Anthony Cancro Named Chief Development Officer at Independence Health System

Greensburg, Pa., Feb. 21, 2025 – Independence Health System is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Cancro as Chief Development Officer for its four hospital foundations: which includes Butler Memorial Hospital Foundation, Clarion Hospital Foundation, Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation and Westmoreland/Frick Hospital Foundation. While the foundations operate under the banner of Independence Health System, the monies raised by the individual foundations will continue to support the specific needs of its respective hospital and community. 

With 20 years of expertise Cancro is an accomplished development professional, who has raised more than $450 million through strategic campaigns and fundraising initiatives to support nonprofits and higher education institutions.  

“Anthony’s extensive experience in development and fundraising, combined with his deep understanding of the needs of our community, make him an ideal leader for our hospital foundations,” said Ken DeFurio, CEO of Independence Health System.” We are excited to welcome him back to Western Pennsylvania, and we look forward to his leadership as we continue to enhance the support and services we provide to our patients and their families.” 

A native of Western Pennsylvania, Cancro returns to the area after serving as Senior Development Officer at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla., where he played a key role in securing funds to support the institution’s mission and strategic initiatives.  

Prior to that, Cancro held development roles at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Saint Vincent College, and fundraising and nonprofit management consulting firm Graham-Pelton. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Thiel College and a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

“I am honored to join Independence Health System and lead its foundations in supporting the important work being done in its communities,” said Anthony Cancro, Chief Development Officer. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and collaborating with the dedicated team to further the mission of these hospitals and improve the health and well-being of those we serve.” 

Cancro’s experience in relationship-building and fostering collaboration across teams to achieve growth and philanthropic goals will enhance the hospital foundations’ efforts to positively impact the system and the communities it serves.  

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties.  

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health