The Lowdown: Sam Olens

Atlanta is chock full of interesting “movers and shakers” – some bent on creativity, empire building, activism and/or just plain having fun and living the good life. Lean in to hear some of the “off the cuff” remarks as to what makes Atlanta legend Sam Olens tick.

Many national news outlets have featured Sam Olens as a guest expert commentator on the RICO case against former President Donald Trump, where Olens remained non-partisan and no nonsense. But Sam Olens had to make much of his own way. His mother died when he was five years old, and the three siblings were moved to live with an aunt and uncle in a rural community with vegetable and chicken farms and factories. His father subsequently died, while the family raised him with much love in the tradition of tikkun olam, repairing the world.

This background instilled in Olens a desire to get an excellent education, work hard, and improve the lives of others. He said, “Not having been raised with much family, family is everything now.”

Get The AJT Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

Now a partner at Dentons Law Firm, Olens served as Georgia’s Attorney General where he worked to protect the state’s water rights, update Sunshine Laws, and educate the public about the dangers of opioid abuse and human trafficking; but it was his time as Chairman of Cobb County where he was most able to assist non-profit, education, and business communities. Later, Olens was the fourth president of Kennesaw State University. He is also credited with being the first Jew to win a statewide, partisan race in Georgia.

Olens credits his success as a lawyer and public servant to the greatness of America – and the adage that hard work and integrity lead to success. He quotes Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. We must be purpose-driven and empathetic, making our community better each and every day.”

Olens is married to Lisa, has two children, and a Facebook star doodle. They are members of Congregation Etz Chaim. Read why Olens has an affinity for chickens, cooking them, and speaking Yiddish with them.

One thing I’ve learned about working on a college campus is…
Olens: The faculty and administration are often much more partisan and political than they need to be; and the decision makers often lose sight of their mission to educate the next generation.

I would describe Georgia politics as…
Olens: Much more nonpartisan than D.C. The vast majority of state legislation is not partisan, yet that is what makes most of the news. Thankfully, Georgia has strong leadership on both sides of the aisle.

I’m reading…
Olens: “The Guava Tree,” by Andrew Diaz Winkelman. Next is “Speaking Yiddish to Chickens” by Seth Stern.

Most exotic vacay…
Olens: I love traveling to Israel. Our next vacation is Portugal and Spain. But a few days to the Georgia coast or mountains with family can’t be beat.

My cocktail of choice is…
Olens: Single malt scotch on the rocks.

Best advice I got?
Olens: My aunt and uncle taught me to give back. Even if you don’t have money, you have time and talent. Constantly, even at a young age, give back.

One thing people do not know about me…
Olens: I worked at a chicken plant and a glass plant several summers in high school. This encouraged me to seek an excellent education.

My first job was…
Olens: Working at McDonald’s. I was multi-talented…cook and work the cash register.

If I could have a “sit down” lox and bagel with one famous person, it would be…
Olens: Mitt Romney. I enjoyed working on his Presidential campaigns. His sincerity, humility, and intellectual curiosity are beyond reproach. If he were still alive, it would be an honor to sit down with Senator Johnny Isakson, too.

Atlanta to me is…
Olens: A great community because we are judged on what we do, not family background, country club, etc. Atlanta welcomes individual talent.