United Cerebral Palsy of Sacramento and Northern California (UCP) announced that Doug Bergman, who has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2006, will plan to transition from the role by December 31, 2026, following a distinguished tenure during which UCP expanded services to annually serve more than 3,000 individuals with autism, intellectual disability, down syndrome, and epilepsy throughout Northern California.
The Board of Directors will lead a state-wide search for the organization’s next CEO while Bergman continues in his role through the end of the year to ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition. The planned transition reflects a long-term leadership strategy developed in partnership with the Board.
“For two decades, Doug has helped shape what services for individuals with developmental disabilities look like across Northern California, and the nation through his work with the UCP National Board of Trustees,” said Greg Robinson, Board Chair. “He’s led the growth of UCP’s programs from respite care to expanded recreational opportunities — everything from scuba diving to horseback riding — always keeping our clients’ quality of life and their families’ experiences at the center of that work.”
One of Bergman’s most enduring contributions was the establishment of the UCP Foundation in 2009. Created to ensure the long-term sustainability of UCP’s mission, the Foundation has grown through proceeds from the annual Humanitarian Dinner and generous estate gifts from supporters. Over the years, Foundation assets have provided critical support for UCP programs and services, helping ensure resources are available to meet community needs both today and in the future.
During his tenure, Bergman led other significant advancements that strengthened UCP’s mission and impact, including:
· Leading the growth of UCP into one of the region’s largest nonprofit disability service providers, growing the workforce to more than 1,000 employees and expanding programs that serve thousands of individuals and families each month.
· Leading UCP through changing economic conditions and an evolving disability services landscape. Doug fostered strong partnerships with regional centers, government agencies, donors, and community organizations—expanding services across Sacramento, Yolo, and Placer counties, reaching more than 3,000 individuals each month, and building a transportation network that provides hundreds of trips daily across Northern California.
· Modernizing workforce scheduling and improving operational efficient to ensure families received timely and reliable support. Under Doug’s leadership, UCP developed Respitrack, a proprietary scheduling platform designed specifically for respite services.
This transition will not disrupt services or day-to-day operations. UCP remains unwavering in its mission to improve the independence, productivity, and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
“Families can expect the same high-quality care and support they rely on every day,” Robinson said. “At UCP, this remains a central focus of our mission.”
Throughout the transition, UCP’s leadership team and Board of Directors will remain actively engaged to ensure continuity across programs, partnerships, and operations. A structured transition plan is in place to support knowledge transfer, stakeholder relationships, and key initiatives.
Maintaining continuity in services for the individuals and families UCP serves is a top priority, alongside continued transparency and trust across the organization during a time of change. As part of the recruitment process, the Board will host listening sessions with team members to gather input and help identify the qualities needed in the next CEO.
During and following the transition of CEO, Doug Bergman, UCP of Northern California and Sacramento will continue to build on its strong foundation — delivering life-enriching programs and services while positioning the organization for continued growth and impact in the years ahead.
“One of the greatest lessons UCP has taught me is that meaningful change is never accomplished alone,” said Doug Bergman, CEO of UCP Northern California. “My career has been enriched by the extraordinary employees, participants, families, and community partners who work together to build a more inclusive world with individuals with developmental disabilities. I have been very fortunate to have such a great circle of influencers in my role as CEO.”