Joe Palm is a lifelong public servant and proud native of St. Louis, Missouri. His journey began in the firehouses of the city, where he served as a firefighter, answering calls from neighbors in crisis and learning firsthand what it means to serve with courage, compassion, and commitment. Joe has never stopped showing up for his community — not in moments of comfort, but in times of need.

Over the past two decades, Joe built a career in public service that spans local, state, and federal government. As the Chief of the Office of Minority Health for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, he led critical programs addressing the opioid crisis, violent crime, and health disparities — including the statewide rollout of COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites. Whether it was in Ferguson during civil unrest, in Joplin after devastating tornadoes, or on the frontlines of public health crises, Joe has always been there, leading with empathy and results.

In 2022, President Joe Biden appointed Joe Palm as Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) — an honor and responsibility that took his leadership to a national level. He oversaw public health operations across 15 states and territories, including Missouri, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving millions and advocating for vulnerable populations across America.

Joe holds a Master’s in Public Health and a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies from Saint Louis University, along with an Associate’s Degree from St. Louis Community College at Forest Park. He is deeply rooted in the city that raised him, with family ties stretching from Homestown in Missouri’s Bootheel to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Through every chapter of his life — firefighter, health leader, federal appointee — Joe has lived by the motto:
“Seeking Opportunities to Serve.”

Now, he’s running for the Missouri State Senate to keep serving the people of St. Louis — and to fight for a government that works for everyone, not just the well-connected.