Changing Course: From Aerospace to the Archdiocese

Newly named chief operating officer for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Delaney (Damberg) Clement (SSE ’07) credits her SLU undergraduate experience as being foundational not only in how she approaches her work but also in how she embraces the possibilities that await her.

“My education, steeped in Saint Louis University’s Jesuit mission, has been a cornerstone in shaping my journey, both in engineering and my current role,” said Clement. “The values instilled at SLU — problem-solving, independence, integrity, and a pursuit of excellence — not only fueled my engineering career but guided me through [my] significant career shift.”

After Clement earned her bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Saint Louis University in 2007, she launched a 17-year career in the aviation industry. Having most recently worked as senior manager of Enterprise Technology Strategy with Boeing, Clement pivoted her profession, landing her new role in February. She now oversees Catholic education and formation, communication, stewardship and giving, archdiocesan archives, and human resources. 

“SLU's commitment to nurturing the whole person motivates me to give back generously,” Clement said. “In my current role, these lessons drive me to lead with compassion, unwavering ethics and a profound belief in the unifying power of community and faith.”

As the archdiocesan strategic planning effort known as “All Things New” and Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski’s mission renewal for the Church continues to take shape, Clement considers those values, her Jesuit education and her career experiences as important instruments in her leadership role.

“As a woman with a family deeply immersed in our parish and the Catholic school system, my personal commitment intertwines with my professional dedication,” Clement said. “I eagerly anticipate blending my corporate background with a fresh perspective, working to guide the next generation of Catholics in our vibrant community.”