Neil Markey

Neil Markey is a combat veteran with a distinguished military career as a Captain in the U.S. Army's Special Operations 2nd Ranger Battalion, undertaking three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His military experience profoundly shaped his subsequent life path, particularly in understanding and addressing trauma and mental health. beckleyretreats+2

After experiencing PTSD and depression post-military service, Neil Markey became a prominent advocate and practitioner of mindfulness and psychedelic-assisted therapies. He credits meditation and plant therapy with saving his life, leading him to pursue a teacher's certification in MBSR and co-found Beckley Retreats, a holistic wellbeing company merging science-backed psychedelics with contemplative practices. beckleyretreats+2

Neil Markey possesses a strong entrepreneurial and business development background, co-founding Beckley Retreats, Maryland Mindfulness, and ShieldCo. His experience also includes consulting at McKinsey & Company and serving as Chief Growth Officer for a $450M private equity portfolio company, demonstrating a blend of strategic leadership and practical business acumen. beckleyretreats+3

Neil Markey's academic pursuits reflect his interdisciplinary approach, holding an MBA and MIA from Columbia University and pursuing a Master's at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His educational journey, combined with his background in mathematics, highlights his dedication to integrating scientific understanding with holistic and spiritual practices. beckleyretreats+1

As a co-founder of ShieldCo, Neil Markey demonstrated a connection to craftsmanship and family heritage. The company, co-founded with his brother Luke and father Peter, creates custom 3D metal art, building upon a family tradition of artistic metalwork and reflecting an appreciation for quality and lasting creations. shieldcoart