ERIC M. FAIR CISA, CDPSE, CBCLA

Eric is a Shareholder in the Risk Advisory Services practice at Schneider Downs. He joined Schneider Downs in 2011 and has more than 10 years of experience providing IT internal audit and risk advisory co-sourcing and outsourcing consulting services across various industries, including more than five years of experience leading, managing and mentoring a team of IT audit, security and risk professionals to successfully serve our clients. Eric is responsible for leading the engagement team to coordinate, conduct and review engagement deliverables, as well as ensuring effective communications to provide continued value to clients.

Eric brings significant experience in guiding clients and internal teams through efficient and successful IT audit projects, SOC 1 examinations, SOC 2 examinations, SOC 2 + examinations, as well as business continuity, business impact analysis, disaster recovery, crisis management and emergency preparedness, SOX, network security and cybersecurity frameworks (NIST 800-53 and 800-171), data privacy (GDPR, CCPA), IT general controls, risk assessments, FISMA, PCI-DSS, and vendor risk management.

Eric is one of only 83 active Certified Business Continuity Lead Auditors (CBCLA) globally, as recognized by DRI International. This designation encompasses the ability to audit, consult and assess business impact and continuity, disaster recovery, emergency preparedness, crisis response and overall organizational resiliency.

Prior to joining Schneider Downs, Eric served in system and network administrator roles, over a span of seven years, supporting, managing and leading IT initiatives to develop and support ongoing Casino operations.

Education

M.S.—Internet Information Systems, Robert Morris University
M.S.—Accounting, Liberty University
B.S.—Information Systems Management, Robert Morris University

Professional and Community Involvement

Board Member—Robert Morris University Accounting Advisory Board
Co-Chair—IAPP KnowledgeNet Pittsburgh Chapter (2021-2023)
Director of Career & Educational Outreach—ISACA Pittsburgh Chapter (2017-2020)
Member—The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Pittsburgh Chapter
Member— DRI International, Inc.
Member—FAIR Institute and local Pittsburgh Chapter
Member—Three Rivers Contingency Planning Association (TRCPA)
Member—InfraGard Pittsburgh Chapter

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Do you have a hobby/personal passion?   
My family

What was the best advice you’ve ever received?   
Never stop learning

What was your childhood dream?  
To be like Mike (Michael Jordan, that is)

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your college self? 
Foster new relationships and continuously build upon existing relationships

People would be surprised to know that I…  
Met “Dickie V” (Dick Vitale for those non- college basketball fans)

What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?    
I pivoted in my career after 7 years in the Casino industry as an IT Administrator

Do you have a “motto”? (spoken or unspoken)  
Get comfortable with the uncomfortable

When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?    
Unwind with a cigar, a book, music, or Netflix

Do you have advice for young professionals?  
Continuously challenge yourself and those around you

Our Thoughts On

FEATURED

Big Problem: A Limited Employee Benefit Plan.


Big Thinking: Increased Contributions And Employee Retention.

Shareholder JOE BRUCE has more than 21 years of public accounting experience since joining Schneider Downs in 1996. He has expertise with a variety of clients including construction, manufacturing, retail, oil and gas industries, and employee benefit plans.
One of Joe’s clients had a successful business and was interested in contributing more to their retirement accounts. However, the client was limited by the existing employee benefit plan structure and IRS contribution limitations on their existing structure. Joe’s team was familiar with the structure of their existing plan and offered to do an analysis of their options. “The Schneider Downs Retirement Plan Solutions Group suggested a cash balance plan and provided an analysis to the business owners which quantified the impact and provided options to allow the client to evaluate the direction they were most comfortable moving forward with.” Bruce said. “The client elected to adopt the cash balance plan and was able to significantly increase contributions into the owners’ retirement accounts. This also enhanced the quality of the retirement benefits for their employees, which in turn helped improve employee retention.” Schneider Downs provides Big Thinking and Personal Focus in delivering a variety of services for large and small businesses, both publicly and privately held, as well as nonprofit organizations, government entities and more. Through our commitment to thought leadership and knowledge management, we deliver the solutions our clients need with a personal commitment to service.

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