Chris Gade named U of M Vice President for Communications

Former Mayo Clinic comms executive returns to Minnesota to strengthen another one of the state’s iconic and historic brands

Chris Gade, a long-time communications executive, has been named the University of Minnesota’s vice president for communications. Pending Board of Regents approval on Nov. 15, Gade’s appointment will begin November 25, 2024.

“Chris has incredible experience as a marketing and communications executive at large, non-profit organizations with expansive public missions. His familiarity with academic research, clinical care, health sciences workforce development, and the state of Minnesota all position him to dive into our work immediately,” said President Rebecca Cunningham. “The same things that make the U of M a unique asset to Minnesotans also make our story of impact on the state and world layered and complex. Chris’ successes in leading modern and aligned marketing and communications approaches that deeply connect organizations to the people and communities they serve will be critical to the University’s continued success.”

Gade said he is excited to join the University team.

“I’ve been fortunate to serve in organizations that are committed to leveraging education and research to serve the public good, and nowhere is this more true than the University of Minnesota. It’s my honor to now lead teams focused on sharing how the U of M is working with communities in Minnesota, across the nation and beyond to honor our land-grant mission and strengthen our economy, innovation, culture and quality of life,” said Gade.

As vice president for communications, Gade will lead the central University Relations marketing and communications teams responsible for celebrating the University of Minnesota System’s contributions to local communities, the state and the world. He will work with U of M leaders to continue to strengthen the University’s communications, marketing and branding, while also elevating its reputation as one of America’s leading research universities. Recognizing the strength of the University as a five-campus system, Gade will be responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive and aligned strategies and clearly defining systemwide priorities and messages. As part of his role, Gade will also serve as a member of President Cunningham’s cabinet and executive team.

Gade has spent more than three decades at renowned organizations that leveraged research and teaching missions in their service to communities and patients. At Mayo Clinic, Gade started as a communications specialist, later leading the external relations and public affairs divisions before being promoted to chief public affairs officer. In this position, Gade oversaw a staff of more than 160 employees who were responsible for Mayo Clinic’s external and internal communications worldwide, including its employee and client communications, staff, community and government engagement, social media and reputation management.

Gade departed Mayo Clinic in 2021 to become vice president of marketing and engagement at Rush University Medical Center (RUSH), an academic medical center in Chicago. At RUSH, Gade led the 60-plus person marketing and communication department while implementing comprehensive strategies in marketing, external communication, internal communications, and community and government engagement. Additionally, Gade oversaw updates to the institution’s executive visibility and crisis communication plans.