Carla Birnbaum serves as Director of Community Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, where she helps people build relationships and find meaningful ways to participate in Jewish life. She leads JGather, supporting community members in bringing people together through small gatherings, shared interests, and Jewish experiences. Her work includes Gather Grants, the JGather Ambassador program, and JInterfaith, which creates welcoming spaces for interfaith couples and families.
With more than 20 years of experience in Jewish education and community building, Carla combines an educator’s creativity with a practical understanding of how relationships grow. She works alongside individuals, synagogues, and community partners to turn ideas into experiences that encourage connection, belonging, and Jewish joy.
Before joining Federation, Carla developed educational programs for Atlanta-area synagogues and overnight camps, working with young children, students, and families. Her work earned two Solomon Schechter Awards for programmatic innovation. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Oglethorpe University and a master’s degree in Judaic studies.
Carla is a longtime member of Congregation Gesher L’Torah. She lives in Johns Creek with her husband, teenage daughters, and her rescue dog.