OUR TEAM
HEATHER JOHNSTON
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Heather Johnston is the Founder and President 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 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
SANDY STIMPSON
Former Mayor of Mobile, Alabama​​
Executive Vice President of Scotch & Gulf Lumber
RON DELEENHEER
Former Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Ash Grove Cement Co
JULIE COLLIER
Attorney (ret.)
USIEA Global Prayer Director
JOHN MEJIA
CEO & Founder
Providence Investments
DR. JULIAN BILLINGS
Gastroenterologist, Center for Colon & Digestive Disease, Huntsville AL
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Medical Director, Huntsville Endoscopy Center
BRUCE PEARL
Former Head Coach
Auburn University Men's Basketball
DR. PHIL ROE
Former U.S. Representative
Tennessee 1st District
MIKE STOCKARD
Principal
Elwood Staffing
​DR. LARRY THORNE
Pediatrician (Ret)
STAFF
JOAN LESLIE MCGILL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EJ KIMBALL
DIRECTOR OF POLICY & STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
DIRECTOR OF TOURS & EVENTS
JULIE ESCUE
ARI SACHER
SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
ANGIE STEPHENS
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
JONAH COHEN
SENIOR MANAGER OF TOURS
KATHY CATE
DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
MARY ELLIOTT WHITT
EXECUTIVE MANAGER OF TOURS & EVENTS
CAROLINE HUANG
DONOR & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
TYLER DENNEY
OPERATIONS MANAGER
GRACIE PRIESTLEY
COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT MANAGER
ELIZABETH COLLIER
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL PRAYER
JULIE COLLIER
