Marilyn Carlson Nelson

Inducted 2003

Marilyn Carlson Nelson, chairman and chief executive officer of Carlson Companies, will be inducted into the Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI) Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 5, in Oklahoma City.

Mrs. Nelson, along with five other inductees, is being honored for her extraordinary contribution to the free enterprise system through her leadership and demonstrated expertise in selling and marketing. Her induction will be part of the SMEI’s 14th annual Academy of Achievement event.

In addition to her leadership roles in the hospitality, marketing and travel industries worldwide, Mrs. Nelson serves on the boards of directors of Exxon-Mobil Corporation and the Mayo Clinic Foundation.

Mrs. Nelson was appointed in 2002 by President George W. Bush to chair the National Women’s Business Council. She is recognized for being named one of America’s most powerful women in business by Fortune, and for her response as a travel-industry leader to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Mrs. Nelson is cited as well for her philanthropic and volunteer work with organizations such as the Minnesota Orchestra, the United Way and the World Childhood Foundation.