Introducing Samson Tarpeh, The Art Center’s New Deputy Director
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you have been in The Art Center recently, you have probably noticed a new face around the office. To keep up with the expanding needs of our small non-profit, we have likewise expanded the staff to include a 6th member: Deputy Director Samson Tarpeh.
Samson is bringing fresh energy and new expertise to our staff, and we’re all very excited to have him aboard and contributing to our center’s larger goals. Samson will be handling a lot of day-to-day administrative operations and fundraising initiatives for The Art Center, which will open exciting new opportunities for growth and improvements here.
Originally born in Liberia, Samson moved to the United States for the educational opportunities. He holds a BA in music with an emphasis on piano from Campbellsville University in Kentucky as well as a Master of Science in Community and Leadership development with a Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Kentucky.
Samson’s journey in the arts started with music. In Liberia he witnessed firsthand how music bought healing and hope even through the hardships young people faced in the aftermath of Liberia’s Civil Wars.
“Music has always been a source of strength, identity, and purpose, from my early years in Liberia to my academic journey in Kentucky, and now in my work in Atlanta,” he explains. “Whether I’m at the piano, teaching children, directing choirs, performing, or supporting programs behind the scenes, the arts have always given me a way to connect, serve, and uplift others.”
This devotion to service and the arts brought him to Atlanta in April of 2021 for a church music position. In his time here, he has also managed grant-funded programs supported by partners including the Georgia Department of Human Services, the Federal Matching Grant Program, and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. “Much of my career has focused on serving underserved youth, refugees, immigrants, and low-income families in both Kentucky and Georgia, helping young people build brighter futures through education, creativity, and mentorship.”
In his position prior to joining The Art Center, Samson was in a nonprofit leadership role managing afterschool programs, overseeing grants, and helping build programs for student success. He has also founded his own small nonprofit in Atlanta that provides free music lessons to underserved youth on the weekends, and he continues to support a children’s music program he started in Liberia.
“Watching students with no prior musical experience develop confidence, discover instruments they loved, and understand the fundamentals of music theory was incredibly rewarding. Moments like those remind me why I do this work.”
Samson’s passion for nonprofit work fills much of his time, but he also finds space in his schedule for serving in church music ministry, directing choirs and supporting worship programs. To relax and unwind, Samson enjoys quiet time listening to music, connecting with friends, taking peaceful walks, or practicing Taekwondo. You’ll often find him at the piano, so you might get a chance to hear him play if you stop by!
Samson has already begun doing great things at The Art Center, most notably getting us a Platinum Transparency seal on Candid, a site where donors research nonprofits for funding. He has big hopes of applying his experience to help streamline operations, strengthen our programs, and expand our fundraising capacity through private foundations and corporate partners.
“I’m truly excited to be here, ready to meet more families, students, and partners, and to help move the mission of The Art Center forward,” Samson says. “I am grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received, and I’m honored to serve this community.”
