Michael Varga

Michael immigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe and grew up in Los Angeles. He studied International Relations at the University of Southern California and conducted graduate study in National Security Studies at California State University San Bernardino. He speaks English, Spanish, and Hungarian.

Michael has spent the last 25 years studying violence. Early in his career, Michael joined the firm of Gavin de Becker, the internationally recognized expert in the prediction and prevention of violence. Michael worked as a threat management expert investigating hundreds of cases of stalking, workplace violence, interpersonal violence, school threats, and threats to multinational corporations.

Michael served in the United States Army as a Special Agent in Counterintelligence. He was deployed to the Balkans as part of an international task force focused on the capture of war crimes fugitives, the provision of force protection, and the disruption of extremist activity. Michael managed undercover intelligence operations and sensitive Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism investigations.

For the last 20 years, Michael has served in Law Enforcement in Southern California. He's investigated violent crimes associated with homicide, kidnapping, robbery, gangs, narcotics, and human trafficking. Today, Michael supervises a dedicated group of detectives focused on criminal intelligence, organized crime, extremist activity, and human trafficking. Michael is a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Leader and instructor on Active Shooter Response. Michael has extensive experience with the regulation, oversight, and security planning for high risk, police regulated business.

In 2006, pursuing his passion for wine, Michael planted a vineyard in the heart of Oregon’ wine country. Shortly thereafter, Michael established the Varga Vineyards and Winery. Today, Michael enjoys practicing the arts of winemaking and viticulture and produces his own line of premium and specialty Pinot Noir Wines.

When not engaged in law enforcement or otherwise occupied with the vineyard and winery, Michael dedicates his time to the Varga Foundation. Michael created the Varga Foundation to combat violence at the community level. His Foundation provides funding for violence prevention programs, victims' services, and support to first responders and military personnel. He routinely provides training and consultation on violence prevention strategies.