Jack Growden - Founder & CEO
Jack Growden is the 26-year-old Founder & CEO of LiteHaus International passionate about conquering inequality and making access to digital technology equitable around the world. Jack began the LiteHaus journey by donating his personal laptop to the remote Kuta Primary School in Papua New Guinea and promising to return to establish a ground-breaking computer lab. Having now provided more than 150,000 students in Papua New Guinea, regional Australia and beyond with digital learning tools and opportunities, Jack has delivered on his promise with his sights now set on impacting one million people by 2030. Energetic, astute and ambitious, Jack has been the barometer and chief architect of the extraordinary growth of LiteHaus from his parents’ garage to the world since that first day in 2017. Dubbed 'Kopi Jack' by LiteHaus’ host community in PNG, and having travelled to the remotest parts of Australia to deliver impact, Jack is equally comfortable in the board room, the shed or out in the field.
An award-winning emerging philanthropist, Jack has been recognised as one of the top 20 social innovators under 35 in the Asia-Pacific region by the Australia ASEAN Business Council. Globally, he has been selected as a 2022 One Young World Lead 2030 Challenge Winner for SDG 4, and has presented at conferences in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and online to audiences from close to 100 countries. Closer to home, he was named as a Finalist in the 2022 Queensland Young Australian of the Year award and was recognised as the Queensland Emerging Philanthropist of the Year and an AMP Tomorrow Maker in 2020. That same year, he was also named by the Courier-Mail as one of the Top 10 Inspiring Queenslanders of the Year, having empowered hundreds of disadvantaged students to continue learning during COVID-19 school closures. The youngest person to be recognised as an Outstanding Alumnus by James Cook University, among more than 85,000 graduates, Jack also interned with the United Nations in Delhi and serves as a Program Advisor and Presenter at Humanitarian Affairs Asia.
Jack believes a successful life is one spent being generous, empowering others and creating impact.
Dr Nathan Groenhout (Chairman)
Dr Nathan Groenhout (Chairman)
Dr Nathan Groenhout (Chairman)
Nathan is the Co-Founder & CEO of Global iQ Group, a management consultancy specialising in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration sector, having served as the National President of the industry peak body for three years. Holding a PhD and MBA from UNSW which included study abroad at University of Chicago, Nathan has twenty-five years of professional experience including a decade in leadership roles at AECOM, one of the world's premier infrastructure firms. Nathan brings a proven track record of stewarding sustainable business growth and building high performing teams.
Louise Vella Cox
Dr Nathan Groenhout (Chairman)
Dr Nathan Groenhout (Chairman)
Louise is Director of Catholic Identity and Indigenous Education at Townsville Catholic Education, bringing thirty years of experience in the North Queensland education system, including stints as Principal, to our board. Her professional role sees her responsible for strategy, policy and curriculum development as well as ensuring that cultural aspects are embedded in the educational journey offered to Indigenous students. Proactive and well connected, Louise holds Masters degrees in theology and education and a genuine passion for education provision in rural and remote regions close to her heart.
Levana Vaname (Secretary)
Dr Nathan Groenhout (Chairman)
Levana Vaname (Secretary)
Levana (or Rachael) is a proud Papua New Guinean woman from Central Province, who has added immense value to the LiteHaus journey since joining in 2020. Finishing her final year of Bachelor of Laws - Bachelor of Arts, majoring at Politics & International Relations at James Cook University, Levana brings a diligent attention to process and manages the Administration & Marketing Division. Passionate about motivating positive change both in Australia and at home in Papua New Guinea, Rachael has volunteered with a number of legal aid services, focusing in particular on domestic violence.
Luke Wakeham
Luke Wakeham
Levana Vaname (Secretary)
Luke is an original board member and currently serves as our Director of Fundraising & Engagement in an operational capacity. Since 2017, Luke has been a cornerstone of the start up journey, managing the completion of three computer labs in Papua New Guinea. In his present role, he develops and oversees volunteer fundraising and engagement strategies across Queensland and Victoria, as well as stewarding annual givers. Luke is immensely passionate about rural, regional and remote Australia, and is very popular with our Western Highlands friends. Emerging in his career, he is part of the bedrock of LiteHaus.
Ashley Finn
Luke Wakeham
Ashley Finn
Ashley is the Managing Director of Pacific Islands International, a leader of the building materials export sector in the South Pacific region. Shipping over 12,000 metric tons per annum to over 700 active customers across 27 Pacific nations, Ashley brings an intimate understanding of the sphere we operate in. His passion for Papua New Guinea, in particular, is highlighted by his position as Chair of Townsville Enterprise's PNG Economic Working Group. A graduate of Townsville Enterprise's Emerging Leaders Program, Ashley strengthens the board's business acumen with his track record of operating in our space.
Kim Skubris
Luke Wakeham
Ashley Finn
Kim is passionate about storytelling and has enjoyed a remarkable career thus far doing just that. Having clocked up more than 30 years as a network correspondent for 7News, she’s covered some of Australia’s biggest stories and travelled worldwide to report from war zones and natural disasters. More recently, she has successfully balanced running her own communications consulting business with emcee and keynote speaking engagements as well as her Ambassadorial roles with Daniel Morcombe Foundation and Act for Kids. Bringing a wealth of experience, energy and a desire to make an impact, Kim’s appointment will advance our mission to bridge the digital divide.
