Director
Stephen Palmer was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in 2016 by suburban members of the Cook County Board. Mr. Palmer, a lifelong resident of the Village of LaGrange, became owner operator of Palmer Place Restaurant in 1990, a casual dining restaurant located in the western suburbs of Cook County. Palmer Place Restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1983. He oversees and administers all operational and management components of the business.
Mr. Palmer is a strong believer in community service and as such has served on:
- Board of Directors Illinois Restaurant Association since 1991, Chairman of the Board 2003
- Village of LaGrange Community and Economic Development Commission since 1998
- Lyons Township Mental Health Commission since 2013
- LaGrange Business Association since 1990 – President 1995 and 2006
- West Suburban Chamber of Commerce since 1990 – President 2008 and 2009
- The Legacy Guild since 2012 raising money for college scholarships for children who have lost a parent.
- 2011 Founder of Brew Moon Beer & Band Fest, McCook. The festival is a unique partnership between business, local government and civic groups with the purpose of raising funds for local nonprofit organizations.
- Founding member of the H-Foundation for Cancer Research 2000-2010
Mr. Palmer served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1985 to 1990, where he was a Combat Medic and Chemical Op Specialist. He also served as a POC Fire Fighter EMT for the Village of LaGrange 1983-1990 and was a Certified Firefighter I &II/EMT.
Mr. Palmer lives in LaGrange with his wife Jennifer and two children. They are active members of St. Francis Xavier Parish.
