Brace Clement

Brace Clement is a experienced professional of over 20 years on a career break after a five year career with Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, WA. During his time at Starbucks, Mr. Clement worked as a Senior Financial Analyst, a Staffing Program Manager, an Employee Resource Group Leader, and Coffee Ambassador to one of the largest retail coffee companies in the world.  Prior to his full-time rolls with Starbucks Coffee Company, Brace navigated his way into the company as an MBA Finance Treasury Intern with the corporation while earning a master’s degree at the Wisconsin School of Business and as a part-time barista at a local retail location in Madison, WI.

Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Clement worked as the Administrative Director for the Illinois Technology Development Account (IL TDA) at the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer in Chicago, and then as the Director of the Veterans Assistance Commission in Chicago, before moving to Seattle.

A graduate of Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, IL Mr. Clement started his college career at Prairie State College, where he earned many honors along with his Associates Degree. Brace Clement was named Student of the Year and was the commencement speaker for his class.  He shared with his fellow graduates the beauty and opportunities one can find in being of service to one another. He transferred from Prairie State College to the University of Illinois at Springfield, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies with a minor in Communication. There he also shined and made an impact on the campus as a student leader and champion of service learning.  He continued his education journey several years later at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, where he received the Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Corporate Finance and Investment Banking. 

As stated earlier, Mr. Clement was the recipient of several awards and leadership positions during his time as a student. While attending Prairie State College, he served as a Senator and then President of the Student Government Association in his final year. At the University of Illinois, he was a member of the Phi Sigma Alpha National Honor Society, Parliamentarian and Campus Senator for the Student Government Association and was awarded the Illinois General Assembly Scholar during his two years there. At the University of Wisconsin, Mr. Clement was a recipient of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Fellowship and was elected Vice-President of his cohort in 2011.

Mr. Clement is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Clement served for six years as a reservist as well as in active duty, including two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II. During his service, Mr. Clement has received several awards for valor and leadership in operations and exercises, including the Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Meritorious Service Ribbon.

Mr. Clement is the epitome of service leadership and has found ways to be involved in his community since he was young. Currently, Brace serves on the Board of the Chicagoland Area Runners Association (CARA), a nearly 50 year old organization advocating and promoting the sport of running across the greater Chicagoland area. While living in Seattle, WA Mr. Clement was a member of the  Community Building Committee member for United Way of King County, a board member of the Seattle Chapter of Communities in Schools, and a board member of the Seattle Chapter of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Chapter. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was also keynote for Prairie State College (Chicago Heights, IL) 2017 ceremony.

Currently, Mr. Clement resides with his wife of 7 years, Michelle and their 3 year-old son, Broyce in Chicago, IL.