Mike Finnern

Mike is the Vice President of Customer Success and Program Management for Proterra, a leader in the design and manufacture of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. In this role Mike leads his team to deliver successful electric bus fleet deployments to transit agencies, airports, universities and others moving their fleets and operations to this new, innovative technology.

Mike joined Proterra in 2009 as a Systems Engineer and served as the project manager responsible for developing and launching the world’s first fast-charge, all-electric city transit buses in Pomona, CA in 2010. After several years in various engineering roles, he was asked to lead the Customer Service team. As Proterra grew, Mike built the Customer Service team to scale along with the company — developing processes, training, resources, and a skilled workforce to support the transit industry’s transition to clean propulsion.

Mike has worked in the field of advanced, clean propulsion for over 20 years and in public transportation for over 10 years. He began his career in engineering with Ford Motor Company where he was responsible for developing advanced engines and clean powertrains. While at Ford, Mike received the Henry Ford Technology award for his contribution to the development of the world’s first Partial Zero Emissions V6 engine. As an engineering consultant, he also worked on some of the earliest clean-propulsion heavy-duty vehicles on the road.

In 2016, Mike was recognized as one of Mass Transit Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, The Best and Brightest award recipients. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Valparaiso University and is a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout.

In his off time, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and working hard not to be driven fully crazy by his two young daughters (6yo and 9yo). He and his family enjoy camping and hiking. Mike also spends time building and racing cars in various endurance car racing series.

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