After an extensive national search, Bancroft has named Gregory Passanante as its next President & CEO, marking a significant moment in its 143-year history.
Passanante, a South Jersey native with deep roots in healthcare leadership, will succeed longtime President & CEO Toni Pergolin, who announced her retirement earlier this year after more than two decades of transformative leadership.
A Leader Shaped by Experience and Service
Passanante brings more than 20 years of experience spanning hospital administration, clinical operations and nursing. Known for his innovative approach to care and strategic mindset, he has consistently advanced initiatives that improve patient well-being and expand access to critical services.
Before joining Bancroft, Passanante served as Northeast Market Administrator for Shriners Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, a CEO-level role overseeing four facilities and driving alignment across mission and operations. Prior to that, he served as Chief Nursing Officer at Wills Eye Hospital. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Drexel, a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rutgers University, and an MBA from St. Joseph’s University. He is also an active member of several professional and civic organizations, including the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Satell Institute.
“I am honored to be chosen to carry on Bancroft’s incredible legacy,” he shared. “The organization’s mission is clear and unwavering and will be my north star as I work with the leadership, families and Board of Trustees to expand access to services and build on the already impressive clinical expertise. I am ready for this new role and excited for the future of Bancroft.”
Succeeding a Transformative Era
Passanante steps into the role following the extraordinary tenure of Toni Pergolin, who began as CFO in 2004 and became President & CEO in 2006. Under her leadership, Bancroft tripled in size and significantly expanded its reach, responding to the rising need for autism services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Pergolin’s legacy is one of financial stability, bold vision and unwavering commitment to the people Bancroft serves, qualities the Board sought to preserve as they looked toward the organization’s next chapter.
A Thoughtful and Inclusive Search
Bancroft’s search committee, a diverse group of Board members and family representatives, set out to find a leader capable of building upon Pergolin’s foundation while positioning the organization for a rapidly evolving future.
Board Chair Heather Steinmiller said the committee quickly recognized Passanante as that leader.
“Thanks to Bancroft’s stability, the search for a new president doesn’t happen very often; it’s an exciting time,” Steinmiller said. “All of us on the committee took this very seriously and were very aware of the importance of finding the right fit to continue the legacy of Toni and those who came before her. With Greg, we know we found the right person to propel the organization forward and continue to provide critical services to those who need us.”
Looking Ahead
Passanante will officially begin his role on January 7, 2026. His appointment marks the beginning of a new era, one grounded in the mission that has defined Bancroft since its founding by Margaret Bancroft, and fueled by a vision for what innovative, person-centered care can look like in the years ahead.
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