ABOUT US
Introducing Our Team
Welcome! I’m excited to share my family and our experiences with you. Here, you’ll meet the members of our team and find inspiration as we navigate the ups and downs of family life and share in the joys and challenges of pursuing a career in sports.
President & Co-Founder
Ellisa Johnson
A Visionary Leader Paving the Path for Change
Ellisa Johnson, the driving force behind K.E.L.B.S. Strategy Group, LLC and Fourth Quarter Plus Overtime, Non Profit Organization in 2023. The name synonymous with leadership, empowerment, and impactful change. As the author of the compelling autobiography “Fourth Quarter+OT,” she’s not just shaping the future, but also leaving an indelible mark on the present.
Her journey as a trailblazer commenced when she took the helm of the 2020 Community Partnership and Engagement Program and assumed the role of Deputy Regional Director at the Chicago Regional Census Bureau. In her capacity as the leader of the Partnership Program, she orchestrated a harmonious symphony of geographical program staff, recruiting teams, media teams, and a workforce of over 400 dedicated individuals. This role exemplified her innate ability to manage, inspire, and drive large teams towards a common goal.
Ellisa’s incredible journey extends beyond the boundaries of the United States. In March 2019, she was honored with an invitation to speak at the United Nations during International Women’s Day, where she shared her insights and vision on a global stage.
Recognized by Ebony Magazine as one of the 30 future Black leaders of America, Ellisa Johnson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science, with an emphasis on Public Administration, from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma.
In every step of her journey, Ellisa Johnson has exemplified the power of leadership, community engagement, and the unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact. Her story is not just one of personal triumph; it’s a testament to the profound change one individual can bring to the world. As she continues to pave the path for a brighter future, we can only anticipate the remarkable achievements that lie ahead.
Co-Founder
Kim Bailey Johnson Sr.
Forged in Determination and Dedicated to Family
Kim Bailey Johnson, Sr. hails from the quiet town of Omaha in northeast Texas, where he learned the early lessons of resilience and determination as one of seven siblings. From an early age, Kim understood the value of hard work and the need to shine amid the crowd.
A natural athlete, Kim’s versatility on the field was nothing short of remarkable. He excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball, and to the astonishment of many, he earned accolades and letters in all four sports. His achievements led to all-district, all-area, and even state recognitions, ultimately securing a football scholarship.
Recognized as a blue-chip football talent, Kim found himself awarded a 4-year Division I scholarship to Southern Methodist University (SMU). During Kim’s tenure at SMU, he received the Mustang Player of the Week recognition for outstanding play against Texas Tech University and The first Offensive Lineman to ever win the SMU 1986 Mustang Offensive Player of the Year Award.
However, the course of his college career took an unexpected turn when SMU’s football program faced the repercussions of the infamous death penalty.
Unfazed by this setback, Kim transferred to Oklahoma State University to conclude his final year of eligibility. Upon completing his tenure at Oklahoma State University, he returned to his educational roots at SMU, where he proudly graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
In 1988, Kim set his sights on a new venture, joining the ranks of Arena Football as a player for the New England Steamrollers. Despite the eventual dissolution of the team that year, Kim’s unwavering commitment to success remained undeterred.
This incredible journey through athletics paved the way for a fulfilling career in education and coaching. Settling in Chicago, Kim assumed the role of a dedicated Educator within Riverdale-Dolton School District 148. Here, he instilled the importance of physical education in countless young minds, emphasizing its role in leading healthy, active lives. Also, Kim served as Head Coach in Football, Basketball and Track, where he coached hundreds of student-athletes during his tenure, many of his students moved forward to play college and professional sports.
Kim’s dedication to education allowed him to be the recipient of the Most Dedicated and Committed Educator Award at Roosevelt Jr. High School. During this chapter in his life spanned over 20 years, a testament to his enduring passion for the betterment of future generations.
Kim’s post-retirement days reflect his unwavering commitment to family and enjoying leisurely rounds of golf on the course, Kim Bailey Johnson, Sr. demonstrates that life’s true treasures are found in faith, family, and the pursuit of the things that bring joy to the heart.
Vice President of Marketing
Ed Cayo
Ed Cayo is an award-winning graphic design and branding expert with over 25 years of professional industry experience.
Starting in the mid-1990s, Ed founded a successful graphic design and branding agency that was fortunate to have attracted many Fortune 500 clients such as GM and Quaker Oats. He then took a position as the Creative Director for the Life Safety Division of Honeywell Inc. in charge of all visual marketing and advertising for the international Honeywell Life Safety OEM and retail product lines. After Honeywell, he accepted the role of Global Creative Director for Aon Inc., where he managed all digital and print visual communications for 120 countries, lead the rebranding initiative for the $7B Hewitt and Associates acquisition, and was a member of the Manchester United sponsorship team. Ed then became Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Pearl Companies overseeing national marketing campaigns for the Automotive, Technology and Insurance divisions. And after leaving the private sector, he took the position as Visual Information Specialist for the Chicago Region of the US Census Bureau during the 2020 Census.
Most recently, Ed has been selected as a Visual Information Specialist for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Department of Defense.
Ed received a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts (BSFA) with a concentration in Graphic Design from Valparaiso University. He currently resides in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago with his incredible wife and two amazing daughters – as well as two dogs, a guinea pig, and a lop-eared bunny.
Vice President of Financial Consulting
David Council
David Council is a Finance Professional with extensive experience across industries and functions. He currently works in corporate finance with experience spanning 7 years in the insurance industry within the healthcare sector.
Prior to moving into corporate finance, David worked in consulting with the federal government in addition to holding various roles within commercial banking, commodity trading, and asset management.
His passion for finance and financial literacy is matched only by his love of fitness and nutrition.
David earned an MBA from Wake Forest University, where he was a Wachovia Scholar, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Hampton University.
Consultant & Speaker
Kim Bailey Johnson II
Kim “Bailey” Johnson, II, is a testament to the fusion of athleticism and culinary artistry, journeying from the football field to the world of exquisite cuisine.
Athletic Stature:
A graduate of Iowa State University in 2010, Bailey majored in liberal arts with a a minor in business while securing a prestigious 5-year Athletic Scholarship for Football, spanning from 2006 to 2010. His journey commenced from high school, where he garnered numerous awards including MVP and All-State, paving his way to Iowa State University. There, he excelled both academically and athletically, earning the Big 12 Dean’s All Academic Class of 2007 distinction and being honored with the Scout Team Player of the Year Award in 2007. His invaluable contribution as a 2-year starter became a cornerstone of the Iowa State football legacy.
The Transition and Culinary Odyssey:
Following his successful tenure in football, Bailey embarked on his dream of professional sports, joining the Indoor Football League’s (IFL) Washington State Tri-City Fever from 2011 to 2012. However, it was during this time that he uncovered a profound passion – the love of food.
Culinary Pursuit:
Fueling his passion, Bailey earned acceptance into the esteemed Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in St. Helena, California. Over two years, he immersed himself in the art of culinary excellence, specializing in various delicacies and fine wines produced in Napa Valley and across the globe. Expanding his culinary repertoire, Bailey honed his craft while working with different restaurants in San Francisco and the Bay Area. From 2018 to 2021, Bailey worked for the prominent Clif family winery and gourmet food truck in St. Helena, California.
The Culinary Entrepreneur:
Bailey’s fervor for food culminated in the inception of Golden Devine, a haven for homemade cinnamon rolls and a wide array of fresh food and beverages. Believing that “Food is life,” he envisions furthering his dreams by venturing into his gourmet food truck business, specializing in gastronomic delights and exquisite wines.
Bailey, exemplifies the journey from sportsmanship to culinary artistry, where the passion for excellence threads a seamless narrative from the football field to the realm of tantalizing cuisines and gourmet creations.
Consultant & Speaker
Sydni Johnson
Sydni E. Johnson’s path has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, blending academic prowess with athletic achievement and a global mindset.
Education and Athletic Excellence:
A proud graduate of Howard University, Sydni earned her BA in Business in 2017. Her collegiate journey was distinguished by a 4-year scholarship, representing the esteemed Howard University Basketball program from 2013 to 2017. Her accolades included the MEAC Player of the Week Award and reaching the Thousand Point Milestone in March 2017. Beyond the court, she was a recipient of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and a consistent member of the MEAC Commissioners All-Academic Team, earning the Highest Team GPA and Offensive Player of the Year titles.
Professional Trajectory:
Currently serving as a Client Solutions Manager for TikTok, Sydni’s expertise in the digital realm was honed during her tenure as an intern at Facebook Headquarters in 2015 and 2016 and as a Digital Advertising Manager at Sierra Club in Oakland, CA, from 2018 to 2021.
Global Perspective:
Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Sydni’s passport is a testament to her love for exploration, having traversed 10 countries and counting. This passion for discovering new cultures and perspectives has enriched her worldview and contributed to her multifaceted approach to life.
Authorship and Beyond:
Adding yet another feather to her cap, shortly after graduating college, Sydni embarked on a journey to follow her passion in writing, and created her first fantasy Graphic Novel. Her commitment to continuous growth and multifaceted experiences extends to her contributions as an author.
Consultant & Speaker
Dr. Amani Davis
Specializing in clinical psychology and mental wellness
Carrying the weight of the world in silence is a heavy burden and even the strong need a sanctuary. Sometimes we need help learning strategies to manage it all. Sometimes we just need a safe space to process. It can be difficult to feel comfortable being vulnerable, and we may have even been taught that expressing our emotions means that we are weak. Well, that’s where Dr. Amani Davis comes in!
Dr. Davis completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at Adler University. She completed a nationally accredited pre-doctoral internship at University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is currently a sport psychology post-doctoral fellow embedded in Charlotte’s athletic department.
Dr. Davis has experience in various settings such as community mental health centers, correction residential facilities, private practice, outpatient clinics, and university counseling centers. In those settings, she has experience working with a variety of mental health and performance concerns, including but not limited to identity development, relationship concerns, depression and anxiety related concerns, sport performance anxiety, eating and body image concerns, grief, trauma, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. Dr. Davis also has experience working with people with minoritized identities such as people of color, low socioeconomic status, LGBTQIA+, ect.
Dr. Davis specialize in using evidence-based practices from psychodynamic, interpersonal, multiculturalism, person centered, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based theories to help explore difficult emotions as well as identify and deconstruct unhelpful thought patterns that keep you stuck in behaviors that may have been adaptive in the past but no longer serve your present.
Dr. Davis’ research focuses on the acceptance of oppressive influence and its impact on how Black women socialize with one another which reflects her passion for Black mental health and advocacy of oppressed and marginalized communities. She understands healing is a prerequisite to a healthy Black identity development and restoring a healthy identity within the Black community requires healing generational trauma. In her clinical work, Dr. Davis aspires to provide psychoeducation and consultation around the (in)visible effects of generational trauma and experiences of oppression. She is passionate about helping clients heal emotional wounds stemming from ethnic/racial-based stress, oppression, and trauma as well as exploring identity, and embracing one’s authentic self.
Kinsley Washington
Specializing in clinical psychology and mental wellness
Kinsley Washington is a second-year student at the University of Chicago studying Economics and Psychology. She works with Fourth Quarter Overtime to support operations and digital content, and is interested in how data, storytelling, and community-based work can be used to expand access and opportunity in sports and youth development.