IMPORTANT DETAILS
EVENT IS CASUAL ATTIRE
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS
Gen. Charles Krulak
General, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
31st Commandant of the Marine Corps
Former Member, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff
USIEA Board of Directors
Expertise:
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Military Strategy & History
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Geopolitical Strategy: Israel
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U.S. – Israel Military Cooperation
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Integrated Business
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Leadership
General Krulak served 35 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. His last position was as Commandant of the Marine Corps and as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his military service, Krulak received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star Medal, three Bronze Star Medals with Combat “V,” two Purple Heart Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, the French Legion d’Honneur Commandeur rank, and numerous other decorations and medals.
Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, Krulak served on several corporate boards and in 2011 was invested as the 13th President of Birmingham-Southern College. He retired in 2015 and currently serves as President Emeritus. Krulak graduated in 1964 from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Krulak also holds a Master of Science degree in Labor Relations from The George Washington University (1973) and attended the J.F.K. School of Government/International Relations at Harvard University. In addition, he is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School (1968); the Army Command and General Staff College (1976); and the National War College (1982). Krulak has served on the USIEA Board of Directors since 2017.
Heather Johnston
USIEA Founder & Executive Director
Over the past 20 years Heather has personally pioneered the way in building the strategic relationships and providing the relevant perspective that makes USIEA a valued resource to U.S. and Israeli leaders. For over a decade, she has led dozens of trips to Israel comprised of businessmen, Members of Congress, and other distinguished guests and leaders, in addition to leading and facilitating briefings in Washington, DC. Heather is a world renowned speaker on Modern Israel.
Also, Heather, in partnership with former Mayor Ron Nachman, established the National Leadership Center in Ariel, the capital of Samaria. Today the Leadership Center hosts groundbreaking programs that have given more than 70,000 Israeli and Arab youth the opportunity to meet and participate in a unique experiential learning adventure.
Heather attended Auburn University studying Communications and completed her Masters of Theology degree at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama.
Bruce Pearl
USIEA Board of Directors
Head Coach of Auburn University Men's Basketball
EXPERTISE:
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Coalition Building
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Leadership
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Responsibility
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Christian—Jewish Relations
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Soft Diplomacy
Bruce Pearl is the head coach of the Auburn University men’s basketball team, which he has led to 125 wins and the program’s first-ever Final Four appearance. In his 25 seasons as a Division I head coach, Pearl has guided his teams to the NCAA Tournament 19 times. During his five years at Auburn, 29 of his players have earned their degrees – the most in the Southeastern Conference. Pearl and his wife Brandy have long valued community service. They have raised over $1 million for Children’s Harbor in Birmingham, a program that helps children cope with serious illnesses. They also founded AUTLIVE, an initiative to help cancer patients fight the disease. In the summer of 2008, Pearl realized a lifelong dream when he served as head coach of the Maccabi USA men’s basketball team at the 18th World Maccabiah Games in Israel. He led the American squad to the gold medal for just the third time in 24 years, toppling Israel in the title game. Pearl received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Boston College in 1982, graduating cum laude. Pearl joined the USIEA Board of Directors in 2021.
Ari Sacher
USIEA Senior Policy Advisor
Chief Systems Engineer of Iron Dome
Ari Sacher is a Rocket Scientist, and has worked in the design and development of missiles for over twenty-five years. He has briefed hundreds of U.S. members of Congress on Israeli Missile Defense, including three briefings on Capitol Hill at the invitation of the House Majority Leader and the Israeli Ambassador. Ari is a highly requested speaker, enabling even the layman to understand “rocket science.” Ari has appeared on CNN, Fox News, i24news, and the Discovery Channel.
Since November 2017, Ari has been serving as the Educational Director at the US Israel Education Association. In his position at USIEA, Ari is the direct interface with members of Congress and their staff. Ari leads in the development, implementation and evaluation of USIEA’s dynamic education programs.