Heather Palmer joined the department in 2006 and enters her first full year as the Director of Athletic Alumni Relations and Stewardship in 2011-12. Prior, Palmer shared that job while also serving as an Assistant Director of Athletic Communications. Palmer has eight years of experience in sports information with stints at Davidson College and the University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to changing roles, Palmer handled publicity of seven Harvard teams and was responsible for updating GoCrimson.com, writing, designing and editing publications such as media guides and game programs, and working to keep Harvard athletics prominent in the local, regional and national media. 

She worked directly with women's basketball, men's wrestling  and women's lacrosse and oversaw men's and women's fencing and men's and women's water polo.

In 2008 and 2009, Palmer served as the tournament media relations coordinator for the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships at Gillette Stadium. She was responsible for coordinating volunteers and overseeing more than 300 media members in attendance.  

Before coming to Harvard, Palmer spent three years at the University of Pennsylvania , serving as the associate director of athletic communications. At Penn, she covered football, men's basketball, wrestling and several Olympic sports. She also served as the Penn Relays press row coordinator for three years and was the media relations director for the 2004 EIWA Championships.  Palmer was also involved with the 2005 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships at Lincoln Financial Field.

Palmer started her career at Davidson College as an intern serving as the primary media contact for six sports.  

A  2002 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Palmer wrote for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and the Daily Collegian while working towards a journalism degree. She was a two-year member of the UMass track and field team, where she holds the distinction of being the first ever female pole vaulter.

Palmer is a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSiDA) and the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD).  She recieved a master's in mangament and operations from the Harvard Extension School in March 2011.