OUR TEAM
HEATHER JOHNSTON
FOUNDER & CEO
Heather Johnston is the Founder and CEO of U.S. Israel Education Association (USIEA). USIEA is a nonpartisan organization that educates and serves senior government leaders to advance important dialogue and cooperation between the United States and Israel.
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Since 2011, Heather has led advanced, educational tours for senior members of Congress to Israel. These tours provide an opportunity to travel through Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and to engage directly with Israeli and Palestinian leaders who are most involved in the geopolitical dynamics and understand the demographic realities of the region. USIEA connects U.S. government leaders with Israel’s top leaders and experts on issues related to defense and security, energy, technology, economic cooperation, and agriculture. In addition, through USIEA, Heather has facilitated and hosted numerous educational briefings and forums on Capitol Hill to equip members of Congress with critical knowledge that is relevant for future legislation regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Heather also established Israel’s National Leadership Center (NLC) with the City of Ariel. Ariel is the capital city of Samaria, centered in Israel’s heartland as the strategic security front. Since its opening in 2010, the NLC has trained over 100,000 Israelis. Heather has worked closely with Israel’s Ministry of Education to develop this unique educational leadership curriculum. The NLC has not only trained both Jewish and Arab youth, but has also trained all branches of the Israel Defense Forces.
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In addition, Heather authored “Uncommon Favor,” chronicling her journey from an ordinary life to passionately seeking God and the world of international politics. With over 25 years of involvement in Israel, she operates dynamically within the U.S.-Israel relationship as an educator and influential figure. Renowned as an author and speaker on Jewish-Christian relations and modern Israel’s role in Biblical and historical context, Heather has led numerous tours to Israel for businessmen, Congressional members, and esteemed leaders.
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Heather studied Communications at Auburn University and completed her Master of Theology at Beeson Divinity School. She resides in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, Bruce. Together they have two children, David and Mallory.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Heather Johnston
CEO & Founder
USIEA
Bob Broadway
CEO & Founder
The Broadway Group, LLC
Bradley Byrne
Special Counsel
Adams and Reese LLP
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Former U.S. Representative
Alabama 1st District
Ron DeLeenheer
Former Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Ash Grove Cement Co
Julia Sprunt Grumbles
Former Trustee, UNC-Chapel Hill
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Vice Chancellor of Development
(Interim), UNC-Chapel Hill
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Corporate Vice President, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc (Ret)
Ann Leatherman
Community Volunteer
John Mejia
CEO & Founder
Providence Investments
Dr. Musette S. Morgan
Former Member of Tennessee State Board of Education
Bruce Pearl
Head Coach
Auburn University Men's Basketball
Dr. Phil Roe
Former U.S. Representative
Tennessee 1st District
STAFF
JOAN LESLIE MCGILL
CHIEF of Staff
STACY RYAN
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
DIRECTOR OF TOURS & EVENTS
JULIE ESCUE
EJ KIMBALL
Director of Policy & Strategic Operations
ARI SACHER
Senior Policy Advisor
EXECUTIVE MANAGER OF TOURS & EVENTS
CAROLINE ESCUE
SHELBY PUTNAM
MARKETING & DESIGN STRATEGIST
DONOR & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
TYLER DENNEY
