Canterbury Appoints Thomas Diascro, Jr. as Chief Advancement Officer

It is with great excitement that Canterbury School announces the appointment of Thomas Diascro, Jr. as its next Chief Advancement Officer. He will begin his new role later this fall, bringing both extensive leadership experience and a personal connection to the mission of independent schools.

Tom joins Canterbury from Hopkins School, where he served as Chief Advancement Officer and directed an $80 million comprehensive campaign. Under his leadership, year-over-year fundraising at Hopkins increased from $3.5 million to $9.1 million, and the school secured multiple transformative gifts of $1 million or more. He previously held advancement positions at Wesleyan University, managing high-level donor relationships and securing significant campaign commitments.

In addition to a strong record of fundraising success, Tom brings significant experience working alongside Heads of School, Boards of Trustees, and campaign leadership committees to set direction and deliver results. He is widely respected for his ability to build and mentor teams, align advancement strategies with institutional priorities, and cultivate relationships that inspire meaningful and lasting support.

Just as importantly, Tom’s personal values reflect Canterbury’s mission. He believes in the power of education to shape lives and in strengthening the communities that make this possible. His own experience as a student at Perkiomen School instilled a lifelong appreciation for schools that challenge students to think critically, live with integrity, and serve with conviction.

Head of School Caroline Blatti shared, “Tom brings exceptional expertise and a deep belief in the power of education to shape character and inspire purpose. I know he will be a tremendous partner as we advance Canterbury’s vision and strengthen the culture of philanthropy that sustains our work.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Tom said: “I am honored to join the Canterbury community at such an exciting moment in the School’s history. Canterbury’s mission, values, and deep sense of purpose resonate with me and connect closely to my own experience as a student at Perkiomen School. I am grateful to Head of School Caroline Blatti and the Board of Trustees for their trust, and I look forward to working alongside colleagues, alumni, parents, and friends to strengthen the culture of philanthropy that sustains this extraordinary school.”

As Canterbury looks to the future, Tom’s leadership will play a vital role in advancing the School’s vision, strengthening the culture of giving, and ensuring that philanthropy continues to sustain and propel its mission for generations to come.