Michael A. Finney Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

MR. MICHAEL ANTHONY FINNEY, SR. Michael Anthony Finney, Sr. (“Mike”) was born in Flint, Michigan on October 2,1956 to the union of Arthur Finney, Sr. and Laura Inez Jackson Finney. He was the fourth of seven children born to this union. Michael leaves to cherish his memory beloved wife, Gina; sons, Michael, Jr., Marcus and Austin Finney; granddaughters, Maliyah and Milliana Finney; brothers, Arthur Finney, Jr. and Tony (Juliet) Finney; sisters, Inez (Larry) Goodman and Theresa Lawrence; mother-in-law, Mildred Mickels; uncle, Willie Jackson; aunts, Sarah (Moses) Youngblood and Ola Jackson; sisters-in law, Crescenda Mickels and Cheryl Ousley; special cousins, Marion Blunt, Portia Davis, Douglas Finney, Yma McGowan, Zannie Thompson, and Hope Cooks; special brothers and friends, Charles Goss, Darrell Moore, Michael Williams, Eugene Harris, Jeffery Hawkins, and the Thomas and Walker Families, in addition to a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Michael was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Brenda Fields, Wanda Parham, and Shanda Chappell; father-in-law, Elon Mickels; niece, Shawana Fields, and nephew, Akil Goodman. It was through life lessons in Flint, Michigan on Leith and Green Streets 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. He continued to demonstrate his excellent leadership skills by serving as Michigan’s State Director of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and overseeing the establishment of several undergraduate chapters. Michael was a brilliant visionary and bridge builder. He promoted collaboration and inspired action. He spent his career assisting communities in strengthening their economies and creating pathways to prosperity. He believed everyone deserved a chance to excel. He was an observant convener, part of which made him one of the country’s leading economic development professionals. 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 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. Michael adapted well to Miami. He enjoyed living in an ocean high rise. His leisure time was spent cruising in his 71 Corvette, riding electric scooters, bike riding, playing year-round golf, relaxing on the beach, eating empanadas, drinking mojitos, and enjoying all the local fun activities. Michael was a Godly man and his last church affiliation was Bethel AME Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michael was a blessing from God. He understood his assignment was to care for others, improve his community and leave the world better than he found it. Heaven has gained another angel!

Michael A. Finney

October 2, 1956 - April 3, 2022