About Black Palm International
Black Palm International is a security, risk-management, and advisory firm operating at the intersection of protective intelligence, strategic planning, and disciplined execution. We support organizations in high-visibility, elevated-risk environments.
The Minds Behind the Mission
Leadership forged through experience, driven by precision.
William McGuire
President & Co-Founder
William is a senior security executive with nearly three decades across aviation security, emergency management, executive protection, and complex security operations.
He founded Global Elite Group, an aviation security firm serving airlines and airports across demanding regulatory environments, and scaled it into a nationwide operation. Under his leadership as Chief Executive Officer, the firm earned DHS SAFETY Act designation for Aviation Security, a federal certification recognizing counterterrorism-grade capabilities, and was subsequently acquired by Securitas. His broader career includes emergency preparedness, executive protection, and operational leadership across high-visibility environments.
At Black Palm International, he brings entrepreneurial vision and operational experience to the firm's leadership and strategic direction.
Neil O'Keeffe
Vice President & Co-Founder
Neil is a security and risk-management executive with more than 25 years across investigative, intelligence, and operational environments
He served in the NYPD Intelligence Division in both analytical and operational roles, including the Operations and Analysis Section and the Criminal Intelligence Section. He later supervised the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit within the Counterterrorism Division and concurrently managed the Department's role in the DHS-supported Securing the Cities (STC) Program, a counterterrorism initiative designed to reduce the risk of nuclear and radiological attacks in major U.S. metropolitan areas. During his tenure, the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Divisions consolidated into the NYPD Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau. His final assignment was with the Lower Manhattan Security Initiative (LMSI), a counterterrorism surveillance program that had by then expanded city-wide.
At Black Palm International, he leads security and risk advisory engagements for clients operating in complex or sensitive environments.
John Franchi
Vice President & Co-Founder
John is a former senior officer of the Central Intelligence Agency, retiring after 29 years of distinguished service that included a tenure as Station Chief and numerous high-level positions internationally and in Washington, D.C
His assignments spanned the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, with extensive work alongside the U.S. military and the U.S. Department of State. A fluent Arabist, he has developed deep expertise in geopolitical and transnational issues, with a focus on the Middle East, Islam, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and cyber issues. He has worked closely with senior government and private-sector leaders in environments demanding discretion, judgment, and strategic clarity.
At Black Palm International, John leverages his intelligence and operational background, along with a deep network across U.S. and international corporate and government sectors, to surface unseen areas of concern for clients across all verticals and geographies.