Who We Are

Steven Perkins

Steven Perkins is one of the founders and CEO of Pinnacle Athletics & Beyond (PAB), where he leads with a vision to empower youth and adults through structured flag football and holistic development. A passionate coach and community leader, Steven has devoted his life to helping people unlock their potential—on and off the field. As a former high school football coach and collegiate and arena player, Steven brings over two decades of football experience. In addition, Steven has an equal number of years working in public safety and community violence intervention (CVI).  He is currently the Director of Field Instruction at Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI), where he supports the professional growth of street outreach teams and fosters collaborative partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations. A dedicated community advocate, social justice practitioner, coach, and mentor, Steven brings a unique blend of leadership, empathy, and strategic thinking to anything he is committed to. And his commitment to PAB is more than just flag football- it is a movement, a legacy, and a dream come true.

Throughout Steven’s life, sports have always been a sanctuary and a safe space, providing positive, alternative outcomes while protecting him from negative influences and environments. His love for football expanded beyond his high school years at Simeon Career Academy, playing in both collegiate and arena levels. He also coached various Chicago youth football leagues, as well as high school football at Crane H.S., Dyett H.S., and Lane Tech, respectively.  His passion for football is matched by his dedication to character development, educational support, and community empowerment.  With his combined experiences in both sports and community violence prevention, Steven desires for PAB to be a safe and healthy space for athletes, regardless of age, background, or gender, to thrive successfully in their purpose beyond the field.

Micheal Davis-Crayton

Micheal Davis-Crayton is a co-founder and managing partner of Pinnacle Athletics & Beyond (PAB), bringing lived experience, resilience, and leadership to the organization’s mission of empowerment through sports and development. A former high school athlete with a passion for football and basketball, Michael spent two decades incarcerated, a period that shaped his personal transformation and commitment to community impact. Since his release, he has dedicated himself to violence prevention and reentry support, working with organizations including Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI). Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, is pursuing a master’s in behavioral health, and serves as a referee for youth and adult sports leagues, using his journey to inspire redemption, opportunity, and lasting change.

Richard K Simmons II

Richard K Simmons II is a seasoned finance, operations, and community development leader with over 20 years of experience in lending, business strategy, and real estate finance. He has worked extensively across commercial lending, business funding, and real estate capitalization, helping organizations and entrepreneurs access capital and build sustainable operations.

Richard currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Pinnacle Athletics & Beyond, where he supports operational systems, financial planning, and long-term growth strategy. He is also CEO of Rebuilders Alliance, a community-focused organization dedicated to economic empowerment, housing stability, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization.

In addition, Richard is a Managing Partner at DNR Consulting Services, where he advises clients on business structuring, funding strategy, and operational growth. His background includes senior-level lending leadership, including serving as a commercial lender and vice president with extensive experience across traditional and alternative finance.

Beyond business, Richard is deeply committed to service and ministry. He leads an online outreach platform, The Word Ministry, conducts weekly nursing-home ministry, and organizes homeless outreach efforts every third Saturday of the month. His work consistently centers on youth mentorship, particularly supporting at-risk populations, and building practical pathways from instability to opportunity.

Richard is known for bridging faith, finance, and community impact, bringing structure, strategy, and purpose to every organization he serves.

John Hersey

Maureen Perkins

Maureen Perkins is a co-founder and managing partner of Pinnacle Athletics & Beyond (PAB), bringing a strong background in athletics, community organizing, and program development to the organization. A former gymnast who trained with the late Dianne Durham and a competitive swimmer in her youth, Maureen developed discipline and leadership early, later becoming a lifeguard for the Chicago Park District where she helped ensure the safety of swimmers. With over a decade of experience in community engagement, workforce development, case management, and youth programming, she has built strong partnerships across community organizations, law enforcement, and public agencies. Maureen’s leadership, organizational expertise, and commitment to service play a vital role in advancing PAB’s mission and long-term vision.