Honoring her lifelong commitment to protecting children, strengthening families and advancing prevention efforts across Michigan
Saginaw, Mich., February 26, 2026 – A passionate advocate for children and families
with a decades-long commitment to protecting and supporting young lives, Tammy
Bernier, chief executive officer and co-owner of Duperon Corporation, has been named
Child Abuse & Neglect (CAN) Council’s 2026 Suzanne Greenberg Child Advocate of the
Year. This award recognizes Tammy’s leadership in child welfare, prevention and family
support, grounded in collaboration, strategic thinking and a deep belief that every child
deserves to grow up safe, supported and empowered.
A place to turn for hope, healing, and a safer future, CAN Council is committed to
preventing child abuse and neglect through education, intervention and advocacy by
offering access to its many available services at no cost to families throughout the
Arenac, Bay, Huron and Saginaw counties. CAN Council’s Children’s Advocacy Center
provides expert forensic interviews in a safe, supportive environment for children who
have been physically or sexually abused or have witnessed a violent act, and its Court
Appointed Special Advocates program provides advocates for children in the court
system due to abuse or neglect. Additionally, CAN Council’s Child Abuse Prevention
Education program offers school-based, community and professional development
programs that prevent child abuse through education, and its Rolling Family Resource
Center brings resources and support directly to families in their neighborhoods.
Tammy served on the CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region Board and was appointed
by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the board of Children Trust Michigan, where she has
served on the Executive Committee and chaired the Resource Development and
Strategy Committees. Through these roles, Tammy has helped advance prevention-
focused programs, strengthen community partnerships, increase public awareness,
secure critical resources to protect children from abuse and neglect and support families
across Michigan. Her advocacy also extends to PartnerShift, Underground Railroad and
the Career Technical Education Center.
“It is an honor to work alongside Tammy as we work to build a future where the
innocence of childhood is preserved, where families are strengthened and where every
child knows they are loved, valued and worthy of protection,” said Heather Fisher,
President and CEO. On behalf of the CAN Council, I thank you for all you have done for
families and children in our region and at the state level. You are a true force for good!”
Tammy’s commitment to long-term impact and responsible leadership is reflected not
only in her personal life service but also in her work as chief executive officer and co-
owner of Duperon Corporation. She leads a team that dares to make a difference for
people, for water and for the planet.
“There is nothing so powerful and magnetic as being with amazing people to make a
difference. The privilege to walk beside so many who do feeds my soul” said Tammy
Bernier.
Duperon is a leader in innovative preliminary liquid/solids separation technology,
designing and manufacturing patented solutions for water, wastewater and industrial
applications. Headquartered in Saginaw, Duperon has long been deeply connected to
the local community. Under Tammy’s leadership, the company has cultivated a
distinctive entrepreneurial culture that encourages employees to be “whole” at work —
bringing their passions, purpose, and humanity into everything they do. By intentionally
creating an environment where personal growth, meaningful contribution, and service
are woven into the fabric of the business, she is widely recognized for championing
workplace philanthropy through volunteerism and programs that directly benefit children
and families.
As a speaker and consultant, Tammy shares insights on authentic leadership,
organizational culture and performance, personal development and business
management, inspiring individuals to live a life that matters and organizations to reach
their highest potential.
For Tammy, leadership and child advocacy come straight from the heart, whether she’s
in the boardroom or with her family and grandchildren. To celebrate her recognition and
help continue the vital work she champions, donations to the CAN Council can be made
through the organization’s website (cancouncil.org) to support programs that protect
children and empower families.
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About Duperon Corporation
Duperon Corporation is the leader in simple, adaptive screen technologies, serving customers from the municipal wastewater treatment and industrial sectors since 1985. The company is committed to the global goal of making a difference for people, for water, and for the planet. Its technologies are designed and manufactured in Saginaw, Michigan, with installations across all 50 states as well as at international sites, across South and Central America and all the way to Australia. Duperon has been awarded International Organization Standardization (ISO) Certification for its systems and processes under ISO 9001:2015.