Get to Know … Duane L. Tarnacki

It’s no surprise that Duane L. Tarnacki, one of the top nonprofit lawyers in Michigan, serves on the Flinn Foundation’s Board. He has a heart for service, something he cultivated in the 12 years he spent as a student at Dearborn Divine Child, and something he and his wife, Sheila, have instilled in their children. His son, Alec, works at Bethany Christian Services in Grand Rapids as housing director in their refugee family resettlement program, and his daughter, Alanna, is an ICU nurse in Marquette. 

We asked him what specifically drew him to Flinn’s mission and some other questions to “get to know” our board chairman a bit better. 

What do you love most about being on the Flinn Board? 

I have always been interested in mental health: I was a psychology major at the University of Michigan; my mother was a psychiatric nurse and my older sister is a social worker. I guess it runs in the family!

Why does mental health matter to you? 

It is so often overlooked and carries way too much stigma. Positive mental health makes people’s lives better!

What’s your favorite quote or mantra?

 “If not us, who? If not now, when?” – John F. Kennedy

How do you spend your free time? 

Playing golf (poorly) and bike riding around Kensington Metropark. I also do amateur yoga.

What’s your ‘happy place’ in Detroit? 

Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

Coney dog or Shawarma? 

Neither. I prefer a “loosey” i.e., a loose hamburger on a hot dog bun with chili and mustard and onions

What is something that may surprise people to discover about you? 

I like data.