Leah Wong ’02Alumni and Staff

Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN has hired Leah Wong as its Chief Marketing Officer. Wong brings a wealth of experience to the position, most recently at the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC), where she led a comprehensive and successful “Downtown Reanimation” strategy after the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice-related demonstrations that roiled the city in the summer of 2020. Her marketing, outreach, and communications work on these award-winning endeavors helped more than quadruple downtown building occupancy, revitalize events in the area, and sharply increase residential growth.

Wong spent 16 years with the MDC, where she designed and led the organization’s digital and print marketing and branding efforts, along with its community relations strategy. This helped achieve the goals of the MDC before and since 2020 by boosting its vibrancy and the public’s embrace of the area’s amenities. Wong deployed a multipronged approach that included marketing communications, external relations, partnerships and memberships, fundraising and sponsorships, and public relations projects executed by large collaborative teams.

She has also worked as a longtime marketing consultant, utilizing strategic planning and implementation to boost the brand presence and visibility, while achieving tactical KPIs, for mid-sized, large, and foundation clients. At Gustavus, from which Wong received her bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies, she will be tasked with shepherding the school’s marketing efforts through a competitive period for higher education enrollment. Her depth and breadth of skills and background in forging cost-effective and productive partnerships, engaging diverse audiences, and leading high-performing teams that produce tangible, positive results will serve the College well as it seeks to expand and enhance its profile in the higher education marketplace.

“We are excited for the energy and experience that Leah brings to the Gustavus community and to our marketing and communication team,” President Rebecca M. Bergman said. “From leading major events to digital transformations, Leah’s track record of success aligns with higher education’s need for bold storytellers who can connect with multiple audiences.” 

Wong’s first day at Gustavus will be Monday, September 16. “Gustavus influenced my passion for community, collective action, and meaningful impact,” she said. “I am thrilled to be joining the leadership team during this pivotal time for the College and higher education. I’m excited to bring my drive and experience as we continue to tell the Gustavus story and create first-class experiences for students, alumni, and friends of the College. I look forward to growing and deepening connections across campus, with prospective students, and within the business communities that will continue to propel the futures of our graduates. Go Gusties!”