Michael Finney, the CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council reportedly died over the weekend from a sudden heart attack. Michael Finney was also a board member of the Miami Springs Business and Economic Development Task Force.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Michael Finney. We’ve lost an incredible community and business leader.
In addition to serving on the Miami Springs Business and Economic Development Task Force and leading the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, Finney had just been appointed in January to the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Miami Branch. His appearance was youthful, healthy, and vibrant and he had so much left to give the world.
Prior to serving on the Beacon Council, Michael Finney was the President and CEO of Community Ventures Resources, Inc. out of Ann Arbor Michigan. He was also an Intermittent Lecturer in Business at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He was a Senior Advisor in Economic Growth to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder back in 2015. He was the President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation from 2011 to 2015. From 2005 to 2011 he served as President and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK a public private partnership for growth in greater Ann Arbor Michigan. From 2002 to 2005 he served as President and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise.
Leaders from throughout our community shared their grief and condolences online:
Miami-Dade has lost a brilliant mind and many of us lost a dear friend. Michael Finney was an eternal optimist who spent his career helping communities reach their highest potential. Rob and I extend our most sincere condolences to his family and everyone who loved him dearly. pic.twitter.com/ZfXHFgw5Dr
— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) April 4, 2022
Truly sad to learn of the passing of Micheal A. Finney, CEO of the @beaconcouncil. My condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. May he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/BFAA93waxc
— Rebeca Sosa (@RebecaSosaMiami) April 4, 2022
From the Beacon Council:
Michael A. Finney
The Miami‐Dade Beacon Council is the official economic development organization for Miami Dade County. Its mission is to increase jobs and investment through marketing Miami as a world‐class business destination, help grow local companies, and shape Miami‐Dade’s economic future. Since 1985, the non‐profit public‐private partnership has assisted more than 1,200 businesses to expand in or relocate to Miami‐Dade, creating almost 74,000 direct jobs and driving more than $6.7 billion in new capital investments.
As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Finney champions the County’s efforts to market Miami‐Dade as a world‐class business destination. He collaborates with key stakeholders including Miami‐Dade County and other local governments, CareerSource South Florida, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Miami‐Dade Council of Chambers and key private sector leaders throughout the community.
Prior to his current role, Mike served Michigan Governor Rick Snyder as Senior Advisor for
Economic Growth and President & CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Under Mike’s leadership the MEDC moved to the forefront of U.S. economic development organizations, with innovative new initiatives including Pure Michigan Business
Connect, Community Ventures, and the revitalized “Pure Michigan” tourism campaign.
LOCAL COVERAGE:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article260079915.html
