Merv Garretson

Merv Garretson is a Visiting Associate Professor in the Design Management graduate program at Pratt Institute, where he co-teaches and helps shape the next wave of creative and strategic leaders. Alongside his academic work, he serves as the Group Creative Director for the autos division at Hearst Magazines, guiding brand strategy, advertising campaigns, and media innovation at the intersection of design and the automotive industry.

A graduate of Pratt’s Design Management MPS program, Merv brings extensive industry experience leading high-impact creative and marketing teams across major media companies and digital agencies, including VaynerMedia, Spotify, and Condé Nast. Beyond his commercial work, he serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for IamWomankind.org, championing strategic development and community advocacy.

His teaching and professional practice focus on integrating strategic design management with modern marketing, creative advertising direction, and building collaborative team cultures that drive brand transformation.

MPS, Design Management, Pratt Institute

BA, English and Visual Communications, James Madison University