Background
Nelson, Marilyn Carlson was born in Minneapolis.
hotel and travel company executive
Nelson, Marilyn Carlson was born in Minneapolis.
Student, University Sorbonne, Paris. Student, Institute Hautes Etudes Economic, Geneva. Degree in international economics with honors, Smith College, 1961.
Doctor of Business Administration (honorary), Johnson & Wales University. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), College St. Catherine. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Gustavus Adolphus College.
Securities analyst Paine Webber, Minneapolis. President, chief operating officer Carlson Companies, Inc., Minnetonka, 1998—2003, chairman, Chief Executive Officer, 1998—2008, chairman, since 2008. Co-chair Carlson Holdings, Inc., since 2000.
Co-chair Carlson Wagonlit Travel, 1994-2003. Distinguished visiting professor Johnson & Wales University. Board directors Exxonmobil Corporation, Mayo Clinic Foundation, Committee to Encourage Corporation Philanthropy.
Chairman National Women's Business Council, 2002-2005. Vice chair United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. Board member Singapore Tourism Bureau.
President United Way Minneapolis, campaign chair, 1984. Board directors United Way American, 1984-1990, United States National Tourism Organization, 1996-1998, Center for International Leadership, 1989-2003. Member distinguished advisory council College of St. Catherine, 1991-1994.
Honorary board directors Svenska Institute, Stockholm, since 1993. Member advisory board Hubert H. Humphrey Institute Public Affairs, 1992-1996. Co-founder Minnesota Women's Economic Roundtable, since 1974.
Chair Minnesota Super Bowl Task Force, 1984-1992. Chair, founder Midsummer International Festival of Music, 1992. Co-chair New Sweden '88.
Past board directors Guthrie Theatre, Greater Minneapolis Girl Scout Council, Junior Achievement, Junior League Minneapolis, KTCA Public television, Minnesota Economic Association, Minnesota Congressional Award, Minnesota Opera Company, Women's' Association Minnesota Symphony Orchestra. Trustee Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, 1980-1985, Macalester College, St. Paul, 1974-1980. Member advisory board Minnesota Women's Yearbook.
Trustee Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation. Member World Economic Forum, World Travel and Tourism Council, Travel Industry Association American (board directors), Hennepin County Medical Society Auxiliary, Business Roundtable, Smith College Alumni Association, Smith Club Minneapolis, Woodhill Country Club, Minneapolis Club, Northwest Tennis Club, National Center Social Entrepreneurs, Committee of 200, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (Lifetime Achievement award 2004), Minnesota Orchestral Association, Orphei Dranger, Alpha Kappa Psi.
Married Glen Nelson; children: Diana, Curtis C., Wendy.