Brides Across America (BAA) is run by a dedicated team with decades of experience in the bridal and retail industries.
Founded in 2008 by Heidi Janson, Brides Across America has been making dreams come true by giving military and first responder brides a free wedding gown. Our volunteer management, staff and board of directors oversee special events and weddings each year.
Heidi Janson is the founder of Brides Across America, a national charitable organization uniting military brides and bridal salons across the country for a common purpose by supporting our troops and their families. She has worked for over 20 years in the bridal industry. Heidi has owned and operated 4 bridal salons on the East Coast, as well as managed the Vera Wang Salon in Boston. Heidi now runs a consulting business. She has a BS in Marketing with a minor in Fashion Design from Southern NH University and Parson’s School of Design. You can learn more about Heidi and why she started Brides Across America on her profile page.
Theresa Brumley has worked in the wedding industry for over 30 years. Her passion for brides and military continues to be a motivating force in dedicating her time to Brides Across America. Theresa currently works as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of a bridal couture designer. She has owned and operated numerous bridal salons.
Holly Coolican boasts more than 35 years of extensive experience in retail operations and sales leadership. Currently, she serves as a valuable asset to Raymour and Flanigan in the realm of Learning & Development, while also running her own coaching business. Holly's expertise spans across renowned establishments such as Bloomingdales, The Gap Inc, and The Disney Stores, where she honed her skills in operations. Beyond her professional endeavors, Holly actively engages in community service, generously volunteering her time with organizations such as Hospice, United Way, and Francis House. Her strategic acumen and innovative approach to planning have positioned her as a true leader within her organization. Additionally, Holly's personal connection to the military community, as the spouse of a former Marine, further enhances her dedication to the success of Brides Across America.
Paulette Cleghorn serves in the capacity of creative director at Ashdon Brands housing such high profile bridal and special occasion labels such as Victor Harper, Cristiano Lucci, Simone Carvalli, Ashley & Justin, Zoey Grey and Disney's Royal Ball. She also serves as head designer and creative director at Italian house Cristiano Lucci and for Japan's Yumi Katsura Couture since 2010 and previously as Head of Strategic Alliances and North American expansion to the legendary designer since 2007. Katsura, is one of Japan's and the world's most prolific design houses, whose wedding dresses and couture creations are considered modern masterpieces. Katsura has showcased the most expensive wedding dress sold to date, valued at one billion Japanese yen (US $8.5 million).
She serves on the board of directors of The Kulinda Foundation - a non-for-profit foundation with a dedicated mission to the preemption and relief of famine on the Continent of Africa, specifically in the sub-Saharan Countries. She also serves as a board member at Friends of Thirteen- (PBS/Channel 13). PBS is a membership organization that, with its member stations, serves the American public with programming and services of the highest quality, using media to educate, inspire, entertain and express the diversity of perspectives.
Donna Sada brings over twenty years of invaluable experience in guiding international teams to effectively launch products into the market. Previously, she served as the Director of Business Development at Growums. Currently residing in North Carolina, Donna actively serves as the board liaison for Greensboro Youth Hockey. With a strong background in business development and a personal connection to the military through her father, a retired Navy commodore, Donna's expertise and dedication to the armed forces make her a significant asset to Brides Across
Dick has been involved in veteran’s affairs since his discharge in 1958 from the 101st Airborne Division, Ft. Campbell Kentucky. He also served as Adjutant to the President of the New England Chapter of the 101st Airborne Division for 7 years. Dick is an experienced fundraiser. He has raised funds for Fisher House of Boston and Hugs for Heroes.
Shay is a senior meetings and event specialist. Her expertise in planning and development of fundraising efforts include gifted weddings, annual gala, and specialty events. She has experience coordinating all event details including venue, volunteer and sponsor coordination, entertainment, reception logistics and post event analysis. Shay's strategic planning and non-profit experience help build awareness about BAA's mission to the community.
Boston Strong through and through, Roseann was born in Winchester, grew up in Dracut, graduated from the University of Lowell and, after a brief move to California, now proudly resides in Boston’s North End. She is the founder of RO Strong, her motivational and keynote speaking organization.
A survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing, Roseann has re-centered her focus from real estate development executive to motivating and inspiring others as a motivational speaker -- at leadership workshops, corporate events and charitable events.
Prior to founding RoboStrong, Roseann worked for 23 years in the real estate industry, both on a local and national level. During her career she rose to Vice President of Property Management of National Development Corporation's residential portfolio.
