Co-CEO Sam Butters to step down after 9 years at the Fair Education Alliance

Sam Butters has announced she will step down as Co-CEO of the Fair Education Alliance at the end of April 2026. Gina Cicerone, Co-CEO with Sam since 2019, will continue to lead the Fair Education Alliance as CEO. 

Sam has been instrumental in establishing the Fair Education Alliance, shaping its mission, values, and approach, and building a cross-sector coalition of 300 organisations dedicated to tackling educational inequity.  

 Vanessa Ogden, Chair of Trustees, said:  

“Sam has been critical to the Fair Education Alliance over the last 9 years. As Co-CEO, she has played a major role in building FEA into a respected and influential organisation, transforming outcomes for children and young people. Sam and Gina have demonstrated how effective a Co-CEO leadership model can be, and the Fair Education Alliance is what it is today thanks to their inspirational co-leadership. 

Sam leaves a strong legacy, and on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank her for everything she has given to the Fair Education Alliance and wish her every success in her next chapter.” 

Sam Butters said: 

“I couldn’t be prouder of what the FEA has become. What I’m leaving isn’t an organisation or a title – it’s people. The FEA is a movement with a shared vision and ethos: our incredible team, members, funders, Youth Steering Group, trustees, and many others all work together to make the system fairer for all children and young people. 

I’m so thankful for the serendipity that brought Gina Cicerone and me together to co-lead the FEA. Gina is a true wonder: talented, relentlessly energetic and ambitious, and an utter joy to spend time with. Our Neighbourhood to National strategy sets the direction for the next five years, and I feel incredibly confident leaving the FEA in Gina’s hands, alongside our brilliant SLT and stellar team.” 

Sam and Gina speaking at the Fair Education Summit 2025