METRO ASSIST - Key Persons
Akash is a risk professional with almost 20 years of banking experience in financial services organisations. He has broad experience in risk and governance, particularly across personal and business lending. Akash holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Actuarial Studies and Finance) and is qualified as an Associate of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and Senior Associate of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA). He has experience leading Diversity & Inclusion groups both in the workplace and in his local community.
Catherine is a highly effective global principal with deep experience across financial service, management consulting, maritime and manufacturing industries. She has held senior leadership roles in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, driving change and building high-performing teams.
Catherine holds a Master of Commerce degree from the University of Queensland and is a fellow of CPA Australia.
Job Titles:
- Board Director
- Director
- Principal Solicitor at the National Justice Project
Emma is a Principal Solicitor at the National Justice Project, a not-for-profit, human rights law firm that uses strategic litigation to drive systemic change and advocate for reform to eradicate discrimination. She has extensive experience including 13 years working with vulnerable individuals and minority groups, providing trauma-informed care through casework and client advocacy. Emma's executive experience includes overseeing operations, financial and strategic goals, and people management. She has been on the Board of Directors for a not-for-profit organisation as a volunteer Director for 12 years and as secretary for the past 5 years. Emma was a Not-For-Profit Lawyer of the Year Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards 2021 & 2022. She holds a Double Degree of Bachelor of Laws with Honours with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology).
Job Titles:
- Board Director
- Director
- Senior Executive
Kristine is a dynamic senior executive within the community services sector and is driven by her commitment to social justice and human rights. She is currently the Head of Service Delivery at Blue Knot Foundation. Kristine has a diverse background within not-for-profit and has held leadership roles across risk and governance, strategy, social impact, and organisational development, with a particular expertise in quality service delivery to vulnerable communities. Kristine holds a Bachelor of Social Welfare and a Diploma in Community Services. She is experienced in leading initiatives across a wide range of areas such as disability, mental health, people seeking asylum, employment, housing, and homelessness. Kristine is passionate about building inclusive communities and elevating the voices of people with lived experience.
Job Titles:
- Human Resource Manager
- Member of the Management Team
Michelle joined Metro Assist in July 2016 with a genuine desire to contribute to the remarkable work undertaken in the "for purpose" sector. With over 15 years of human resource generalist experience, Michelle has worked in both the corporate and private sectors. Michelle manages all facets of the human resources function including talent acquisition, workforce planning, industrial relations, employee engagement, compliance, and change management. Michelle is passionate about ensuring Metro Assist is the best workplace possible and supporting staff to reach their full potential and bring their best to their roles.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Family and Financial Inclusion Services Manager
Michelle Lazaris has over 15 years of experience working in the child, family, and social sectors. Michelle has worked with Metro Assist since 2007. She was appointed Family Services Manager in 2016 and, in 2021, her role expanded to include Family and Financial Inclusion Services. Michelle's passion and expertise are in working to support culturally and linguistically diverse communities. She is an experienced manager with a strong focus on advocacy, continuous improvement and stakeholder and project management. Michelle has a successful track record in bringing together operations and people.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Settlement and Employment Manager
Mohan's passion for working within the community sector to make a difference in the lives of those who seek support has seen Mohan him serve in key leadership roles within Not-for-profit organisations for 25 years. With a Bachelor of Commerce, he has extensive experience in community, children, and migrant settlement services including serving as Director of Services at the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre, and as Executive Manager at Illawarra Multicultural Service before starting with Metro Assist. His leadership, program management, budget development, and strategic planning expertise have been instrumental in driving positive change while supporting the needs of refugees, migrants, and the multicultural community.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Management Team
Nina has over two decades of experience working in senior leadership roles in NFP organisations providing human services and social enterprises in Australia and overseas and holds an MBA as well as a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Sydney. She is a purpose-driven leader and her passion lies in social justice; empowerment of migrants and refugees; ethical management and governance; diversity and inclusion; and climate change and sustainability. Nina is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a board director of the Aboriginal Women and Children's Crisis Service.
Job Titles:
- Board Director
- Director and Chair )
Richard has extensive experience in the private sector in the service and consumer goods industries. He has held several roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer in diverse organisations with operations spanning multiple countries and with annual turnovers of $200m+. With Richard's broad background he brings his finance, commercial and general management skills into the organisation. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and is a qualified CPA and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors ( GAICD).
Susan is a seasoned executive with extensive experience spanning accounting, financial services, learning and development, and education and training industries, with particular depth in technology-led businesses. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and has since held a variety of senior roles at some of Australia's premier financial institutions, universities, vocational and professional education providers, and government agencies. Susan is a graduate of the AICD, a member of the FPA (AFP®) and a former member of CPA Australia. Susan holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Master of Financial Planning and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She also serves on the board of a paediatric emergency training and education organisation that seeks to achieve the best outcomes for ill and injured children.
Job Titles:
- Board Director
- Director
- Chief Operating Officer at Economic Justice Australia
Tori is Chief Operating Officer at Economic Justice Australia. She has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, particularly as a lawyer, and overseeing the design and delivery of legal services to people experiencing disadvantage. She has also held leadership roles with responsibility for financial oversight, strategy, and people development and management. Tori holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws (Human Rights and Social Justice), and a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact. She has a deep passion for social justice and has worked in the social justice sector for over 15 years.