Staff
Dr Robyn Sampson
CEO
Dr Robyn Sampson, CEO of Baptist Care Australia since January 2024, has a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to building societies that value all of its members equally. Before stepping into the CEO role, Dr Sampson was our Policy and Advocacy Advisor for two years.
Today, she leads Baptist Care Australia with a vision rooted in her extensive experience and profound commitment to the inherent dignity and equality of all people. Growing up in a multicultural Baptist church, Dr Sampson's passion for social justice led her to focus on issues faced by those forced to migrate due to war and violent conflict.
Dr Sampson's impact extends beyond borders, making her a valuable leader in our mission to build stronger and more equitable communities. For nearly a decade, Dr Sampson conducted research as an academic, collaborating with community organisations on the health and wellbeing of refugees and migrants in Australia. Her academic journey culminated in a PhD in Politics, where she developed a keen interest in how expert knowledge shapes policy-making processes.
Eager to apply her knowledge in the real world, Dr Sampson transitioned from academia to full-time advocacy. She joined the secretariat of an international NGO network dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of migrants. Her contributions resulted in positive policy changes in over 40 countries and key commitments by UN Member States as part of the Global Compact on Migration.
Before joining Baptist Care Australia, Robyn spent two years as a private consultant, providing research services, program planning, and strategy advice to UN agencies and international humanitarian organisations. Despite her global endeavours, Robyn remains an active member of her local Baptist congregation in Melbourne.
Nicole Pilkington
Communications Advisor
Passionate about social justice and equity, Nicole brings to Baptist Care Australia an extensive background in marketing and communications across the corporate, start-up and not-for-profit sectors. Having previously worked with peak body Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) throughout the Aged Care Royal Commission and Covid pandemic, Nicole has a strong understanding of the aged care and community support sectors, and has extensive experience in developing powerful communications campaigns to prompt positive political and social change.
A fierce advocate for the marginalised, Nicole is aligned with Baptist Care Australia's mission to bring equality and opportunity to Australian communities, and with our vision of hope-filled, purposeful people, building communities where every voice is heard. Her expertise in integrated communications strategy and love of storytelling will see Nicole working closely with our members, to deliver Baptist Care Australia's advocacy with impact through dynamic narratives that educate, engage and inspire.
Sharon Neal
Executive Assistant
With extensive experience providing Executive and Board support in both the Not for Profit and Corporate sectors, Sharon comes to Baptist Care Australia as a highly skilled and professional Executive Assistant who is people focused and solutions driven. Sharon brings her passion for organisation and efficiency to Baptist Care Australia and is committed to enhancing productivity and improving business operations while at the same time knowing that she is contributing to the organisation’s vision of building communities where every voice is heard.
Sharon’s role affords her the opportunity to interact with member organisations across the country, including coordinating the activities of the BCA Board, as well as a managing relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. She loves to work collaboratively on projects with the BCA Team while utilising her strategic planning and relationship building skills to help deliver on our goals.
Board
The Directors of Baptist Care Australia Limited are the Chief Executive Officers of the state Baptist community service agencies.
Charles Moore, Chair
CEO, BaptistCare NSW/ACT & WA
Shane Austin, Deputy Chair
CEO, Baptist Care SA
Geraldine Lannon
CEO, Baptcare
David Angell
Interim CEO, Carinity