Michael A. Finney

Michael Finney was a brilliant visionary and bridge builder. He promoted collaboration between business, government, and education leaders and inspired action. Finney spent his career assisting communities and strengthening their economies by creating pathways to prosperity. He believed everyone deserved a chance to excel. Michael was an observant convener, part of which made him one of the country’s leading economic development professionals.
It was through life lessons in Flint, Michael learned the value of “family within a community.” From that humble upbringing, he became a nurturing professional. His journey of excellence found initial footing when he was awarded a football scholarship to Saginaw Valley State College (now University). He was a member of the college’s first football team. While at SVSU, his leadership skills became apparent. He was a charter member and president of Iota Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and president of the Student Association (1978-1979). As an alumnus, Michael continued to be recognized by SVSU for his achievements. He was awarded the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award and invited to be the Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2010. Finney worked as an Admissions Representative for SVSU and served on several boards. He credits the University for providing support and mentorship that assisted in launching his career.
He began his professional career as an accountant for Deloitte and Touche. His professional track included serving as a manager at the JC Penney Corporation, an admission representative at Saginaw Valley State University, and an accelerating role as assistant city manager for the City of Saginaw. His efforts in soliciting new businesses lead to employment with Thompson Ball Screw Company as a HR Director. In less than ten years, he was promoted to Senior Vice President — General Manager.
Michigan’s former Governor, John Engler, noticed Michael’s unique business savvy coupled with extensive manufacturing knowledge and appointed him Vice President of Emerging Business Sectors. Following this role, he established two start up organizations dedicated to regional economic development.
In Rochester, New York as President/CEO of the Greater Rochester Enterprise, he built a Successful organization that attracted numerous businesses to the upstate region. In Ann Arbor, he was recruited by former Governor, Rick Snyder to create a new local entity that worked with the University of Michigan to transition research initiatives into new businesses and to assist Washtenaw County businesses. In response, Michael established Ann Arbor Spark and led as its President/CEO. The venture turned the Ann Arbor region into Michigan’s Silicon Valley-esk hub. Later, as President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, his team changed the state’s economic development landscape by adding 300,000 jobs, raising $13.5 billion in new investments, revitalizing exportation programs, assisting urban communities with home mortgages and insurance affordability, and creating the famous Pure Michigan Campaign. These accomplished milestones awarded him and his team numerous national awards and accolades.
In his personal efforts, Michael continued furthering his social impact. To remedy inequalities due to poverty, he founded Community Ventures Resources, Incorporated, a social impact consulting business to assist communities in developing and executing pathways out of poverty for those who were disconnected from employment resources. As an Intermittent Lecturer at the University of Michigan, he inspired the Stephen Ross School of Business students to tackle these and future disparities.
After leaving Michigan, Michael served in a variety of economic development roles. As CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, he was credited with reenergizing the council, and improving economic equity and inclusivity across Miami-Dade. He helped secure business expansions in the tech, finance, cryptocurrency, health care innovation, aviation, trade and logistics areas. Under his leadership, 32 projects were completed, resulting in 5,000 new jobs with an average salary of $120,000. Additionally, he served as the head of the South Florida’s Amazon bid, landing the region on the top 20 final list. This honor brought national attention to Miami’s attributes.
Michael initiated a Miami Community Ventures Program which connected low-income workers and highly unemployed neighborhoods with employers and jobs paying a living wage. This was the focus of his endeavors, uplifting citizens to a better life.