Baptist Care Australia reveals its new CEO

Baptist Care Australia revealed its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on Thursday, announcing Dr Robyn Sampson has been promoted to the role after spending the last six months as their Acting Executive Director/CEO.

Dr Sampson joined Baptist Care Australia in October 2021 as Policy and Advocacy Advisor, with her previous advocacy work at the International Detention Coalition and as a private consultant to the United Nations held in high regard. She holds a PhD in Politics from La Trobe University and is an internationally recognised expert on alternatives to immigration detention.

Key points

• Dr Sampson earned her PhD in Politics at La Trobe University before moving to Swinburne University of Technology where she spent five years as a Research Fellow/Adjunct Research Fellow
• She transitioned from academia to the advocacy and social justice sector, initially working as the Senior Advisor and Research Coordinator for the International Detention Coalition before founding her consulting service in 2019
• Past advocacy and consulting work has returned positive results and key commitments by UN Member States in the Global Compact for Migration, an international agreement common approach to international migration

Her leadership experience runs deep as she has served as Acting CEO following Nicole Hornsby’s departure in August 2023, while she has held leadership roles within the National Aged Care Alliance, the Everybody’s Home campaign, and the Stronger Charities Alliance.

As the national peak body for Baptist community service organisations, Baptist Care Australia supports over 55,000 Australians, including aged care recipients, children and young people, plus those seeking support for housing and homelessness or domestic and family violence.

Dr Sampson said she looks forward to achieving positive outcomes for Australians in need. 

“I am genuinely honoured to be taking on the role of CEO of the Baptist Care Australia network. I am deeply committed to the values of equality and respect which drive Baptist community organisations to respond to disadvantage and suffering,” said Dr Sampson.

“My primary goal will be to cultivate collaboration at every opportunity to achieve greater outcomes for everyday Australians in need.”

Meanwhile, Charles Moore, Chair of the Baptist Care Australia Board, officially welcomed Dr Sampson to the permanent role of CEO. 

“Her passion and commitment to others, combined with her extensive track record of advocacy impact, means she is well-placed to represent and support our members’ social services,” he said.

“I have no doubt Robyn will be a strong advocate for people who are vulnerable and living on the margins, as well as a valued thought leader for Baptist social services across Australia. We are excited about the contributions she will make through this vital role.”