Meet Group Nine
Risk Consulting
Meet Group Nine Risk Consulting
What Sets
Us Apart
When we say that protecting others is more than a job, we mean it. Our team is driven by a strong sense of justice and a passionate desire to prevent future violence. We take a collaborative, team-based approach and truly believe that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.


What Sets
Us Apart
When we say that protecting others is more than a job, we mean it. Our team is driven by a strong sense of justice and a passionate desire to prevent future violence. We take a collaborative, team-based approach and truly believe that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Relentless
Pursuit
Group Nine Risk Consulting doesn’t believe in half-measures. We are driven to go above and beyond in everything we do. Our uncompromising integrity, consistent attention to every detail, and commitment to justice has made us a highly sought-after partner in the industry.
Our
VALUES

We approach our work with the highest level of ethics and integrity.

We do it with excellence or we don’t do it.

We accept responsibility for mistakes.

We dedicate ourselves to continuous learning and improvement.

We strive to remain humble and kind.
Giving Back
Group Nine Risk Consulting is proud to contribute to organizations that provide safer communities and prevent future violence.





Our Leadership

Charles Ahmad, CPP
Founding Partner
Charlie has 30 years of security experience from his time in the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Army and as the founding partner of Group Nine Risk Consulting.
Read Full Bio

Troy Newman, CPP
Managing Partner
A former US Army law enforcement officer with over 25 years of experience leading military, government, and interagency teams in domestic and international operations.
Read Full Bio

Mark Harless, MS, PSP
Partner
Mark, a seasoned FBI agent, brings a wealth of expertise in federal law enforcement and cybersecurity.Â
Read Full Bio

Josh Shelton, CPP, CTM
Partner
During his 20-year career, he has excelled as a criminal investigator, behavioral threat assessment professional, and physical security subject matter expert.
Read Full Bio
CHARLIE AHMAD, CPP
Founding Partner
Charlie has 30 years of security experience from his time in the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Army and as the founding partner of Group Nine Risk Consulting. Charlie’s career was spent in high-risk situations and austere environments all over the world. He served as a Behavioral Threat Assessment Program Manager for the USMS and has managed all aspects of security for several large U.S. government facilities. Charlie has been directly responsible for the investigation and management of threats to a U.S. Cabinet-Level official, U.S. Supreme Court Justices, U.S. District Court Judges, and numerous other federal judicial officials. Charlie is board certified in Security Management by ASIS International and is an active member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP).
TROY NEWMAN, CPP
Managing Partner
Troy is a former U.S. Army law enforcement officer with over 25 years of experience leading military, government, and interagency teams across domestic and international operations. He served as a subject matter expert on threat-based behavior and security risk management, advising U.S. Ambassadors and senior interagency leaders on complex security challenges. Troy specializes in crisis management and has delivered critical intelligence assessments and innovative solutions in politically sensitive environments worldwide. After his military service, he transitioned to civilian leadership, directing preparedness and resilience initiatives for a state emergency management agency. Troy is board certified in security management by ASIS International and maintains active membership in the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals. His career reflects a deep commitment to protecting people and proactively mitigating risk
Mark Harless, MS, PSP
Partner
Mark is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent with over 25 years of federal law enforcement experience. Throughout his career, he was responsible for investigations into violent crime, drug trafficking, white-collar crime, corruption, and counterterrorism, holding leadership roles directing complex interagency corporate criminal investigations. He also served as a member of the FBI’s Evidence Recovery Team. Before the FBI, he served as a Special Agent with the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, where he led investigations involving violent crime, sex crimes, fraud, and counterintelligence. Following his federal career, Mark directed security and threat intelligence efforts in both the hospitality and cybersecurity arenas. At Group Nine, he provides expert testimony in complex civil litigation involving security negligence and premises liability, conducts comprehensive security assessments, and develops strategies for physical security, asset protection, and risk mitigation. He holds a master’s degree in criminology from Florida State University and is board certified in physical security through ASIS International.
Josh Shelton, CPP, CTM
Partner
Josh is a seasoned professional with a rich history in law enforcement and corporate security. During his 20-year career, he has excelled as a criminal investigator, behavioral threat assessment professional, and physical security subject matter expert. Josh holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and is a board-certified Security Manager through ASIS International, board-certified Threat Manager through the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), and a board-certified fraud examiner. He is a sought-after public speaker on the topics of behavioral threat assessment and workplace violence prevention. Josh serves on the regional board at ATAP and chairs two Georgia Division of Family and Children Services Boards.
Our Experts

Amanda Bear, PSP, PCI
Senior Consultant
Read Full Bio

Paul Duffy, MS, MPA
Senior Consultant
Read Full Bio

Jennifer Hesterman, EdD
Senior Consultant
Read Full Bio

Jessica Higgins
Senior Consultant
Read Full Bio

Mike Reiner, CPP, SPIPC
Senior Consultant
Read Full Bio

Karli Deblois
Senior Analyst
Read Full Bio

Bridgid Chandler
Criminal Intelligence Analyst
Read Full Bio

Madison Riley
Read Full Bio

Austin Ahmad
Support StaffÂ
Read Full Bio
Amanda Bear, PSP, PCI
Senior Consultant
Amanda served as a law enforcement officer and firearms and defensive tactics instructor for over nine years before transitioning to the corporate security sector. Amanda specializes in high profile investigations involving public officials, celebrities, gang activity and white-collar crime. Her expertise includes insider threat investigations, the prevention of domestic and workplace violence, and technical investigations leveraging digital intelligence. As an investigator, she served with several specialized units including the ATF Gun Violence Task Force, Anti-Corruption, Special Victims, and Homicide Units. Amanda is board certified in investigations and physical security through ASIS International.
Paul Duffy, MS, MPA
Senior Consultant
Paul covered a variety of protective, investigative, and instructor assignments over a 27-year career with the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Retiring as a Senior Inspector, Paul participated in personal security and dignitary protection details for various federal judges and the Iranian Delegation to the United Nations. While assigned to the USMS Office of Professional Responsibility, he conducted complex administrative and criminal investigations, reviewed all use of force reports, and investigated multiple shootings involving USMS personnel. Paul served as an instructor and evaluator for the USMS Training Division at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. In this role, Paul instructed use of force and legal updates for all USMS personnel assigned to federal courthouses. He has testified as an expert in USMS involved shootings and holds master’s degrees in criminal justice and public administration.
JENNIFER HESTERMAN, EdD
Senior Consultant
Jenni is a retired Air Force colonel who served three Pentagon tours and in multiple command positions in the field. Her last assignment was Vice Commander at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, where she led installation security, including the protection of Air Force One. In addition to providing assessments for churches, schools, shopping venues, airports, stadiums and businesses, Jennifer designs and instructs graduate level security courses for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Department of Defense. She advises the Homeland Security Training Institute at the College of DuPage in Chicago, the Crisis Response Journal and three DHS Centers of Excellence. She holds a doctoral degree from Benedictine University, Master of Science degrees from Johns Hopkins University and Air University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University. Jennifer is the author of several security publications.
MIKE REINER, CPP, SPIPC
Partner
Mike is a senior executive with 25 years of visionary leadership in security, law enforcement, and installation support organizations within the U.S. Air Force, including nine years in command positions and deployments to Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After retiring as a colonel, he pivoted to the private sector, leading campus safety, security, and emergency management programs as the Assistant Vice President of Public Safety at Creighton University for eight years. Mike has extensive education, training, and practical experience with physical security, intelligence analysis, vulnerability and threat assessments, and emergency management. He holds graduate degrees in criminology and intelligence, is board certified in security management by ASIS International and the Department of Defense, and is a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar.
Jessica Higgins
Senior Consultant
Jessica is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience leading complex organizations, high-security operations, and large real estate portfolios and projects. She oversaw a 2+ million square foot portfolio of courthouses, offices, and secure sites—managing infrastructure and physical security, and partnering with federal law enforcement on threat assessments and emergency preparedness. She has served high-profile clients including U.S. District Court Judges, senior executives, and members of Congress. Known for her strong leadership and customer service, Jessica also led teams advancing high-performance operations across GSA’s 370 million square foot portfolio as Deputy Director of its Center for Emerging Building Technologies. She holds Federal Acquisition Certifications in Program/Project Management and as a Contracting Officer’s Representative and is a graduate of the Excellence in Government Fellows Program.
Karli Deblois
Senior Analyst
Karli is a former FBI Intelligence Analyst with over six years of specialized experience analyzing complex threat landscapes, including transnational organized crime, cybercrime, and international terrorism. During her tenure, she served in multiple collateral roles, notably supporting SWAT operations through the FBI’s Tactical Operations Center. Before joining the FBI, Karli gained valuable experience as an intern with the Department of State’s Office of Missile, Biological, and Chemical Nonproliferation, where she developed expertise in weapons of mass destruction threat assessment. Karli earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and maintains active membership in both the International Association of Crime Analysts and the Carolinas Crime Analysis Association.
Bridgid Chandler
Criminal Intelligence Analyst
Bridgid brings extensive experience spanning energy, technology, and security sectors, with a proven track record of facilitating collaboration between private industry and government agencies. She previously served as an intern with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, supporting the Counterproliferation and Child Exploitation units while gaining hands-on experience in research, investigations, and tactical training. Following her work at HSI, Bridgid transitioned to consulting, where she guided clients through complex private-public partnerships by conducting stakeholder analysis across local, state, and federal levels to achieve strategic cross-sector collaboration. Bridgid holds a master’s degree in security studies and a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science.
Madison Riely
Criminal Intelligence Analyst
AUSTIN AHMAD
Support Staff
FAA Certified Remote Pilot supporting security consulting operations through aerial imagery and data collection. Conversational Spanish skills. Committed to safety and justice.Â
INDUSTRY
AFFILIATIONS

ASIS International

Association of Threat Assessment Professionals

Atlanta Apartment Association

Cobb Chamber of Commerce

Infragard Partnership for Protection

National Association of Convenience Stores

National Apartment Association

National Institute of Crime Prevention

Overseas Security Advisory Council

The US CPTED Association

ASIS International

Association of Threat Assessment Professionals

Atlanta Apartment Association

Cobb Chamber of Commerce

Infragard Partnership for Protection

National Apartment Association

National Association of Convenience Stores

National Institute of Crime Prevention

Overseas Security Advisory Council

The US CPTED Association
Let’s Get
to Work
Security doesn't wait and neither should you. Talk to a Senior Consultant today to discuss your challenge.

Let’s Get
to Work
Security doesn't wait and neither should you. Talk to a Senior Consultant today to discuss your challenge.