Stan and Barbara Levenson with their daughters, from left, Laura Gottesman and Amy Levenson.
Stan Levenson was honored Tuesday, June 3, at a Distinguished Living Legend Luncheon hosted by the Division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs (CCPA) at the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU.
Levenson is renowned in Dallas and nationally as a consummate public relations, promotion and public affairs professional, and a longtime leader in the communications and advertising industry. He is the former principal of several influential agencies, including Stan Levenson and Associates, Levenson and Brinker Public Relations, Levenson and Levenson, and Levenson and Hill.
Over the course of his career, Levenson helped shape the public image and marketing communication strategies of high-profile clients across Texas and beyond. Known for his creativity, strategic insight and deep ties to the Dallas business and philanthropic communities, he has been a trusted adviser to corporations, nonprofits and civic leaders for five decades. His work played a pivotal role in establishing Dallas as a hub for innovative, integrated marketing and PR.
Clients over the years included Columbia Pictures, Paramount and Warner Bros. Alongside his wife of 63 years and business partner, Barbara, the Levensons directed and activated publicity campaigns for the entertainment industry, including world premieres, artist tours and exclusive film screenings throughout the Southwest.
Among the couple’s most memorable campaigns were Chili’s “Baby Back Ribs” and “Like No Place Else”; Church’s Chicken’s “Gotta Love It”; and work for American Airlines, Fina Oil and Chemical, H-E-B/Central Market, the Nasher Sculpture Center, Papa Johns and Zales.
Levenson also formed a “Jazz Video Network” partnership with Quincy Jones and co-owned Dallas’ Soul City Night Club with Angus Wynne. He represented Diana Ross & the Supremes at the Houston Astrodome and worked on behalf of the LBJ Library in Austin.
After five decades in business, the Levensons retired in 2013, entrusting their agency to their senior executives.
Joining in the celebration were the Levensons’ daughters, grandchildren, friends and business associates.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Stan Levenson Scholarship, awarded annually to SMU CCPA students. To make a gift in Stan’s honor, visit https://tinyurl.com/42daenup.
