Trustee
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Michael D. Finelli’s journey into philanthropy began at a young age, inspired by his mother's involvement with St. Edmond's Home for Children, a facility for disabled children in Bryn Mawr. "She was on the board there when I was growing up,’ he says. ``I got in the habit of volunteering time out there for many years.’’
That expanded into volunteer efforts with the Special Olympics throughout high school and college. After completing his education at St. Joseph's University, he became an investment advisor, establishing a niche for sound financial guidance to private foundations.
He also married and he and his wife started a family. He coached his two children, he volunteered at school functions, and his free time was absorbed. But he never abandoned the resolve to, in his words, ``Seek opportunities to give back to his community.’’
As his children hit high school age and those direct parent involvements eased, a professional relationship with an OSB Board member serendipitously provided that opportunity. Intrigued by the chance to make a meaningful impact, Michael joined OSB’s investment committee, leveraging his financial expertise to support the school's mission.
His dedication and enthusiasm to the cause soon led to an invitation to join the Board, a role he eagerly accepted. ``I was looking to help in a more well-rounded way,’ he says. ``I don’t have any personal connection, like, `Hey I’ve got a cousin who is blind.’ But the school is just such an amazing place.
``It's so in tune with what these kids need. It's doing work for kids that just can't get the type of services they can get from their local public schools. So, I think it's tremendously important to get these kids in there, to get them these special services.’’
As a Partner of myCIO Wealth Partners who work with high-net-worth individuals in designing, monitoring, and implementing appropriate investment planning strategies, Finelli’s skillset is tailor-made towards making that financially feasible.
``It’s been a very rewarding experience,’ he says of the collaborative efforts by the investment committee and the Board. “All you have to do is walk around the school and you see the results.”
