Lawson commenced in the role of CEO of Somerville in November 2017 leading his team with strategic direction of the organisation. He was born and raised in the Northern Territory.

Lawson’s experience is in private enterprise, the not-for-profit sector and the public service. He has previously operated his own transport company specialising in the transportation of construction and demolition materials and general freight. This commercial experience was able to be applied to leading a social enterprise demonstration project in the Northern Territory with Mission Australia.

His most recent experience is as a senior ministerial advisor for the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and the Minister for Education; Housing; and Lands, Planning and the Environment followed by several years in senior executive positions with the Northern Territory Government. Currently he is on the Board of NT Shelter; a member of NTCOSS; and a member of the NDS NT State Committee.