Origin Energy has announced the appointment of Samantha Sayers to the role of Head of the Origin Energy Foundation. 

The appointment will see Sayers continue the Foundation’s work focussed on supporting young Australians and helping to break the cycle of disadvantage through education.                                                         

Steve Sargent, Chair of the Origin Energy Foundation said, “We are so pleased to welcome Samantha to Origin in a role that will see her lead the important work of the Foundation in education – at such a critically important time. 

“As we embark on 2022, we are cognisant of how the events of the past couple of years have exacerbated certain education issues. The Foundation’s work in education has never been more important.  

“With her strong background in the not-for-profit sector and commercial business management capabilities from senior roles in multinational FMCG organisations, Samantha has the ideal mix of skills to lead the Origin Energy Foundation through its second decade and help drive real change and improvements in education for young Australians. 

“We look forward to welcoming Samantha to Origin and the Origin Energy Foundation when she commences in April,” Sargent said.  

Samantha Sayers joins the Origin Energy Foundation from the Australian Scholarships Foundation (ASF) where she served as Chief Executive Officer from 2017. The ASF is an independent intermediary organisation, established in 2010 to help facilitate and increase investment in not-for-profit sector capability development and is a partner of the Origin Energy Foundation.  

Prior to her role with ASF, Sayers was the NSW Director of the Ten20 Foundation, which provides funding, capacity and strategic support to communities seeking to tackle entrenched disadvantages. 

Sam has previously held non-executive director roles with not-for-profit organisations, serving on the YWCA Sydney Board, and as Chair of its Marketing Committee. She also served as a board member of Kids First Australia, previously Children’s Protection Society (VIC). 

Samantha Sayers replaces Sean Barrett who led the Foundation since its inception in 2010 and resigned at the end of 2021 to return to full-time study.  

Origin’s philanthropic foundation supports programs that use education as a pathway to a brighter future.