Clearmind Medicine Expands Leadership Team With Appointment Of Mary-Elizabeth Gifford As Chief Of Global Impact Focused On U.S. Partnerships

Clearmind Medicine Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutics derived from neuroplastogens to address major under-treated health conditions, announced the appointment of Mary-Elizabeth Gifford as Chief of Global Impact. In this newly established role, Gifford will lead Clearmind’s efforts to strengthen partnerships across the United States, expand governmental and regulatory advocacy, and build strategic alliances in Washington, D.C., and New York. Her work will focus on bridging research, regulation, and patient access to accelerate the responsible development and adoption of innovative psychedelic-based medicines.

Before joining Clearmind, Mary-Elizabeth Gifford served as Chief of Global Impact at Psyence BioMed, a Nasdaq-listed biopharmaceutical company focused on nature-derived psychedelic therapies. She joined Psyence in 2020 after leading public policy at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. With her extensive experience in psychedelic policy, ethics, and regulation, Gifford brings deep expertise in advancing cross-sector collaboration to support evidence-based mental health innovation.

Dr. Adi Zuloff-Shani, CEO of Clearmind Medicine, welcomed her appointment, stating, “We are delighted to have Mary-Elizabeth join our leadership team. Her exceptional understanding of psychedelic policies, regulatory frameworks, and long-standing relationships with government leaders, policymakers, and impact-driven investors will play a crucial role in expanding our U.S. partnerships. Her leadership will strengthen Clearmind’s position as a pioneer in ethical and patient-centered psychedelic therapeutics.”

Expressing her enthusiasm about the new role, Gifford said, “It is an honor to join Clearmind Medicine, a company distinguished by its robust intellectual property portfolio of 31 granted patents. With ongoing clinical trials at leading institutions such as Yale School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem, Clearmind is setting a new standard for scientific excellence and integrity in psychedelic medicine. I have deep respect for Dr. Zuloff-Shani and the Clearmind team, whose vision at the intersection of science, business, and healing is truly inspiring.”

In addition to her corporate achievements, Gifford serves pro bono as Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Psychedelics & Healing Initiative, where Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), serves as honorary chair. Recognized as one of the “Psychedelic Titans” by Microdose for her influence in the psychedelic medicine field, Gifford has been described by Spirituality & Health Magazine as “the most quietly influential woman working in psychedelics today.”

In 2025, she chaired the steering committee for the inaugural Federal Psychedelic Summit, held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and spoke on “Profit with Purpose” and psychedelic business ethics at Psychedelic Science 2025 in Denver. She also participates in the Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Ethics Group and is a member of the Institute of Medical Ethics. 

In July 2025, she became the only biopharma executive selected for Harvard Law School’s Psychedelic Policy and Law Immersion Program, joining leading physicians, attorneys, researchers, and government officials in exploring ethical and regulatory frameworks for psychedelic medicine. Mary-Elizabeth Gifford is a graduate of Brown University and pursued postgraduate studies in the History of Mind-Body Medicine at Harvard University, further deepening her multidisciplinary understanding of health, ethics, and science.