Mary Jo Miller earned a degree in Fine Arts, with a concentration on printmaking and drawing, from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire; she went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts in printmaking from Washington University in St. Louis. She worked as a master printer's assistant for artist Roy Lichtenstein, among others, before teaching Fine Art Composition and Advanced Drawing at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Miller also exhibited her intaglio prints, drawings and fiber sculptures through art galleries and national shows.

Mary Jo has much experience in both architecture and design. She was a color materials specialist with H.O.K. in St. Louis, where she developed custom textile, carpet and paint schemes. After two years at H.O.K., she moved to Chicago and was a color materials specialist and art consultant at the architecture firm VOA. In 1987, Mary Jo became a design consultant with Interface acting as a liaison between manufacturer's representatives and designers. Her accomplishments also include creating a new carpet line for Interface as well as recoloring many existing designs.

Mary Jo joined HBF Textiles as Program Manager in 1989. Her current title as HBF Textiles Director of Design encompasses her responsibilities of textile product development, coordinating work with outside designers, as well as developing her own collections.