MICHAEL FINNEY (he/him)
Program Developer, Youth Outreach
Michael is a St. Paul based percussion educator and program development consultant with more than 10 years of success with building and empowering Minnesota communities through music education. Having previously served Chops, Inc as Percussion Caption Head and founder of Chops Percussion Indoor, Michael returns to Chops, Inc. with a new and passionate focus on Chops, Inc.’s youth outreach programs.
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In his role as Program Developer, Michael specializes in identifying, developing, and overseeing implementation of programs in line with Chops, Inc’s mission. Joining Chops, Inc in 2022, Michael spearheaded Chops, Inc youth outreach initiatives in St. Paul; successfully developing and launching two after school programs providing drumming opportunities to underserved St. Paul youth. With the successful launch of these flagship programs, Michael continues outreach in this area with the goal of serving a wider population of Minnesota youth.
Michael’s expertise in both program development and work with underserved populations comes heavily from his near 10 year career in disability services, most of which was served in the role of Program Director with Sevita Health. In this role, Michael oversaw operations at residential group homes in Ramsey County for adults and youth with developmental disabilities. Throughout his career in disability services, Michael had the unique opportunity to share, enrich, and develop both the music community and disability services community side by side through advocacy, exposure, and developing a focus on true inclusion.
Leveraging his extensive track record of building educational programs for youth and underserved populations, Michael continues to drive for new and exciting possibilities for Chops, Inc. and Minnesota communities.