Board of Trustees and Staff

Inspired to serve

Conquer Myasthenia Gravis is led by a volunteer board of trustees and supported by a knowledgeable staff.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is responsible for governing the overall execution of Conquer MG’s mission and advancing the four pillars. It comprises up to eight voting members. Terms are three years from the date of appointment and may be renewed. A minimum of one member of the Board must be an MG patient. Members need not be residents of Illinois. The board meets quarterly to direct Conquer MG’s strategy to reach its goals and manage the organization’s finances. They are a dedicated and caring group, committed to serving the needs of MG patients. Questions and comments to the board may be directed to: info@myastheniagravis.org

Alicia Peconio – Chair

Board of Trustees

Alicia was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in 2016. She worked in higher education administration for more than 16 years and currently works for Northern Seminary as the Director of Academic Operations/Chief Compliance Officer.Alicia lives in Elmwood Park, IL with her husband Joe and their puppy Shadow. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading, watching movies, and all things coffee.

Tammy Carter – Secretary

Board of Trustees

A native of Munster, Indiana, Tammy balances the roles of wife, mom, foster parent, chauffer, cook, fundraiser and more. She regularly experiences “not enough time in the day” with three children active in band and sports, and knows how MG can complicate the mix. While husband Ernest cheers her on, Tammy is chief cheerleader for the rest of the family and is active in spreading MG awareness. She has served on the Conquer MG board since 2011.

Kelly Aiken

Board of Trustees

Kelly Aiken has been part of the myasthenia gravis community for over 13 years, and her journey with MG has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and resilience it takes to live with this condition. She has learned to appreciate small victories and the importance of support along the way.

Kelly is passionate about giving back and supporting others affected by MG. As a new member of the Conquer MG Board, she looks forward to bringing her experience, compassion, and encouragement to help the community connect, thrive, and find hope.

Diane Alexander

Board of Trustees

Diane Alexander is a retired educator with decades of experience in teaching, administration, and higher education leadership. She served as a high school teacher and principal, directed teacher education in South Dakota, and was dean at Governors State University.

Diane’s connection to the myasthenia gravis community comes through her late husband, who lived with MG. She joins the Conquer MG Board to raise awareness, improve care, and support patients and caregivers in becoming informed, strong advocates.

SeAndrea Ferguson

Board of Trustees

SeAndrea Ferguson is a wife, mom, teacher, and long-time member of the myasthenia gravis community. Diagnosed with MG in 2003, she has managed the challenges of the disease with the support of her family and neurologists, learning the importance of rest, self-care, and resilience along the way.

SeAndrea has been active with Conquer MG as a support group leader in northwest Indiana and is now honored to serve on the Board of Trustees. She looks forward to helping others navigate life with MG, raising awareness through storytelling, and supporting the community with compassion, encouragement, and connection.

 

Julie McCracken

Board of Trustees

Julie McCracken has been a part of the Conquer MG community since 2019 and has lived with myasthenia gravis since her diagnosis in 2004. After years of puzzling symptoms, including double vision, drooping eyelids, and fatigue, she underwent extensive treatments, from Mestinon and prednisone to IVIG, plasma pheresis, Imuran, and CellCept, eventually reaching a level of symptom management that allows her to maintain a balanced life.

Julie retired from over 40 years in property management, including 16 years as a supervisor for Chicago-based condominium managers. She credits her husband Cliff and their Border Collie for her day-to-day balance. Grateful for the support and resources Conquer MG has provided throughout her journey, Julie is committed to helping others navigate the challenges of MG and ensuring no one faces the disease alone.

Heather L. Moore

Board of Trustees

Heather L. Moore is an attorney and a dedicated mom of three. She's deeply passionate about giving back to her community, volunteering her time at the Center for Disability and Elder Law, where she provides invaluable assistance to caretakers of disabled adults, and with Unity Hospice and Palliative Care as a patient care volunteer. Heather is enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring her experience and commitment to supporting Conquer MG's vital mission as a new board member.

Alex Randall

Board of Trustees

Alex has spent several years dedicated to EMG Nerve Conduction Tests in a Neuromuscular Neurology Clinic. While performing diagnostic studies, Alex met many patients newly diagnosed or living with myasthenia gravis. He found inspiration in their day-to-day perseverance through the unique challenges associated with MG.Alex will graduate medical school in 2026. He enjoys staying connected by volunteering at free local clinics and spending time in support groups, where he can learn from the experiences of patients and their families.Alex is thrilled to join the Conquer MG community and to help drive positive change and education as far and wide as he can. 

Staff

We are ready to take your call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. Our staff is committed to being the best resource possible for patients and their families, recognizing and respecting the individual patient’s situation and needs.