Michael C. Finnegan

Michael C. Finnegan
Born	1955 Peekskill, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Lawyer, political advisor, investment banker
Years active	1980s–present
Known for	Political advisor to Governor George Pataki; managing director at JPMorgan Chase

Michael C. Finnegan (born 1955 in Peekskill, New York) currently serves as managing director in the investment banking division at JPMorgan Chase. He gained prominence for orchestrating the political ascent of former Governor George Pataki, guiding him from his role as Mayor of Peekskill to Governor of New York. Their friendship began while practicing law together in Peekskill, with Finnegan overseeing Pataki's campaigns for Mayor, State Assembly, State Senate, and ultimately Governor. In 1995, Finnegan was named Chief Counsel to the Governor.

In 1997, Finnegan transitioned from the Governor’s office to join JPMorgan. Prior to this, he had been an instructor at his alma mater, Siena College, and in 1997 was honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He holds a position on the board of the Irish-American Republicans. During 2008, he was viewed as a possible contender against Congressman John Hall in New York's 19th congressional district. Finnegan is widely acknowledged for his expertise in Irish politics, culture, and heritage.

Political career and background

Finnegan earned his degree from Siena College in 1978. After spending a year at Ohio University School of Law, he returned home following his father’s passing to provide family support. He then worked in communications for James L. Emery, the minority leader of the State Assembly, followed by a position under Westchester County Executive Andrew P. O'Rourke while completing his Juris Doctor at Pace University School of Law. Throughout his involvement in Peekskill politics, he developed a close relationship with George Pataki, whom he had known since childhood. Both were partners at Plunkett and Jaffe, P.C.

Finnegan managed Pataki’s victorious campaigns for mayor in 1983, State Assembly in 1984 and 1986, and State Senate in 1992. His roles included General Counsel to the Westchester County Industrial Development Council, membership on the Peekskill Industrial Development Agency, and part-time service as City Prosecutor. By 1992, he had established his own legal practice specializing in real estate and environmental law. In 1994, he masterminded Pataki’s unexpected triumph over Governor Mario Cuomo. Their political partnership was often described as inseparable.

From 1995 to 1997, Finnegan served as General Counsel to Governor Pataki and spearheaded initiatives that resulted in a 25% reduction in income tax rates over four years. In that period, he played a critical role in negotiating the historic New York City Watershed Agreement, coordinating efforts among county, state, federal authorities, New York City officials, and environmental organizations. He also developed and negotiated the $1.75 billion Clean Water Clean Air Bond Act legislation for Pataki and acted as executive director of its Bond Act Committee.

Additionally, Pataki appointed Finnegan to serve on the three-member Commission on Judicial Nominations responsible for recommending candidates to New York’s highest court. In 1997, Finnegan resigned from his General Counsel position to take on a management role at JPMorgan Chase. His exit was felt deeply; he was recognized as an adept negotiator capable of bridging partisan divides while advancing Pataki’s policy goals.

In 2006, State Comptroller Alan Hevesi authorized a no-bid contract with JPMorgan that had been partially negotiated by Finnegan; investigations found no misconduct on Finnegan’s part. Hevesi subsequently resigned after pleading guilty to government fraud charges.

2008 congressional campaign

There was speculation that the National Republican Congressional Committee approached Finnegan to run against the first-term incumbent John Hall in New York's 19th congressional district. He was regarded as one of the leading contenders for the seat.

Characterized as a centrist Republican, Finnegan participated as a delegate supporting John McCain at the Republican National Convention during the 2008 Republican Presidential Primary.

External links

• Irish-American Republicans
• JP Morgan Chase