none. This is critical when leading the design and creation of large capital investments. Her efforts over two decades with the company have helped Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, and other Herschend properties win numerous guest-driven accolades and the hearts of tens of millions of guests each year.”
Before joining Herschend Family Entertainment, Puckett Miller was the owner / principal designer at IDco Inc.; show producer at Universal Shanghai for Universal Studios; vice president, Creative Studio at Showquest Entertainment; and Director, Creative Development & Brand Management at Paramount Parks.
Her extensive portfolio includes an 1930’s Country Fair for Dollywood, top-rated Nickelodeon children’s attractions, Paramount Picture’s Star Trek: The Experience, a world-class Universal Studios Shanghai theme park, and a branded experience for the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum.