Darlene Palmer

Darlene Palmer brings a lifelong commitment to public service, communication, and faith to her role on the Pastoral Council. Shortly after earning her B.A. and M.S. in Communication from SUNY Albany, she launched her career as a Television Producer and Host at WTEN-TV, the CBS-affiliate station in Albany, New York.

She was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve at the White House, where she helped shape national telecommunications policy. She later led a joint White House and U.S. Department of Commerce initiative focused on expanding and modernizing access to telecommunications services across the country. Darlene also served as Assistant Director of Broadcast Management for the National Association of Broadcasters, advocating for responsible media practices. In addition to her federal service, Darlene has held leadership and consulting roles in public policy and communications, and she has long supported nonprofit and faith-based organizations through volunteer work and civic engagement.

She earned her Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, where she was also a Fellow at MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning.
Married to her husband Mickey for 59 years, Darlene is a devoted mother to four adult children and grandmother to six. After living in Reston, Virginia for many years, she and Mickey relocated to Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood four years ago.

Darlene serves on the Hospitality Committee at St. Ignatius and helps with the Sunday reception following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. She also volunteers at My Sister’s Place Women’s Center, a Catholic Charities program in Baltimore that provides support and services for women in need.
Darlene’s lifelong dedication to public engagement, service, and faith reflects her deep commitment to building community—both in church and beyond.