Vice President for Communications

Chris Gade, a long-time communications executive, has been named the University of Minnesota’s vice president for communications. His appointment will begin November 25, 2024.

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.

Gade obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College and his Master of Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Jack Gorman and Elizabeth Neustaedter led this search with Sandeep Kaur.