A nationwide search will begin for the next leader.
Bancroft President and CEO, Toni Pergolin, has announced that she will retire next year, in June of 2026, after 22 years at the helm of the nonprofit organization. Bancroft’s Board of Trustees, led by Board Chair Heather Steinmiller, Esq, will begin a nationwide search for her replacement.
Pergolin has been a transformational leader of Bancroft, serving as only the ninth President, including founder Margaret Bancroft, in the organization’s 142-year history. She began her tenure in 2004 as Chief Financial Officer of the then-fledgling nonprofit and was named President and CEO in 2006. During that time, she steered Bancroft from almost certain bankruptcy to a viable and sustainable lifeline for those with disabilities—a turnaround she chronicles in her book “Too Important to Fail: Leadership Lessons for Nonprofits.”
In 2017, Pergolin had her “vision realized” with the opening of Bancroft’s flagship state-of-the-art Raymond and Joanne Welsh Campus, which houses The Bancroft School, the renowned Lindens Program, and residential services. The campus was designed to be a destination of hope for children from across the country and a place of possibilities for the autism and special needs community.
Under Pergolin’s leadership, Bancroft has tripled in size and expanded access to the growing number of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities. Since her tenure began, Bancroft has created new avenues for services, including an expanded Preschool & Early Education program, the Kohler Academy, diagnosis services, and residential supports for those with traumatic and acquired brain injuries. Bancroft has supported thousands of people, and thousands more have been employed there since Pergolin took the helm.
“Serving as the leader of Bancroft has not only been the highlight of my career, but it has changed me in so many positive ways,” states Pergolin. “While this wasn’t an easy decision to make, I know that the time is right, both for me personally and for Bancroft. Bancroft is in a very stable place with outstanding leadership and a solid plan for future growth. With that said, when the time comes, it will be very hard to say goodbye to the families and my colleagues, some of whom I’ve known since I started.”
“Toni is going to be big shoes to fill,” says Board Chair Heather Steinmiller. “She has not only built a strong foundation for Bancroft, but also taught all of us important lessons about leadership. But, I have no doubt that together we will find the next leader who will be ready to build on her success, continue to grow Bancroft and expand services for those who need us.”
The Board of Trustees will immediately begin a search for Bancroft’s next President and CEO. The search committee will comprise a diverse cross-section of the Board members, including two family representatives. Updates will be made available to staff, families, funders and other stakeholders.
For interviews with Toni Pergolin or Heather Steinmiller, contact Rebecca Fuller at [email protected]. Photos can be found here.
