The Fairfax Group
With over 30 years of global experience, the Fairfax Group solves sensitive and complex problems in security and crisis management. Today, our network of expert staff and consultants reaches organizations in over 90 countries worldwide.
Headed by industry expert Michael J. Hershman, The Fairfax Group sets itself apart with the sheer breadth of our international experience in the corporate, government, and NGO arenas.
Michael brings global experience to the table from dozens of industries and over 140 countries, creating one of the most expansive contact bases in the business. Where other agencies have to start from scratch, The Fairfax Group can get right to work — the foundation and the experience is already there.


What We Believe
Integrity and Accountability
The Fairfax Group stands on the core values of integrity and accountability — values that we think all businesses, governments and civil organizations should apply alongside boldness, innovation, and trust.
We believe in practicing what we preach and holding ourselves accountable. That’s why we support Transparency International and other key advocacy organizations that promote worldwide integrity and global professionalism.
Individualized Solutions for Complex Problems
Every organization comes with complicated problems that demand personalized solutions.
Our expert team works tirelessly to come up with a one-of-a-kind, effective answer to your security and risk problems. It starts with an independent perspective and comprehensive understanding of your organization’s vulnerabilities and risk-prone local environments.
Results Now and for the Long-Term
The Fairfax Group doesn’t stop when your crisis is under control — in today’s vulnerability-ridden business and government worlds, risk management is a task that never ends.
In addition to responding to acute security and intelligence crises, we’ll audit and finesse your existing risk protection systems, so you’re protected for the long term.

The Birth and History of the Fairfax Group
The Fairfax Group takes its name from Fairfax, Virginia: The birthplace where Michael J. Hershman, President and CEO, founded the company over 30 years ago.
From day one, Michael garnered the company a reputation as the go-to firm for sensitive and complex crisis and security management cases.
One of Michael’s first clients under the Fairfax Group was General Electric. This contract proved to be a valuable experience in trade secret protection that led to criminal convictions, a large civil settlement, and a cover story with The Wall Street Journal.
From there, it didn’t take long for Michael to grow the Fairfax Group from a staff of one to a team of dozens of upper-rank professionals from the government and business sectors.
Michael J. Hershman merged the company with Decision Strategies of New York City in 1997 and SPX in 2006. It operated under the name DSFX until 2006, when Michael independently re-established the group and its roots in Fairfax County, Virginia.
During his rich history running the Fairfax Group as President and CEO, and later as a chairman of DSFX, Michael has grown the organization into one of the top three firms in global risk management.
Today, Michael continues to lead the Fairfax Group in its ongoing pursuit of leadership in risk management around the world.
Historical Timeline

- 1960
Michael Hershman served as Special Agent specializing in counterterrorism with the United States Military Intelligence
Michael Hershman served as Special Agent specializing in counterterrorism with the United States Military Intelligence
March 10, 1960 - 1970
Michael Hershman joined Federal Election Commission and Subcommittee on International Organizations of the U.S. House of Representatives
Michael Hershman joined Federal Election Commission and Subcommittee on International Organizations of the U.S. House of Representatives
March 10, 1970 - 1980
Michael Hershman received the Superior Honor Medal
Michael Hershman received the Superior Honor Medal
March 10, 1980 - 1983
The Fairfax Group was founded
The Fairfax Group was founded
March 10, 1983 - 1993
Michael Hershman co-founded Transparency International
Michael Hershman co-founded Transparency International
March 10, 1993 - 1997
Merged with Decision Strategies
Merged with Decision Strategies
March 10, 1997 - 2006
Merged with SPX
Merged with SPX
March 10, 2006

Meet Our President & CEO, Michael J. Hershman
President and CEO of the Fairfax Group, Michael J. Hershman, is an internationally recognized expert in all matters of security, accountability, litigation, and governance.
In the late 1960s, Michael served as a Special Agent specializing in counterterrorism with the United States Military Intelligence department, during which time he received the U.S. Army Commendation Medal. His post-military time was spent investigating government misconduct and financial fraud for the New York State Special Corruption Prosecutors’ Office.
He also served as Senior Staff Investigator for the Senate Watergate Committee and as Chief Investigator for a joint Presidential and Congressional Commission.
In the years immediately before the Fairfax Group came into existence, Michael J. Hershman joined the Federal Election Commission, auditing and investigating candidates and their campaign committees. He also provided legislation and oversight relating to international banks and the United Nations on the Subcommittee on International Organizations of the U.S. House of Representatives.
He received a Superior Honor Medal for his service in the early 1980s leading investigations and audits on all foreign International Development missions.
Michael took his diverse experience in a new direction in 1983 when he founded the Fairfax Group. Right away, the Fairfax Group developed a reputation as a top choice for governments, corporations, and international institutions that needed complex problem-solving for governance and compliance challenges.
In 1993, Michael co-founded Transparency International, created the first American chapter of the organization, and began serving on the Board of Directors, where he still serves today.
Michael’s tireless work in social responsibility and accountability has included founding the International Corruption Academy and serving 14-plus years on the board of The Interpol Group of Experts on Corruption as Vice Chairman.

Request A Free Consultation
Put your organization’s security challenges in the right hands. Through CEO Michael J. Hershman, the Fairfax Group channels over 30 years of diverse security and intelligence experience into out-of-the-box strategies to manage risk and mitigate vulnerabilities. Reach out now for your free consultation.