Skip to content

Experience
and Background

I've spent more than two decades building brands, leading teams, and figuring out how to make marketing actually work inside complex organizations. I started in digital in the early 2000s, moved through executive marketing roles in healthcare and agency work, led systemwide marketing for Tennessee's largest higher education system, and now serve as chief marketing officer of a private R1 research university in the Rocky Mountain West. I work at the intersection of strategy, data, and storytelling, and I believe the best marketing is both honest and effective.

Matthew Gann at a professional conference

Where I've worked.

  1. Consultant

    I've kept an active consulting practice going my entire career, working with organizations across healthcare, legal, business services, retirement planning, real estate, medical aesthetics, and a lot more in between. I also work with Libelle Education Consulting, a team of higher education practitioners who partner with K-12, postsecondary, and corporate organizations, from strategic ideation to the public-facing deliverables that advance their goals.

    Libelle Education Consulting ↗

  2. University of Denver

    Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Marketing Officer

    I'm the CMO for a private R1 research university.

  3. Tennessee Board of Regents

    Associate Vice Chancellor for Marketing, Digital Strategy, and Public Relations

    I was the systemwide CMO for Tennessee's largest higher education system.

  4. Tennessee Tech University

    Director of Web and Digital Media

    I led digital strategy and all public-facing web properties for a 10,000-student university.

  5. Wellness Healthcare

    Vice President of Marketing and Promotions

    I was the CMO for one of the South's largest durable medical equipment suppliers.

  6. N2 The Net

    Director of Design and Development

    I designed and built websites for college athletics, real estate, radio and broadcasting, and healthcare clients.

  7. WPF Management

    Director of Internet Operations

    I was the lead web developer, digital designer, and PR strategist for a premier extreme sports company.

Credentials, affiliations, and service.

Education & Credentials

Trevecca Nazarene University
Ph.D., Leadership (Organizational Intelligence)
Master of Organizational Leadership
Tennessee Tech University
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration / Business Management, Management Information Systems
University of Tennessee
Tennessee Certified Economic Developer
Public Relations Society of America
Accredited in Public Relations (APR)

Research Areas

  • Marketing Operations in Higher Education
  • Business and Organizational Intelligence
  • Leadership Effectiveness

Awards

  • Otis Floyd Jr. Award for Excellence in Higher Education Administration
  • Charles Holmes Award

Skills & Expertise

  • Strategic Marketing Planning
  • Integrated Brand Development
  • Public Relations & Reputation Management
  • Crisis Communications
  • Digital Strategy & Analytics
  • Leadership & Team Development
  • Budget Management
  • Marketing Automation & AI
  • Enrollment Marketing
  • Executive Communications

Community, Service & Speaking

  • PRSA – Counselors to Higher Education

    National Executive Committee Member

  • CASE

    Faculty Member, National Conference on Marketing and Brand

  • International Leadership Association (ILA) Global Conference

    Presenter

  • Higher Ed Pulse Podcast ↗

    Guest

  • Higher Ed Demand Gen Podcast ↗

    Guest

  • Public Relations Society of America

    APR Panelist

  • National Association of Student Personnel Administrators

    National Conference Program Reviewer

  • TN ACHIEVES, UT ACHIEVES

    Mentor, Ambassador

  • University of Tennessee CIS

    Capstone Mentor

  • Youth Villages

    Advisory Board Member

  • Tennessee College Public Relations Association

    Previous President, Secretary

  • Open Nashville

    Previous President, Financial Officer, and Executive Board Member

Memberships

  • American Advertising Federation
  • American Marketing Association
  • International Leadership Association
  • National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
  • National Council for Marketing and Public Relations
  • Project Management Institute
  • Public Relations Society of America
  • Tennessee College Public Relations Association
  • University and College Designers Association

Whether you want to talk about a project, a speaking opportunity, or just connect, I'd love to hear from you.

Get in Touch