Sam was born in Bristol, England and spent his early youth in Kenya, East Africa. His interest in aviation developed early and from 1973 – 1980 Sam was involved with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, where he achieved his private pilot’s license at the age of 17.

In 1984 Sam graduated from Wilfred Laurier University, and went to work with the Department of External Affairs. His duties involved planning, organizing and coordinating Canada’s major Summits including The Francophone, Expo 86, Commonwealth Heads of Government and the Economic G-7 Summits.

In 1988 he commenced his airport career at Vancouver International Airport where he held several positions, including Airport Duty Manager and Superintendent of Ground Transportation. In 1992 he assumed the position of Superintendent Airport Operations at Kelowna International Airport and has since held numerous positions, including Assistant General Manager for both Airport Operations and Airport Development, while achieving his 1997 International Accredited Airport Executive designation.

In 2008, Sam was appointed the Airport General Manager for the Kelowna International Airport – one of the top eleven airports in Canada serving over 1.6 million passengers annually. As Airport Director, Sam is a board member on the Tourism Kelowna Board, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission and Airports Council International, and Vice Chair of the Canadian Airports Council.