Former Journo to Head Leading Housing NFP

Housing Not for Profit Habitat for Humanity Australia has appointed former journalist and Not for Profit veteran Martin Thomas as its Chief Executive.

New Habitat for Humanity Australia CEO Martin Thomas.

Thomas will move to the role in mid-June from social welfare agency Mission Australia, where he is currently the General Manager of Sector Engagement.

Habitat for Humanity Australia Chair Chris Franks said the board was delighted to welcome Thomas to his new role.

“Martin brings impressive credentials in the area of housing centered aid and development in Australia and overseas as well as a strong communications and advocacy background to the role,” Franks said.

“This combination will ensure Habitat for Humanity Australia has the necessary leadership and strong skills to deliver safe, secure homes through our aid and development programs.”

Thomas has a Masters in International Relations and a degree in theology, but started his career as a journalist working with major metropolitan and national newspapers in Australia where he held roles such as business editor and chief of staff.  

His previous Not for Profit experience includes working with World Vision and UNICEF in Australia and overseas.

At World Vision, Thomas led the advocacy team that spearheaded the agency’s involvement in the Make Poverty History campaign.

“The need for affordable housing domestically, as well as the need for assistance in areas of disaster relief and international aid has never been stronger,” Thomas said.

“Even rich countries, like Australia, are confronting great challenges in tackling homelessness and housing affordability.

“The lack of decent, safe housing in other poorer parts of the world is a matter of life and death.

“Governments and communities must come together to find solutions and take action to provide those in desperate need with a roof over their head.

“Habitat for Humanity is a unique and exciting organisation doing incredible work in the area of housing, and I am looking forward to working with the team and building on its success, growing partnerships and volunteers so we can serve more families in need around Australia and the Asia Pacific."

Habitat for Humanity is a Not for Profit provider of housing for low income families in need and has built more than 600,000 houses and sheltered more than 3 million people in more than 3,500 communities worldwide.