Following her curling career, Merklinger served as director general of the Canoe Kayak Canada.

She also worked with the Commission for the Inclusion of Athletes with a Disability and served as a board member for Special Olympics Canada.

Merklinger was named CEO of the Own the Podium program on January 26, 2012, succeeding Alex Baumann and following an interim period as co-CEO.

Her team qualified for the Hearts once again the following year, but they failed to live up to expectations, finished with a 4–7 record.

Her brother, Dave Merklinger is a high-profile ice maker, while her younger sisters Breanne and Lee are curlers as well.