Key Facts
Career & Education
About
Michael Finch is an American conservative activist and nonprofit executive who has served as the longtime Executive Director and President of the David Horowitz Freedom Center (DHFC) since at least the early 2000s, acting as a key administrative and operational leader under founder David Horowitz. The DHFC, founded by former New Left activist David Horowitz in 1988 and rebranded in 2005, is a nonprofit organization focused on countering what it describes as leftist extremism, radical Islam, and threats to American values through publications, campus outreach, and advocacy. In his role, Finch manages daily operations, oversees staff, leads fundraising efforts, and supervises the center's initiatives, including the online magazine FrontPage Magazine, books, conferences, and programs like Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week on college campuses. His leadership has been pivotal in sustaining the organization's influence within conservative networks, often collaborating closely with Horowitz on strategic decisions and public campaigns against progressive ideologies. Finch's professional background is rooted in conservative media and activism, with associations to other right-wing outlets and efforts contributing to anti-communist and anti-Islamist advocacy. He maintains a relatively low public profile compared to Horowitz, focusing on administrative and operational aspects rather than high-visibility speaking or writing. Under his management, the DHFC has faced criticisms for promoting controversial views on Islam, race, and politics, including allegations of Islamophobia and ties to far-right elements, though Finch has defended the organization's work as essential journalism and education.