Wayne Palmer is MSHA’s new Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 7, 2025.
A native of Easton, Pennsylvania, Mr. Palmer brings more than three decades of distinguished experience in public service and the private sector.
Prior to this appointment, Mr. Palmer served in the Department of Labor’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs and as Executive Vice President of the Essential Minerals Association. In his industry role, he led safety and health initiatives and served as a Cleared Advisor appointed to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Critical Minerals & Nonferrous Metals (ITAC 5).
Earlier in his career, Mr. Palmer served in the first Trump Administration as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for MSHA, including a brief tenure as acting Assistant Secretary in 2017. He also held senior roles as a White House Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Labor. In addition, he spent 13 years on Capitol Hill, including serving as a U.S. Senate chief of staff and legislative director.
He began his federal career as a Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr. Palmer holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
He is a proud descendent of miners of Pennsylvania anthracite coal, Colorado silver, New Jersey iron ore, and Cornwall (UK) copper & tin.
