Sam Johnson is a Civic Entrepreneur - a career focused on identifying and exploiting opportunities that create value for society and enhance common well-being.

Sam Johnson has a track record of bringing people together and making impactful contributions to society. He has founded and scaled a diverse range of charities, businesses, and ideas.

Johnson is the founder of the Student Volunteer Army (SVA), where he served as inaugural Chief Executive. During his tenure, he led the organization to significant growth and success, impacting the lives of thousands of people through volunteering programs and designing effective community responses to major crises and disasters in New Zealand and Australia. His efforts earned several awards for the organization.

Today, Sam Johnson serves as the Projects Director for STILL, a family office entrepreneurial venture focused on people, nature, arts, and culture. He holds a Chartered Member status with the Institute of Directors and was recognized as the 2023 Auckland Emerging Director of the year. Sam is an Adjunct Fellow in the School of Leadership and Education at the University of Canterbury and a sought-after speaker available through Celebrity Speakers (NZ) and Saxton Speakers (Australia).

He is committed to creating a better world and continues to inspire others with his innovative approach to solving societal challenges.

Governance

Current
SVA (Student Volunteer Army)
Westpac Bank Sustainability Panel
Choices NZ (IHC subsidiary)
Issac Theatre Royal Theatre Foundation

Previous
Ministry of Awesome Charitable Trust
International Association of Volunteer Effort, Washington DC
Prince’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand

Projects

Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum
Emerging Leaders Community

WeVisit Ltd
Start-up company successfully exited

Awards and media

Emerging Director Award, Institute of Directors, 2023
High Tech Award, Impact for Good, 2021 (SVA)
BLAKE Special Leadership Award 2012
Communicator of the Year 2011
Young New Zealander of the Year 2021