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Booz Allen policy director pushes the limits as powerlifter, racecar driver

Neely Silbey first joined Booz Allen in 2005 after serving in the Navy. “The firm has a great reputation and is known to be a great employer for veterans,” she said.  

Silbey was supporting Booz Allen’s work for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) when a dream opportunity presented itself on Capitol Hill. Her work over several years—first as a legislative assistant for a U.S. representative, then for a senator—led to a key advisory role on Congressional outreach for personnel and medical issues with the U.S. Army, then lobbying.

In 2021, Silbey saw a job posting for policy director with Booz Allen—and knew it was exactly what she was looking for. “I was excited to come back to a company that invests so much in its people,” she said.

Throughout her career, Silbey has learned to try new things, pushing the limits to see where the experiences take her. Outside of work, the same approach applies. From powerlifting to racecar driving, Silbey has embraced new experiences that enrich both her personal and professional life. 

Empowered by Powerlifting

Silbey has been a competitive powerlifter for roughly 3 years, moving 700+ pounds across three lifts, and participating in the America’s Strongest Veteran meet this summer.

She describes Strongman competitions like America’s Strongest Veteran as “if Powerman and Crossfit had a really angry baby.” When she saw a post on Instagram about the weightlifting competition, she thought, “I want to try that.”

Powerlifting is very regimented, with three attempts at three different lifts—“you know what to expect,” Silbey explained. But Strongman competitions, and the variety of challenges involved, make it tricky to train for them. Participants may not know all the weights or the order of events until the day of the meet. Adding to the obstacles, her gym didn’t have specialized Strongman equipment, so “you just have to approximate” in your preparation, Silbey said.

At the competition, Silbey faced many challenges to master: She flipped a 200-pound pole over her head, hurled heavier and heavier sandbags over a 12-foot barrier, pulled a 350-pound anchor chain as far as possible in 60 seconds, and then walked as quickly as possible with a 225-pound yoke. She ended up placing in her age group.

Fast Cars—and Steadfast Communities

When not in the gym, Silbey is pushing her limits on the racetrack, too. “I grew up in Miami around fast cars and boats,” she said. “I promised myself that one day I’d own a Mustang and learn how to drive it around the track.”

Recently, Silbey went through a rough period—her mother was diagnosed with ALS, and then her dog passed away. After that, she realized, “I really needed a hobby, something I enjoy that’s my ‘me’ time.”

So she bought a 2015 limited edition Mustang and took it out to a road racing and river training facility in Summit Point, West Virginia, to learn how to drive it. Since then, she tries to go out onto the circuit three or four times a year.

The racetrack has given Silbey something more, too. It’s where she has discovered a like-minded community of veterans. 

“There’s great camaraderie at the racetrack and an inclusive community like Strongman. As a veteran, it’s something I connect with,” she said.

Part of this connection involves volunteering with a nonprofit and raising funds for other veterans’ track fees and expenses, so they can experience the adrenaline rush and community as well.

“As a veteran, I want to give back. So being able to bring other people into motorsports, while having fun, brings me a lot of personal joy and satisfaction,” she said.

Lessons for Work and Life

Silbey calls both hobbies “very empowering experiences. I learn so much every time on the track and at every meet.”

“It took 3 years for me to become a powerful, confident powerlifter,” she said. “You keep learning and iterating. You can make mistakes, and you’re continuously growing and learning. That’s part of the fun of it. It’s constantly dynamic.”

Her advice to others? “Don’t be afraid to try,” she said. “It takes a leap of faith to do a lot of this stuff. I had a lot of self-doubt. But you miss out on so many life experiences if you don’t try it.”