Meet the Team

About Us

Our team is committed to helping our clients mitigate risk and build their resilience in a fluid, dynamic, and rapidly evolving environment.

CHARLIE AHMAD, CPP

Founding Partner

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).

Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY
Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY

CHARLIE AHMAD, CPP

Founding Partner

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

Senior 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. Troy advised U.S. Ambassadors and senior interagency leaders as a subject matter expert on threat-based behavior and security risk management. He specializes in crisis management and has extensive expertise delivering intelligence assessments and creative solutions in politically sensitive and complex security environments. Following his military service, Troy led a team to deliver preparedness and resilience activities for a state emergency management agency. He is a board certified in security management by ASIS International and is an active member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals. Troy is passionate about protecting people and mitigating risk.

TROY NEWMAN, CPP

Managing Partner

Senior 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. Troy advised U.S. Ambassadors and senior interagency leaders as a subject matter expert on threat-based behavior and security risk management. He specializes in crisis management and has extensive expertise delivering intelligence assessments and creative solutions in politically sensitive and complex security environments. Following his military service, Troy led a team to deliver preparedness and resilience activities for a state emergency management agency. He is a board certified in security management by ASIS International and is an active member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals. Troy is passionate about protecting people and mitigating risk.

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.

Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY
Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY

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.

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.

Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY
Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY

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.

STEPHANIE BRAMEL, MEng, PSP

Senior Consultant

Stephanie Bramel is a seasoned professional with over 12 years of expertise in physical security and intelligence operations, primarily derived from her notable service within the United States Navy. Demonstrating adaptability in fast-paced and dynamic environments, she was pivotal in protecting assets and personnel through risk management, strategic planning, cyber warfare, and network security. With her extensive experience from hands-on tactical units to high-ranking strategic roles, Stephanie’s leadership and capabilities have consistently been recognized and sought after in military and consultancy roles. She holds a Master of Engineering degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy, and is board certified in physical security through ASIS International.

Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY
Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY

STEPHANIE BRAMEL, MEng, PSP

Senior Consultant

Stephanie Bramel is a seasoned professional with over 12 years of expertise in physical security and intelligence operations, primarily derived from her notable service within the United States Navy. Demonstrating adaptability in fast-paced and dynamic environments, she was pivotal in protecting assets and personnel through risk management, strategic planning, cyber warfare, and network security. With her extensive experience from hands-on tactical units to high-ranking strategic roles, Stephanie’s leadership and capabilities have consistently been recognized and sought after in military and consultancy roles. She holds a Master of Engineering degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy, and is board certified in physical security through ASIS International.

Mark Harless, MS

Senior Consultant

Mark, a seasoned FBI agent, brings a wealth of expertise in federal law enforcement and cybersecurity. Specializing in diverse areas such as white-collar crime and public corruption, he held strategic roles at the FBI and in the private sector. With extensive experience in cybersecurity and risk management, Mark contributes to Group Nine by conducting security assessments, providing expert testimony, and collaborating on effective risk mitigation strategies. His impressive background includes serving as the Cyber Threat Intelligence lead at a global hospitality corporation, leading the development of a comprehensive threat intelligence program. Mark’s distinctive blend of federal and corporate experience positions him as a valuable asset in the creation of corporate security strategies. Mark holds a master’s degree in criminology from Florida State University.

Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY
Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY

Mark Harless, MS

Senior Consultant

Mark, a seasoned FBI agent, brings a wealth of expertise in federal law enforcement and cybersecurity. Specializing in diverse areas such as white-collar crime and public corruption, he held strategic roles at the FBI and in the private sector. With extensive experience in cybersecurity and risk management, Mark contributes to Group Nine by conducting security assessments, providing expert testimony, and collaborating on effective risk mitigation strategies. His impressive background includes serving as the Cyber Threat Intelligence lead at a global hospitality corporation, leading the development of a comprehensive threat intelligence program. Mark’s distinctive blend of federal and corporate experience positions him as a valuable asset in the creation of corporate security strategies. Mark holds a master’s degree in criminology from Florida State University.

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.

Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY
Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY

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.

Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY
Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY

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

Senior Consultant

Michael D. Reiner is a senior executive with 25 years of visionary leadership and management in security, law enforcement, and installation support organizations within the United States Air Force, including nine years in command positions and deployments to Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He successfully transitioned to the private sector, leading, and enhancing campus safety and programs for a university for the last seven years. Mike has extensive education, training, and practical experience with physical security, intelligence analysis, vulnerability and threat assessments, counterterrorism, 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.

Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY
Group Nine | SECURITY RISK CONSULTANCY

MIKE REINER, CPP, SPIPC

Senior Consultant

Michael D. Reiner is a senior executive with 25 years of visionary leadership and management in security, law enforcement, and installation support organizations within the United States Air Force, including nine years in command positions and deployments to Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He successfully transitioned to the private sector, leading, and enhancing campus safety and programs for a university for the last seven years. Mike has extensive education, training, and practical experience with physical security, intelligence analysis, vulnerability and threat assessments, counterterrorism, 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.

Relentless Pursuit

Our team believe in the relentless pursuit of excellence in every aspect of their work. We understand that being results-driven means that an organization strives to make things happen swiftly and as pain free as possible. By being results-driven, our team assist clients in defining their goals and achieving results that set them apart from the competition.

Relentless Pursuit

Our team believe in the relentless pursuit of excellence in every aspect of their work. We understand that being results-driven means that an organization strives to make things happen swiftly and as pain free as possible. By being results-driven, our team assist clients in defining their goals and achieving results that set them apart from the competition.

Our Values

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

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We dedicate ourselves to continue learning and improving.

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We accept responsibility for mistakes.

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We strive to remain humble and kind.

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