WILMINGTON, Del. — Bancroft Construction, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most respected construction management firms, has announced a significant leadership transition that marks both the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. After 25 years with the company—and 15 years as President and CEO—Greg Sawka will retire at the end of 2025. Mike Petka, a long-time Bancroft executive, will step into the top leadership role, continuing the company’s legacy of growth, innovation, and community commitment.
This marks only the second CEO transition in Bancroft’s five-decade history. Founded in 1975 by Stephen M. Mockbee, Bancroft began as a small builder along the Brandywine River in Wilmington, Delaware, and evolved into a regional powerhouse serving Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. The firm’s reputation rests on Mockbee’s founding principles—integrity, professionalism, and community partnership—values that Sawka upheld and expanded upon during his tenure.
Under Sawka’s visionary leadership, Bancroft grew from a local contractor into a regional leader, managing $2.5 billion in projects for high-profile clients and opening regional offices in Princeton, New Jersey, and Salisbury, Maryland. The company also earned a Delaware Top Workplace Award for nine consecutive years, underscoring its dedication to its people as much as to its projects.
“I’ve truly enjoyed working with colleagues who share an unwavering passion for construction excellence and continued improvement,” said Sawka. Reflecting on his career, he added, “I'm most proud of the fact that, year after year, we've continued to grow as an organization into new geographic regions, and we've set new standards as a leader in a variety of market sectors. Because of this growth and evolution as a company, we’ve been able to provide personal and professional growth opportunities for our team members. I’m excited to see Bancroft and our people take on new challenges under the third wave of leadership.”
During Sawka’s leadership, Bancroft successfully delivered major regional and cultural projects, including the $250 million Longwood Reimagined expansion for Longwood Gardens, completed earlier this year. Beyond project work, Sawka has been deeply involved in civic life, serving on multiple boards and contributing to workforce and community development across the region.
His successor, Mike Petka, is no stranger to Bancroft’s mission. Joining the company in 2000 as a Project Engineer, Petka quickly advanced through leadership roles including Vice President of Preconstruction and most recently Vice President of Operations. His project portfolio spans diverse markets—from cultural landmarks to healthcare and education—highlighting his versatility and client-first approach.
Petka has overseen several signature builds, such as the Longwood Gardens Main Fountain Garden Revitalization, the ChristianaCare Freestanding Emergency Department, and the PS DuPont Middle School renovation. He is known internally for promoting Lean construction methods, digital integration, and cross-department collaboration, key to Bancroft’s operational success.
“Throughout his 25-year tenure at Bancroft, Mike has made a transformative impact on our interdepartmental processes, culture, and leadership,” said Sawka. “I couldn’t be more excited to see how Bancroft continues to grow and innovate under his leadership as President & CEO.”
A University of Delaware Civil Engineering graduate, Petka serves on the Executive Board of the Delaware Contractors Association and advises the UD College of Civil Engineering. His leadership style emphasizes efficiency, mentorship, and innovation—all critical as Bancroft enters its next phase.
“We’re celebrating a major milestone of 50 years in business due to the exceptional leadership of both Stephen Mockbee and Greg Sawka,” said Petka. “I’m honored to take on the role of President & CEO and to work with a talented team as we forge ahead into the next chapter of Bancroft Construction.”
As Bancroft looks toward the future, the firm remains committed to delivering exceptional projects and strengthening community relationships—a philosophy that has defined its first 50 years and will continue guiding it through the next.
Originally reported by Bancroft Construction in Construction Dive.
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