The Miami-Dade Beacon Council serves as the official economic development partnership for Miami-Dade County. The not‐for-profit public‐private organization focuses on job creation and economic growth. Since 1985, the organization has assisted more than 1,200 businesses that have created more than 76,000 direct jobs and added more than $7 billion in new capital investments.

As President & CEO, 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, Local Governments, Career Source South Florida, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Miami-Dade Coalition 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.

Volunteer Activity

Michael serves on the Board of Directors of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Saginaw Valley State University Foundation, the Miami-Dade County Covid-19 Economic Recovery Task Force (immediate Past Chairman), and the Florida Memorial University Social Justice Institute Advisory Board. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the State Science and Technology Institute, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Michigan Venture Capital Association and as President and Chairman of the Michigan Strategic Fund.

Awards & Recognition

He has received numerous awards and recognition including, South Florida Business Journal, 2020 Ultimate CEO Honoree; 2018, 2019 and 2020 Florida Trend 500 Most Influential Floridians; 2019 and 2020 South Florida Business Journal Power Leaders 250; 2014 Michigan Venture Capital Association Lifetime Achievement Award; 2012 Michigan Chronicle Legacy in Motion Newsmakers; Named by Crain’s Detroit Business and one of the 2010 “Most Powerful People” in Michigan, 2008 Saginaw Valley State University Outstanding Alumnus for the College of Business and Management; named by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of the 2007 Newsmakers of the Year; and the 2005 Minett Distinguished Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Education

Michael holds a Master of Arts in Human Resources from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Saginaw Valley State University.