2025 SC Education + Business Summit

Kelly Simmons III, affectionately known as Coach Kelly, was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina, and currently resides in Eastover, SC, with his wife, Kelley R. Simmons. Together, they share a beautiful family of three children and one granddaughter. As a first-generation college graduate of Lander University, Coach Kelly began his career as a U.S. Army officer, retiring due to injury. Following his military service, he transitioned into corporate sales before discovering his true calling in education. For over 15 years, Coach Kelly has been dedicated to guiding students, young adults, professionals, and educators toward success, equipping them with the skills and strategies needed to excel in their careers and leadership roles. Serving as a career counselor in Richland School District One, a job readiness coach, and an adjunct professor at Midlands Technical College Corporate & Continuing Education Department, he has discovered his true purpose—empowering individuals to excel both inside and outside the classroom. He equips them with the tools and strategies needed to support career readiness and leadership growth. Coach Kelly and his wife started their leadership and career development company, Empowered To Win LLC, in 2019 to empower students and professionals to be winning leaders essential to driving transformation in their lives, careers and communities. Some of their clients and partners include the SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department, Richland One CTE, SC Department of Juvenile Justice, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands & Crescent Region, SCETV Education, and School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties. Under the Empowered To Win banner, Coach Kelly created The Winning Leadership Dept. Podcast, an upcoming podcast based on his new book, The Winning Leadership Challenge: An Eight-Step Challenge For Students To Empower The Winning Leader Within. The podcast will engage, educate, and empower the next generation of leaders through digital content. Known for his passion to serve students, unwavering dedication and resilience, Coach Kelly has helped thousands of students across South Carolina to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. His heartfelt mission is to empower students and professionals to become confident, innovative, and ethical leaders in their lives, careers, and communities. In his spare time Coach Kelly loves spending time with family, traveling and enjoying the great outdoors.