When she was nominated by President Barack Obama to be U.S. ambassador to Malawi,she was deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in Pretoria,a position she had held since 2011.[5] In that role,Palmer welcomed Obama as he visited three nations in Africa,when she explained to local media,"This visit highlights the potential of Africa and our President to interact and highlight the role of the 600 American companies that are already operating in South Africa and are creating jobs in South Africa."[6]
Delays in the Senate kept her nomination,as well as those of many other ambassador nominees,from being approved. The American Foreign Service Association expressed concern that delays in Senate proceedings were putting the U.S. at risk because of the absence of ambassadors in countries engaged in "the war on Ebola",the killer virus which dominated the 2014 United States–Africa Leaders Summit.[7]
After assuming her role as Malawi ambassador,Palmer became vocal in defense of civil rights for gay couples in the country.[citation needed]
In addition to English,Palmer speaks Chinese and French. Palmer is married to Ismail Asmal,who is also a Foreign Service officer. They have two daughters.[16]
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