Shaken not stirred: Chaney grew up in San Francisco as a huge San Francisco Giants fan. In fact, he was in attendance at Candlestick Park when Game 3 between the Oakland A’s and the Giants was postponed due to the Loma Prieta earthquake. “The Giants were a big part of my life growing up,” Chaney says.
Home team: While at Baldwin-Wallace College, he scored marketing internships with the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Cavaliers. “I was there before the LeBron James days,” he notes. The season was tough, but he loved the team, the fans and the atmosphere. “It really captures you.”
Like Father Like Son: Chaney’s father, Jared, is the chief communication officer at Medical Mutual. “My dad did PR when I was growing up. When I picked marketing as something to pursue, I didn’t really put two and two together and realize that’s a lot of what he was doing as well.”
Spreading the word: Chaney works with the Digestive Disease Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, promoting the institute to physicians and spreading awareness throughout the community. March is Colon Cancer Awareness month, so he is busy coordinating efforts such as online risk assessments and the importance of screenings.
IB What are the challenges of sports marketing?
MC Every game is like a mini event, so there’s a lot of preparation whether it’s in-game promotions or different activities that you have on the concourse or tailgating. You’re out in the community, you’re out at these events, and you’re trying to get people to participate.
IB And in health care marketing?
MC With health care marketing, it’s much more strategic. You don’t have a built-in audience like you do with the stadium so you’re trying to find ways to engage people that may not be looking for your message.
IB What’s your one tip for readers for Colon Cancer Awareness month?
MC Know your risk factors and get a colonoscopy when you turn 50 or whenever your primary care physician thinks it’s best for you.
IB What’s your favorite sports team now?
MC I’ll always have my allegiances to the San Francisco teams, but working for the Browns and the Cavaliers, it’s impossible not to become a fan.
IB So if you had to pick: Browns or Cavs?
MC I guess I have to go with the Cavs right now because they’re so close to winning the championship and the whole city is behind them.
IB What are the benefits of working at a large company like the Cleveland Clinic?
MC We’re the second largest employer in Ohio and the largest in Northeast Ohio. The resources they make available to us are amazing: from free college-type classes that are available downtown for employees to different wellness activities to mentoring programs.
IB Where do you see yourself in five years?
MC I’d like to see myself still at the Clinic, continuing to grow in my role here. I’ve been here for seven years now, and I’m dedicated to the area and to the hospital and to the people I work with.
IB What’s your favorite thing about Cleveland?
MC It’s a great place to raise a family. I met my wife here, and her whole extended family lives probably within 15 miles of each other on the East Side.
IB What about the winters?
MC I don’t mind the cold. It makes you tough.