The University of Minnesota Board of Regents unanimously approved the appointment of the new Vice President of Communications at a special meeting Nov. 15.

President Rebecca Cunningham announced Chris Gade’s employment Nov. 14 in a system-wide email, pending approval from the Board. The University hosted a nationwide search for a new Vice President of Communication that launched May 17.

“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,” Cunningham said in a Nov. 14 press release.  

Gade will oversee the University’s public relations teams across all five campuses, with its 60 employees and $8.5 million budget, according to the position profile. He will be responsible for the University’s branding and reputation, developing marketing, outreach and engagement strategies. 

Gade will also serve as a senior advisor to President Cunningham, Provost Rachel Croson and campus chancellors on all communication matters, according to the position profile. 

For more than 30 years, Gade worked at the Mayo Clinic in communication before working as the Vice President of Marketing and Engagement at the Rush University Medical Center.

“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,” Gade said in a press release. 

Gade will start his position Nov. 25, according to Cunningham’s email.