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Israel

OUR TEAM

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HEATHER JOHNSTON

FOUNDER & CEO

Heather Johnston is the Founder and Executive Director 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.


Since 2011, Heather has led advanced, educational tours for senior members of Congress to Israel. The 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 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 National Leadership Center has trained over 100,000 Israelis. Heather has worked closely with Israel’s Ministry of Education to develop this unique educational leadership curriculum. The National Leadership Center has not only trained Israel’s to Jewish and Arab youth, but also trained all branches of the Israel Defense Forces.

Heather authored “Uncommon Favor” chronicling her journey from an ordinary life to passionately seeking God, guiding her navigation through international politics for Israel. With over 25 years of involvement with 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 prophecy, Heather has led numerous tours

to Israel for businessmen, Congressional members, and esteemed leaders.

 

Heather studied Communications at Auburn University and completed her Master of Theology Degree at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. She resides in Birmingham 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 

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

Vice Chancellor of Development

(Interim), UNC-Chapel Hill

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

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JOAN LESLIE MCGILL

CHIEF of Staff
Stacy Ryan

STACY RYAN 

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
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JAHAN BERNS

Chief Legal Officer
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DIRECTOR OF TOURS & EVENTS

JULIE ESCUE

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EJ KIMBALL

Director of Policy & Strategic Operations
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ARI SACHER

Senior Policy Advisor
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CAROLINE ESCUE

EXECUTIVE MANAGER OF TOURS & EVENTS
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SHELBY PUTNAM 

MARKETING & DESIGN STRATEGIST 
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TYLER DENNEY 

DONOR & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
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SHAN FINLEY 

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO HEATHER JOHNSTON
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