Bancroft Construction Announces Retirement and Succession Plan for Vice President Positions

After nearly three decades of service, Bancroft’s Vice President of Operations, Bart Nave, retired on January 1, 2023. Bart joined Bancroft Construction in 1993 as a Project Manager. His vast experience in all phases of the construction process and his admirable leadership skills enabled him to successfully coordinate projects’ implementation, planning, scheduling, and direction from start to finish. In 2006, Bart was invited to lead the company’s Industrial Division of Operations and, subsequently, the company’s entire Operations division as Vice President in 2008. During this time, he guided Bancroft’s Operations Staff through incredible growth. He pioneered many initiatives that have ensured Bancroft’s continued future success, including the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Program, Safety Program, Lean Journey, and countless others, all while improving our processes and procedures and exhibiting an unwavering commitment to the professional development of our people. We are truly excited for Bart as he enters this new chapter, which will undoubtedly bring him immense joy!

Bancroft is pleased to announce Mike Petka as Bart Nave’s successor as Vice President of Operations. In preparation for Bart’s retirement, Mike and Bart worked closely to seamlessly transition the management of Operations to ensure Mike’s success in his new role.

Mike joined Bancroft in 2000 as a Project Engineer and has received many notable promotions due to his exemplary performance and ability to advance the professional development of his teams. Mike has extensive experience with cultural, institutional, healthcare, K-12, and higher-education projects. He approaches each project, large or small, with the same intensity to ensure we exceed the customer’s expectations. He has demonstrated an ability to focus on project schedules and cost control to meet the goals of each project and form lasting positive relationships with project stakeholders.

As Vice President of Preconstruction, Mike has been instrumental in executing strategic initiatives that have positively impacted Bancroft’s sales growth in our geographic markets. Mike has also led the implementation of key technological and process improvements that have increased efficiencies and productivity throughout the organization.

Bancroft is also excited to announce Kelli Racca, AIA, as Mike Petka’s successor as Vice President of Preconstruction.

Kelli joined Bancroft in 2015 as a Project Executive, and her expertise as a registered architect, combined with her previous professional experience, has greatly benefitted Bancroft and our partners. In this role, she has provided leadership for project teams while ensuring clients’ goals are focused. Kelli’s keen ability to approach project management from the perspective of the construction manager, design professional, and owner has enriched the experience through exceptional project management. Kelli has managed work at Bancroft for clients, including Longwood Gardens, the University of Delaware, Delaware Technology Park, and Mt. Cuba Center, to name a few.

Before joining Team Bancroft, Kelli served as the Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Christina School District, providing leadership for significant divisions, including Major and Minor Capital Improvements, Strategic Planning, Maintenance and Operations, Transportation, Child Nutrition, and Student Services. She previously worked as a Facilities Architect in the Facilities Planning and Construction department at the University of Delaware. She provided advisement, planning and management assistance, and technical support for all construction projects on the University’s campuses.

Please join us in congratulating Bart on his retirement and Mike and Kelli on their well-deserved promotions! We are indebted to Bart for his leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence. We are truly excited for Bart as he enters a new chapter and cannot wait to see all the great things Mike and Kelli accomplish in their new roles!