Karen Paikin Barall

Vice President of Government Relations, Jewish Federations of North America

Karen Paikin Barall serves as the Vice President of Government Relations for the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and is the most senior staff member in Washington, D.C., where she oversees the government relations strategy.

In her role, Karen develops and implements effective government relations strategies and policy advocacy initiatives while managing a team of dedicated lobbyists and policy professionals. Her extensive experience includes her previous positions as Director of Government Relations and principal lobbyist for Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of the United States, and as the Director of Maryland Government and Community Relations for Jewish Community Relations in Washington, D.C. Karen has successfully organized state and local legislative efforts, secured millions in funding, and spearheaded grassroots advocacy programs. Additionally, she served as a Deputy in the Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism at the Department of State, where she coordinated public diplomacy and supported international antisemitism initiatives. Her prior roles also include serving as Special Assistant to New York Governor George Pataki, advising on legislative matters and public relations for the Jewish community. Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communications with honors from Lander College for Women of Touro College and studied at Ben Gurion University in Israel. She resides in Potomac, Maryland, with her husband, Colonel Allan Barall, their two children, and their Beagle, Hunter.