Leadership TEAM
Our leadership team has significant experience in community based protection and settlement across the Asia Pacific. We are committed to measuring our impact and supporting innovative practice.
David Keegan
Founder and CEO
David Keegan is the co-founder and group CEO of HOST International, established in 2016. He has held Senior Executive Management roles in the refugee and settlement sector where he was responsible for group budgets in excess of AUD$50million. Prior to that he was a tertiary educator and vocational trainer and spent nearly a decade working as a qualified social worker supporting people to find hope in dark times and break cycles of disadvantage.
David has a passion for doing things differently and supporting others to bring their ideas to life. He brings this passion to the work of HOST and is committed to working to create better lives for people on the move and the communities that host them.
MITRA KhAKBAZ
Deputy CEO
Mitra Khakbaz has 20+ years’ experience working in the refugee settlement and diversity sector and 25 years involved in broader human services and academic work. Mitra currently leads HOST’s service delivery programs across Asia Pacific including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. Her track record includes developing and leading projects across regional humanitarian settlement, employment, community wellbeing, youth settlement, case work and intensive support services.
Mitra was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to review best practices regarding employment pathways and livelihoods to access economic independence, particularly refugee women at risk, children and families. Other experience includes: Board Director of domestic violence services and management committee member of the Immigrant Women’s Support Service; Board member National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
Ted Thomson
Chief Operating Officer
As co-founder of HOST International, Ted was Country Manager of Nauru and then appointed chief operating officer in April 2018. His area of expertise is in non-profit management, case management and client services, strategic planning, and leadership.
Ted’s background includes housing and homelessness, child protection and out of home care, youth sector work, refugee settlement, international capacity development and humanitarian work. Prior to working at HOST, Ted has held management positions with Connect Settlement Services, Australian Red Cross, and Settlement Services International. Ted has an Associate Diploma in social sciences from TAFE NSW.
Cathy Lawson
Australian National Manager
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JOSHUA Ericsson
MALAYSIAN National Manager
As co-founder of HOST International, Ted was Country Manager of Nauru and then appointed chief operating officer in April 2018. His area of expertise is in non-profit management, case management and client services, strategic planning, and leadership.
Ted’s background includes housing and homelessness, child protection and out of home care, youth sector work, refugee settlement, international capacity development and humanitarian work. Prior to working at HOST, Ted has held management positions with Connect Settlement Services, Australian Red Cross, and Settlement Services International. Ted has an Associate Diploma in social sciences from TAFE NSW.
Joshua Ericsson
Malaysian National Manager
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