Bancroft was established 140 years ago by revolutionary Margaret Bancroft who created a school to cater to those with autism and intellectual disabilities at a time when few people showed such compassion. As the president and chief executive officer, Toni Pergolin’s vision harnesses this legacy while ensuring that Bancroft is here for generations to come.
Bancroft is a leading regional nonprofit provider of programs and services for individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those in need of neurological rehabilitation with a mission to profoundly impact children and adults living with disabilities by delivering high-quality services to empower them to realize their best life.
Pergolin began her career with the organization as the chief financial officer in 2004, hired to help steer the then-fledgling nonprofit down one of two paths: recovery and revitalization or guiding it through bankruptcy. Pergolin took immediate action by outsourcing billing, growing leadership, consulting with valuable partners, and engaging new members to join the Board of Trustees, ultimately stabilizing the organization.
In just two years, Bancroft celebrated a true fiscal transformation that set the foundation for its evolution and accelerated growth. As a result, Pergolin was promoted in 2006 and she proudly continues her work today.
Under Pergolin’s leadership, Bancroft has tripled in size and expanded access to the growing number of people who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She was the visionary who oversaw the design and construction of the $75 million flagship Raymond & Joanne Welsh Campus and founded the Bancroft NeuroRehab.
“Toni is a great example of a titan in the way she thinks, acts and mentors,” said her staff. “She is a servant leader and passionate about Bancroft’s mission to profoundly impact children and adults with disabilities.”
As a highly regarded trailblazer in the industry, Pergolin is a celebrated speaker, presenting at various events for the regional Chamber of Commerce, the NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. She was named the Philadelphia Business Journal’s women of distinction, received the SmartCEO cornerstone award, and authored the book “Too Important to Fail,” chronicling the transformation of Bancroft.
According to Pergolin, she has embraced her talent of balancing business with compassion to inspire the staff and help families throughout the world. “Successful leadership starts with surrounding yourself with the right people and listening intently to their needs,” she said. “Combined with strong business acumen and a passion for the mission, a leader can achieve their vision.”
