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 government and public service.
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 helped assemble a broad coalition supporting legislation to strengthen mining education programs.
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 (with honors) from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Palmer’s leadership and dedication to miner safety and public service are evident throughout his professional career.
