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Michael J. Hershman, an internationally recognized expert on transparency, accountability, governance, litigation and security issues, has been elected Chair of Marymount University’s Board of Trustees.
Hershman brings decades of global leadership experience to the role. His career began in military intelligence and government service, including as an investigator for the Senate Watergate Committee during the Watergate scandal. He also served as Deputy Staff Director of the Subcommittee on International Organizations of the Committee on International Relations.
In 1983, he founded The Fairfax Group, an international firm specializing in anti-corruption investigations and corporate compliance, and went on to co-found Transparency International, the world’s largest not-for-profit coalition promoting transparency and accountability in business and government.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Hershman has advised corporations, governments and civil society organizations worldwide through leadership roles across multiple sectors. This includes serving as CEO of the International Centre for Sport Security and, more recently, as CEO of the Soloviev Group, a New York-based real estate development company. He has also served on FIFA’s independent governance committee and currently sits on the boards of the Center for International Private Enterprise, the Coalition for Integrity and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Hershman has been a member of Marymount University’s Board of Trustees since 2017, most recently chairing the Finance Committee and serving on the Executive and Governance Committee and Audit Committee. He has also chaired the Fairfax County Police Practices Review Commission, was President of the Fairfax County Victims Assistance Network, served on the Fairfax County Audit Oversight Committee and was given the honorary title of Lord Fairfax by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
“Michael’s extraordinary career has been marked by leadership, integrity and global recognition,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “In his new and important role as Chair of Marymount’s Board of Trustees, I look forward to working closely with Michael and the rest of the Board as we continue to advance Marymount together.”
In accepting the position, Hershman emphasized Marymount’s distinct role in higher education and how it inspired him to give back.
“Marymount is not just about academics—it’s about teaching values, ethics and civility,” Hershman said. “Students and families choose Marymount because they trust us. Parents entrust us with their children, and students trust us to provide an environment that supports their growth, education and character. As Board Chair, my priority will be to ensure we maintain that trust while continuing Marymount’s rise in recognition and impact.”
Hershman also noted a few of the University’s recent achievements, including its designation as Virginia’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, its growing national reputation for research and its welcoming, inclusive community.
“Marymount has accomplished so much in recent years, and I want to continue that momentum,” Hershman added. “Our focus will always remain on our students, ensuring they leave Marymount prepared not only for successful careers but also to contribute positively to society.”
Hershman earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the City University of New York.