Chairman Finley, 58, was born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Between 1974 and 2007 he practiced law in Raleigh, North Carolina, with the firm of Joyner & Howison from 1974 to 1980 and the firm of Hunton & Williams from 1980 to 2007, after a merger of the two firms.  His primary area of practice was public utility regulation.

Governor Easley appointed Finley to the Commission on January 23, 2007 to fill a term that expires June 30, 2011.  Governor Easley appointed Finley as Chairman of the Commission on April 10, 2007. 

Chairman Finley is active in community and civic affairs.  He and his wife, Ginger, have two sons.