Chairman Finley 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 expired on June 30, 2011.  Governor Perdue reappointed Finley to the Commission effective July 1, 2011, for a term that expires on June 30, 2019. 

Governor Easley appointed Finley as Chairman of the Commission on April 10, 2007, to fill a Chair term that expired on June 30, 2009.  Governor Perdue reappointed Chairman Finley as Chairman effective July 1, 2009, for a Chair term that expires on June 30, 2013.

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