Michael Finnern
Director of Customer Service
Proterra
- One Word to Describe Himself: Balanced
- Alma Mater: Valparaiso University
- Favorite Book: "The Mysterious Island" by Jules Verne
- Favorite TV Show: “Top Gear" the original BBC version
- Favorite Movie: “The Goonies"
- Favorite Hobby: Car racing, camping, bicycling
- Fun Fact: He's an Eagle Scout
- Favorite Transit System (other than one they work at): Any that are successful in using new technology to deliver better service
Mike Finnern previously worked developing efficient and innovative powertrains for Ford Motor Co. During his tenure, he spent time in Michigan, Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden and Mexico creating and launching advanced vehicles. While at Ford, Mike was the recipient of the Henry Ford Technology award for helping to develop the world’s first Partial Zero Emissions V6 engine.
He joined Proterra in 2009 as a vehicle controls engineer and then was soon responsible for managing the development and deployment of the first fast-charge, battery-electric, heavy-duty transit bus fleet. After the successful launch of the EcoRide buses in Pomona, California, he was promoted to the manager of controls engineering and system integration where he developed internal engineering capabilities.
In Finnern’s current role, he is able to incorporate his technical background and expand on that with the customer service side. He has built a dynamic team that ensures transit agencies are best able to fulfill their missions of providing riders with clean, quiet, reliable transportation. He initiated quarterly customer roundtables to initiate discussions with customers to provide them with better, complete information and to get feedback on their products for continual improvement.
To improve every Proterra employee’s knowledge, he is in the process of implementing an in-house program where they will all spend time riding the buses and getting to know the people who make transit happen.
Finnern serves as the chair of the American Public Transportation Association’s Clean Propulsion Committee. Under his leadership, the committee has developed and released a Clean Propulsion Resource Guide aimed at helping those interested in learning more about the many new technologies available in the industry.
“If you see an opportunity, just go ahead and do it. That seems to serve people well. It helps to foster a good corporate culture or team culture whereby people are proactive and pushing to get things done.”
