Board of Trustees
Pasquale “Pat” Alesia
President
Pasquale “Pat” Alesia boasts a distinguished and multi-faceted career.
He obtained his academic qualifications at the City College of New York, where he diligently pursued degrees in Education Administration and Supervision. Over a span of 30 years, Pat made significant contributions to the NYC Board of Education in a range of roles. In his military journey, he was commissioned through Army ROTC and undertook active duty from 1969 to 1972, including deployments with the 82nd Airborne Division and in Vietnam. Subsequently, within the New York Army National Guard, he ascended to the rank of Colonel, further achieving the prestigious rank of Brigadier General on the New York State Retired List.
With a profound sense of family, he finds pride in his role as a loving grandparent to 12 grandchildren.
Carol A. Hassett, Ph.D.
Vice President
Dr. Carol Hassett is a highly accomplished professional with a B.A. in Education and advanced degrees in Psychology, including a Doctorate from Hofstra University. Her private psychology practice in Hempstead, NY, specializes in substance abuse and PTSD.
Driven by a commitment to serve, Dr. Hassett’s concern for veterans experiencing leukemia led her to advocate for increased outreach and support, recognizing their sacrifices. Beyond her psychology work, she is a licensed Elementary School Teacher and EMT, dedicating over four decades to the Malverne Ambulance Corps, where she also served as Chairman of the Board.
Active in her community, Dr. Hassett’s leadership extends to serving as President and Board Member of the Malverne Public Library for more than twenty-eight years. She has also held roles in the Nassau County Psychological Association and the American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as President during the 2012-2013 term and currently holds the positions of Secretary/Finance Officer and Legislative Chair.
John T. Digilio Jr.
Treasurer
John Diglio Jr., CLRA’s Treasurer, brings over four decades of healthcare experience that has left a positive mark on patients, medical facilities, and students. He has held management positions in diverse healthcare settings and served as a hospital administration consultant with the New York State Department of Health.
In addition to his vast professional background, John is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, the Command and General Staff College, and the National Defense University. His military career earned him prestigious awards, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with palm. John’s accolades extend to his inclusion in Who’s Who in America and recognition from the Order of Military Medical Merit.
Beyond his professional achievements, he has actively served on various boards, including chairing the Long Island Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Board at Aviation Technologies LTD, and membership on the national Executive Advisory Council of AMSUS. Additionally, he is a dedicated member of numerous veterans and fraternal organizations.
Tammy LeGrys
Secretary
Tammy LeGrys, Secretary, brings decades of professional experience in business operations and strategic planning. Prior to her retirement, she served as Associate Director for Global Business Operations in the International Tax and Transaction Services division at Ernst & Young (EY), a public accounting and advisory firm.
When her sister was diagnosed with leukemia, her family rallied. In her own words, “Simply put, CLRA made a difference.” CLRA offered valuable support by providing up-to-date information on blood cancers, a guide to patient resources and access to patient aid. Inspired by CLRA’s dedication to funding cutting-edge blood cancer research, Tammy found her calling in the nonprofit sector, blending her corporate acumen with a deep passion for aiding blood cancer patients. In 2023, she joined the CLRA Board.
Tammy is dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteer work and is an active member of the Patient and Family Advocate Council (PFAC) at Atrium Health/Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center – Cancer Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Tammy’s educational background encompasses a Bachelor of Science degree in legal studies and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. She presently resides in Columbia, Maryland with her husband, Scott.
Hubert B. Gibbons, Jr.
Trustee
Mr. Hubert Gibbons, trustee, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from David Lipscomb College and a Masters in Education from New York University. In addition, he holds a Master of Arts in Church History at New Brunswick Seminary.
He is a retired Captain from the New York Naval Militia in 2005 after 39 years of federal and state service.
He is presently a member of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem: Priory of St. Patrick.
John Cioni
Trustee
With eight years of experience in the philanthropic sector, John has made significant contributions to non-profit organizations in the fields of healthcare, disaster recovery, and higher education. John holds an undergraduate degree in Business Management from Southern Wesleyan University in upstate South Carolina. In his current role at York Technical College, he plays a pivotal role in supporting students through grant programs that provide crucial Emergency Assistance.
John’s journey into the world of philanthropy is rooted in his background as a Marine Corps Veteran, where he served for four and a half years on active duty. His passion for philanthropy takes on a deeply personal dimension as well. His journey into supporting children and families facing blood cancers began when his own son, Noah, was diagnosed with T-cell ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) in March of 2020. Noah’s battle against cancer, resulting in his full recovery in December of 2022, has fueled John’s commitment to helping others facing similar challenges. Having walked the difficult path of a parent with a child battling a life-threatening illness, John understands the emotional, financial, and mental toll it takes on families.
With a heart dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those in need, John is enthusiastic about his role in the CLRA family. His unique blend of personal experience as a parent of a courageous warrior and his extensive background in the world of philanthropy positions him to provide invaluable support to families during their times of greatest need.
Anthony R. Pasqua
President Emeritus
Anthony “Tony” Pasqua, President Emeritus of the Children’s Leukemia Research Association, holds a profound personal connection to the cause of leukemia. Four decades ago, his young daughter faced the daunting diagnosis of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Despite just a 1% chance of survival, she underwent rigorous treatment, including chemotherapy and a life-saving bone marrow transplant, defying the odds and emerging victorious.
Tony holds degrees in accounting and public administration. He retired as a Brigadier General in the New York Army National Guard after 32 years of service and completed prestigious military courses. In his 30-year business career, he focused on financial planning, including Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Family Legacy Planning, and Charitable Gifting. His work showcases his dedication to both finance and leukemia advocacy.