Mary Kellogg-Joslyn
Executive Director of Women’s
Suffrage Museum Development
A Titan in Entertainment and Co-Founder of the Titanic Museum Attractions
Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, alongside her husband John Joslyn, carved a remarkable path in the television and entertainment industries. Their most notable achievement is the co-founding of the highly successful Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These captivating museums have been drawing visitors for 19 and 15 years, respectively, and together generate an impressive annual revenue of $65 million. A year ago, the Joslyns sold their company to a New York investment firm, solidifying their legacy of innovation and success.
Kellogg-Joslyn's impressive career spans decades, marked by strategic vision and groundbreaking achievements. During her 10 years at CBS Television Stations, she was the driving force behind the strategic planning, development, production, and marketing of major national and international productions. She was the first woman programmer in the CBS Television Division and the first person to recognize and purchase one of the most famous shows on television, Jeopardy!. During her time at CBS, she collaborated with L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley to advance citywide initiatives aimed at supporting youth. Under his guidance, these projects achieved much acclaim.
Her expertise then led her to The Walt Disney Company, where she spent 20 years as part of Michael Eisner's original executive team charged with revitalizing the company. As Senior Executive Vice President of Production & Programming, she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s new goals and contributed to hundreds of television shows.
Mary has always thought big. For example, after the success of the Disney movie Three Men and a Baby, the team was trying to determine how to thank the three actors for the film’s success. Mary’s idea: “Why not give them a million dollars each with a thank-you note—Thanks a Million!?” And that’s exactly what the studio did.
Kellogg-Joslyn is credited with bringing some of television's most iconic shows to the screen. She was instrumental in launching Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, famously writing the show’s first million-dollar check. She humorously recalls, “I didn’t know my signature was worth a million dollars.” She also helped develop and served as executive over many shows, including Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (now Live with Kelly and Mark), for two decades. Furthermore, she developed the renowned movie critic duo Siskel & Ebert, whose “thumbs up or down” verdicts became a national benchmark. She oversaw at least another 75 shows during her tenure. Her responsibilities included serving as Studio Executive Producer, overseeing all aspects of each show’s operations, marketing initiatives, and the development of new seasons.
Her calm leadership was put to the ultimate test during the tragic events of 9/11. Working in New York, Mary was the executive in charge of the control room when the planes struck the World Trade Center, making her responsible for managing the video output of this devastating event.
Throughout her career, Kellogg-Joslyn has consistently demonstrated her prowess as a results-oriented entertainment programming professional. She is highly skilled in identifying opportunities, conducting competitive analysis, developing creative projects, and strategic market positioning. Each of her bosses shared the same sentiment about Mary: “If you want to get something done—give it to Mary.”
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed; Kellogg-Joslyn has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including a Daytime Emmy Award and induction into the Los Angeles Marketing Hall of Fame. She was also honored by the Branson Chamber of Commerce with the President’s Award for Best Community Leader. Together, Mary and her husband, John, remain deeply involved in a variety of local and national children’s organizations, including their own foundation dedicated to youth development and music education.
This year, as Executive Producer of the 2025 Fourth of July Music Festival at the Heritage Center and Museum, she produced a one-hour, 35-piece band event that was a sold-out success.