RUSH Names Gade VP of Marketing and Engagement

Executive brings extensive experience in communications, public affairs, brand and marketing
Chris Gade

Rush University System for Health in Chicago has named Chris Gade, MPA, vice president of marketing and engagement.

Gade brings significant experience in communications, marketing and brand strategy to RUSH after a more than 30-year career at Mayo Clinic.

In his new role, Gade is responsible for leading development and implementation of integrated marketing and external communications strategies that further the reputation of RUSH, generate demand for RUSH services and build brand loyalty among patients, referring physicians, students and the community through earned, owned and paid media.

Gade leads a multidisciplinary team of professionals in marketing and digital strategy, content development, web, social media, public and media relations, graphic design, videography and photography.

“I’m honored and excited to join RUSH,” Gade says. "RUSH provides outstanding care for patients throughout the Chicago area and is strongly committed to service the community.”

Most recently, Gade served as Mayo’s chief public affairs officer, implementing strategies that sustained the organization’s brand recognition and engagement. During his time at Mayo Clinic, Gade formulated the vision for and provided leadership of the organization’s earned, owned and paid media; patient, leadership and client communications; staff engagement; community and government engagement; and reputation management strategies. Gade established the Mayo Clinic News Network, an award-winning owned media digital portal that furthers Mayo’s reputation. 

In 2020, Gade performed a vital role in Mayo’s successful COVID-19 response, marshaling patient and staff communications through a near shutdown of clinical practice to reactivation in six weeks.

Gade was instrumental in bringing to fruition The Mayo Clinic, a two-hour documentary presented by Ken Burns and produced by Florentine Films, Ewers Brothers Productions and WETA in Washington, D.C., which aired nationwide on PBS, and he developed a strategy to support Mayo Clinic’s presence at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, and as part of Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee in 2018.

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