Jump to: General Information | Schedule | Speakers | Sponsors
Keynote and Fireside Chat: Gretchen Ritter and Chris Gade
Be the Spark: Advancing the University's Mission Through Marketing Communications
Location: Ballroom (220)
Join Provost Ritter and Chris Gade as they explore what this moment in higher education demands—and the role marketing communications must play in response. This session will connect the University’s priorities with the work ahead, challenging us to think bigger about our role as strategic partners in driving enrollment, reputation, and engagement.
Be the spark that turns strategy into impact.
Presented by
Gretchen Ritter, Executive Vice President and Provost, University of Minnesota
Her career reflects a consistent focus on building strong academic communities, including senior leadership roles at Syracuse University, The Ohio State, Cornell, and University of Texas at Austin.
Chris Gade, Vice President for Communications, University of Minnesota
Chris Gade is Vice President for Communications at the University of Minnesota. Gade leads the central University Relations marketing and communications teams responsible for bringing awareness and understanding of and inspiring engagement in the University of Minnesota System’s contributions to local communities, the state and the world. He works with University of Minnesota leaders to strengthen the University’s communications, marketing and branding, while also elevating its reputation as one of America’s leading research universities. Gade is responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive and aligned strategies and clearly defining system wide priorities and messages. Gade serves as a member of President Cunningham’s cabinet and executive team.
Chris has nearly 35 years of experience in public affairs, with over 32 years at Mayo Clinic. During his time at Mayo Clinic, Chris helped shape the organization’s strategy in a variety of settings. He served as Mayo Clinic’s Chief Public Affairs Officer, leading teams responsible for Mayo Clinic’s earned, owned and social media; staff engagement; practice, research and development communications; reputation management; community engagement; government relations; and thought leadership strategies.
At Mayo Clinic, Gade led the establishment of the Mayo Clinic Executive Office. The team provided principal support for the President/CEO and other executive leadership and their visibility with key stakeholders inside and outside of Mayo Clinic. He was instrumental in bringing to fruition The Mayo Clinic, a two-hour documentary presented by Ken Burns which aired nationwide on PBS.
Gade retired from Mayo Clinic in 2021 to become vice president for marketing and engagement at Rush University Medical Center (RUSH), an academic medical center based in Chicago. At RUSH he led the 60-person marketing communications department, while implementing comprehensive strategy in marketing, external and internal communications, digital and community engagement. Additionally, Gade oversaw updates top RUSH’s executive visibility and crisis communications plans.
Chris and his wife Marne are the proud parents of a son, Mitchel and daughter, Meredith. In their spare time, they enjoy time together as a family, hiking, gardening and are sports enthusiasts.
Chris received his Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs and his undergraduate degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He is a member of the Luther College Board of Regents and served as a member of the Minnesota Super Bowl LII Host Committee Advisory Board.