Lois DeBacker, former program director with the Kresge and C.S. Mott Foundations, will receive the 2026 Helen & William Milliken Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding leadership, enduring commitment and extraordinary public service in protecting the environment at the local, state and national levels. 

The award was established by the Michigan Environmental Council in 2000 to honor leaders who, like its namesake governor and first lady, have driven progress that will be felt for generations to come. DeBacker has devoted her career to supporting environmental progress at the root of it all—investing in nonprofit organizations, leaders and projects that drive change. 

From 2008 until her retirement in 2024, she served as the director of The Kresge Foundation’s environment program, which focuses on grantmaking strategies to combat and adapt to climate change. Projects addressed reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ramping up climate resilience, with an emphasis on urban climate action that advances racial and economic justice.

Most importantly, DeBacker brought a deeply-held commitment to building capacity in the environmental movement, diversifying its ranks, foster collaboration across geographies and organizations, and ensuring the people receiving philanthropic resources are those who authentically represent the needs and challenges of thor communities. 

“I’m deeply honored to be recognized by the Michigan Environmental Council for my efforts on behalf of the environment and the people and animals that depend upon clean air, clean water, and healthy ecosystems for their wellbeing,” said DeBacker. “It was a privilege to direct philanthropic resources to brilliant and dedicated nonprofit leaders who were and are doing such important work at the grassroots, local, state, regional, and national levels. We need their talents and energies now more than ever.”

Her career also includes more than 16 years at the C. S. Mott Foundation, where she advanced to Associate Vice President of Programs and oversaw the foundation’s Civil Society and Environment programs. Before that, she spent 10 years working in Michigan’s state government, where her achievements included developing legislation to create the state’s pollution-prevention office.

“Lois has influenced whole generations of environmental scientists and advocates,” said Conan Smith, President and CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council. “I know because I’m one of them! Her ability to engage equally with established experts and newly minted activists gave her extraordinary insights into the systems that determine the health of our environment and communities. And in very special ways she has been able to use that knowledge as a funder to support long-term, durable environmental protections.”

The celebration will take place at the Rogel Ballroom, situated within the Michigan Union at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Aug. 20. Those wishing to attend DeBacker’s Milliken Award ceremony may register here.