Bancroft proudly celebrates the 20th anniversary of its President and CEO, Toni Pergolin.

Over the past two decades, Toni has been the driving force behind Bancroft’s remarkable growth and transformation. Her visionary leadership has dramatically expanded Bancroft’s services and strengthened its reputation as a leader in the field. Under her guidance, Bancroft has developed extensive programs that cater to the unique needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and neurological conditions.

Toni began her tenure with Bancroft during a time of financial distress and spearheaded the organization’s remarkable turnaround, which she chronicles in her book Too Important to Fail: Leadership Lessons for Nonprofits. The book offers a candid look at her journey of transforming Bancroft from the brink of bankruptcy to a thriving organization. 

Among her many accomplishments, her vision led to the opening of the Raymond and Joanne Welsh Campus in 2018. This destination of hope is an 80-acre state-of-the-art campus in Mt. Laurel housing the flagship Bancroft School, the renowned Lindens Neurobehavioral Program and campus housing for children with autism. 

“I’m honored to have been with Bancroft this long, but my success is certainly shared with the thousands of people I have worked alongside who are dedicated to Bancroft’s mission,” says Pergolin. “Over the next twenty years, we still have a lot of work to do to help every family who needs us and to help create communities that embrace everyone. While I probably won’t be at the helm of Bancroft in 2044, I do know that we have laid a foundation for success that supports both the changes and needs.”

Before her tenure at Bancroft, Toni spent 14 years at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, where she held several key positions, including Chief Financial Officer for Pennsylvania Hospital. Her deep expertise in healthcare administration, coupled with her financial acumen, has been instrumental in her success at Bancroft and balancing the importance of both mission and margin.

She is not only a leader within Bancroft but also an active participant in the broader community. Her dedication to service is evidenced by her extensive board experience, having served on the boards of seven public and nonprofit organizations over the past decade. Currently, she is the Chairwoman of the Peirce College Board and holds board positions at Fulton Bank, N.A., and Inspira Health. She has garnered numerous accolades, including as an honoree for the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, CEO of the Year for the Delaware Valley HR Department, Who’s Who in Healthcare and is a Titan 100 member.  

As Bancroft celebrates this milestone, the organization reflects on the profound impact Toni has had on its mission and the families it supports, and looks forward to her continued leadership.

For interviews contact Rebecca Fuller at rebecca.fuller@bancroft.org or cell: 912-844-2278