CCUSA announces 2023 Management Excellence Award winner

August 28, 2023
Photo of Sarah Clement, chief administrative officer at Catholic Charities of Acadiana. She has red hair, a broad smile, black rim glasses, a black top and a turquoise necklace.

Alexandria, Va. – Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) has named Sarah Clement, chief administrative officer at Catholic Charities of Acadiana, the recipient of the 2023 Management Excellence Award.

Each year, the CCUSA Management and Administration Community of Practice confers this honor on an exceptional manager or supervisor in the Catholic Charities network who leads his or her team in inspiring and engaging ways. The winner of the Management Excellence Award consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication in five categories: leadership, innovation, engagement, commitment, and being data-driven.

This year, the selection committee enthusiastically selected Clement from a strong pool of nominations. Clement has served Catholic Charities of Acadiana since 2013, when she joined as director of St. Joseph Diner, which serves free meals each day to those experiencing homelessness and hunger. Clement also previously worked as director of development and director of operations for the agency before transitioning to her current role. In nominating Clement, her colleagues praised her commitment not only to her own projects and priorities but to “the success of the organization, for the good of the clients.”

“I began this work to make a difference in the lives of people who suffer and change the perspectives of people in the community towards various populations of people on the margins,” Clement said. “I realized quickly that my gifts were best used in building effective systems that allow people on the front lines to focus on caring for the most vulnerable in our community.

“I am honored and overwhelmed to receive this award. None of what has been accomplished would have been possible without the full force of my amazing team and the leadership at Catholic Charities of Acadiana,” Clement continued. “I am grateful that the Lord, in His kindness, has given me a vocation within my vocation, to play a role in caring for those who suffer.”

Clement will be recognized and celebrated for her outstanding service through a video tribute at CCUSA’s 2023 Annual Gathering in Cleveland in October.

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