Background
Kelson, Allen Howard was born on May 4, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of Ben and Esther Mae (Ashkin) Kelson.
dining critic consultant writer
Kelson, Allen Howard was born on May 4, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of Ben and Esther Mae (Ashkin) Kelson.
Student, University Illinois, Chicago, 1957; student, University Illinois, Urbana, 1958; Bachelor of Arts English, Roosevelt University, Chicago, 1965.
Catalog copywriter, Sears, Roebuck & Company, Chicago, 1962-1964;
sales promotion writer, Sears, Roebuck & Company, 1964-1967;
special projects director, catalog advertising division, Sears, Roebuck & Company, 1967-1968;
editor-in-chief, WFMT Guide, Chicago Guide, Chicago magazine WFMT, Inc., Chicago, 1968-1985;
public relations and advertising manager, WFMT, Inc., 1968-1970;
vice-president, director, WFMT, Inc., since 1974;
public, Chicago magazine, 1985-1987;
public, Chicago Scene, 1985-1987;
president, Chicago Public, 1987;
president, Critics' Collaborative, Inc., 1987;
public, The Kelson Report, 1987;
president, Customer Satisfaction Systems, since 1988. Principal Kelson Kapuler Advertising, 1962-1968. Editor Chicago GuideBook, 1972-1973;lecturer National Retail Merchants.
Association, 1973, National Restaurant Association, 1975, 85, Heartland Food Society, 1987. Judge Illinois Women's Press Association, 1976, Les Turner Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Foundation Cook-Off, 1982, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, National Restaurant Association Great Menu competition, 1978.
Member advisory staff Walt Disney Magnet School, Chicago Board Education, 1974-1977. Member advisory council International Visitors Center, Chicago, 1975-1980. Board directors Byline magazine Northwestern University, 1980.
Board regents Roosevelt University Alumni Association, 1980-1982. Member American Society Magazine Editors, American Institute Wine & Food, Chicago (board directors since 1987), American Marketing Association, Society Consumer Affairs Professionals in Business, National Restaurant Association, East Bank Club (Chicago).
Married Carla S. Lipson, August 18, 1966. Children: David Lauren, Melina Elisabeth.