Samantha Kurgan

Samantha Kurgan is Vice President of Jewish Engagement at Federation, where she leads a team advancing community connection, engagement, and philanthropy across Greater Atlanta’s diverse Jewish community. She provides strategic direction for Family Engagement, Women’s Philanthropy, Affinity Networks, Young Leadership, Leadership Development, and Missions.

Over the past three years, Samantha has spearheaded JGather and JCamping, expanding access to meaningful Jewish experiences through camp scholarships, micro-grants, and grassroots programs—creating new opportunities for connection, belonging, and participation.

She also oversees Jewish innovation through JInnovate, supporting emerging ventures with a cohort-based incubation model offering funding, mentorship, and leadership development.

A longtime community leader, Samantha has held lay roles with JAccess, served on the Federation’s Allocation Committee, and advocated through GaLEND and the Maccabi Games Inclusion initiative. Her professional background spans over a decade in HR and Organizational Development at Target, Informatica, Turner Broadcasting, and PwC. She previously served as Executive Director of The Packaged Good, a nonprofit promoting philanthropy among children and families.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Samantha has called Atlanta’s Jewish community home for over 20 years. She lives in Dunwoody with her husband, Paul, and their three children: Rachel, Adam, and Romi.