OUR TEAM

Dr. Erica Henderson, CEcD

Principal & CEO
She/Her

Many economic development strategies reach historically underinvested communities. Few are designed to transfer power and ownership to them. That distinction has defined my work for more than 20 years.

I am an architect of civic infrastructure, a systems builder at the intersection of policy, community power, and economic development strategy. As Founder and CEO of Key Strategic Group, I lead engagements that help governments, foundations, and civic institutions build the structures and systems that produce meaningful and sustainable change.

The work that matters most shifts who holds power and who builds wealth, not just who receives services. Real economic mobility means ownership, asset-building, and generational wealth sustained through systems built with communities, not around them.

You can reach Erica at erica@keystrategicgroup.com

Trenton Ellis, MSW

Social Impact Data Strategist
He/Him

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Trenton has spent the past decade in the City of St. Louis learning and growing his expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice-focused practice and putting that expertise into action. With experience in environmentalism, education, economic development, and social work, Trenton brings his unique and intersectional perspective to the Key Strategic team.

You can reach Trenton at trenton@keystrategicgroup.com

Ann Fisher-Jackson, MPA

Chief Strategist

she/her

Ann is deeply passionate about finding innovative solutions to complex challenges faced by organizations. Her dedication to advancing equity drives her to create inclusive approaches that embrace the wisdom and vision of the community. By combining her strategic mindset, commitment to equity, and community collaboration, Ann aims to make a lasting impact, shaping a more just and prosperous future for organizations and society as a whole.

You can reach Ann at ann@keystrategicgroup.com

Sherrell Hendrix

Chief of Staff

she/her

As Chief of Staff at Key Strategic Group, Sherrell leads engagements across strategic planning, program design, governance, and operational infrastructure. She shaped the research and strategic framing for a statewide health foundation’s strategic plan, synthesizing stakeholder input and data into priorities the team could act on. She designed and led a postsecondary access initiative by building the program model, partnership strategy, and early implementation plan from the ground up. Her board development work has helped governing bodies sharpen their roles, strengthen alignment, and clarify what comes next.

You can reach Sherrell at sherrell@keystrategicgroup.com

Kyle Henderson

Data Research Coordinator
HE/HIM

Kyle Henderson is an incredibly accomplished individual who brings immense value to the KSG team. His impressive track record includes leading significant projects for KSG while completing his Bachelor’s degree in Business at Jackson State University. In addition, Kyle has proven himself as a skilled team leader, having successfully managed tenant and landlord outreach, vetting applications, and verified information for rental and utility assistance applications at Live Stories FORWARD. 

You can reach Kyle at kyle@keystrategicgroup.com

Carla Reid

Community Impact Strategist
She/Her

Carla is a dynamic program management leader, real estate investor, and consultant with more than 15 years of experience spanning nonprofit capacity-building, community development, and property management. She has a proven expertise in launching and scaling training programs, leading residential development projects, and providing consulting for nonprofits, developers, and investors. Carla is passionate about building generational wealth, advancing equitable neighborhood revitalization, and empowering communities through education and collaboration. 

You can reach Carla at carla@keystrategicgroup.com

Jessica Payne, MSW

Community Impact Strategist
She/Her

Jessica’s passion is making sure that all voices have the chance to be heard. Blending her decade-long experience in communications, social media, and design with her Master’s Degree in Social Work, she works with organizations and communities to reach their goals through consensus building using a racial equity lens. Her broad experience ranges from preparing neighborhoods for the planning process to creating coalitions for policy action, to leading a small community development corporation in building new affordable housing. 

You can reach Jessica at jessica@keystrategicgroup.com

Rebecca Weaver

Community Impact STRATEGIST

she/her

Rebecca Weaver is a recognized leader in community-based conservation, equitable development, and nonprofit leadership, known for her ability to spearhead innovative, cross-sector initiatives that drive meaningful change. With an MA in Conservation Biology & Ecology from Miami University and a BA in Communications, along with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, she combines scientific expertise, strategic leadership, and communication acumen to advance sustainable, community-driven solutions.

You can reach Rebecca at rebecca@keystrategicgroup.com 

Barry Maciak

Senior Advisor
He/Him

Barry has forged a fifty-year career working to create opportunities and seek justice and economic mobility for individuals with barriers, workers, communities, and social impact entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh, PA, and St. Louis, MO. As Principal with Key Strategic Group, Barry introduces the client to the power of intersectionality by creating a cross-sector architecture designed to engage and leverage common interests and shared values to advance equity, justice, and economic mobility.

You can reach Barry at barry@keystrategicgroup.com