
GET TO KNOW MDG
Merrilee D. Gilson
Transforming my lifelong passions for music, art, and design into a fulfilling career has been a remarkable journey of collaboration, creativity, and innovation. As a creative leader, I’ve had the privilege of spearheading impactful advertising campaigns and guiding teams to deliver meaningful brand experiences that resonate with both consumers and clients.
During my tenure at Optum and UnitedHealth Group, I established and led their national in-house creative marketing team, overseeing 15 talented professionals—including designers, copywriters, social media and content strategists, and program managers. Together, we executed multi-million-dollar national campaigns and developed marketing strategies and collateral for both national initiatives and nine regional markets. My leadership focused on building a high-performing, collaborative team culture, nurturing creativity, and consistently delivering work that enhanced brand visibility, drove measurable business outcomes, and exceeded expectations.
My expertise spans a broad spectrum of creative disciplines, including multimedia design (web development, UX/UI, e-commerce, video production, animation, logo design, print and digital advertising, signage, and packaging), copywriting, brand strategy, marketing strategy, and content creation. I approach each project holistically, crafting cohesive strategies that connect brands with their audiences in memorable and impactful ways.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I channel my creativity into music and content creation. Operating a professional recording studio from my home, I produce original music and video projects while supporting a vibrant community of musicians and creators with expert audio and visual guidance. My personal and professional pursuits are driven by a passion for innovation, collaboration, and creating work that inspires and connects.