Captain Palmer is a native of Massachusetts and a Graduate of Maine Maritime Academy. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1972 and holds a Diploma in Business Accounting from Burdett College.

From 1972 until 1984, Steve sailed with Tanker Management Inc. New Orleans, during which time he was Chief Mate and Master of various tank vessels. At this same time, and until 1978, he served as a Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve. From 1984 until 1986 he was Master of S/T Golden Monarch operated by Apex Marine Corp. Steve has a USCG License as Master Steam & Motor Vessels any Gross Tons Ocean.

In 1986 Steve left going to sea and joined the Bill Black Steamship Agency as New England and Group Operations Manager. He served in this capacity until November 2000 when he became General Manager and then Vice President with Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc. In December 2021 he was elected to Moran’s Board of Directors. In February 2022 he left Moran to join Attender.

Steve is a member of the Propeller Club of Boston, Past Director of the Association of Ship Brokers & Agents, and a past member of the Executive Committee of the Independent Sea-Going Officer's Association. Captain Palmer is a member of the Salem Marine Society and Past President and Board member of the Boston Marine Society, the oldest Marine Society in the World. Steve was a Founding Member of the Massachusetts Bay Harbor Safety Committee. Captain Palmer is the 2013 recipient of the Propeller Club’s Maritime Day Award for distinguished promotion of the Port of Boston. He was also recognized by the USCG with a Meritorious Public Service Award.

Steve resides in Topsfield, MA with his wife Peggy. They have two children and three grandchildren.