Anchor Leadership

steve palmerSteve Palmer
Chief Executive Officer


Steve Palmer, CEO and founder of Anchor Innovation, Inc. (formerly Anchor Harbor Services Inc.), is a proven veteran of the marine industry with over 28 years of management experience in marine engineering and operations. A retired naval engineering officer, USCG Licensed Master, and former Navy Region Southwest Marine Maintenance Manager, Steve has become the recognized expert in naval harbor security training, maintenance, and operations in support of Homeland Defense.



Chris Powell
President


Chris Powell, Anchor's President, brings over 20 years of US Navy tactical flight operations, maintenance, and leadership experience as a Navy FA-18 pilot and squadron Commanding Officer. He has significant expertise in TACAIR community issues, and with a MS in Space Systems, provides a strong analytical and technical background. In his final Navy tour, Chris served at U.S. Fleet Forces Command as the Operations Officer in the Anti-Terrorism Directorate for Programs, Systems, Policy and Assessments.



Jamie Palmer PhotoJamie Palmer
Vice President


Jamie Palmer is Vice President and co-founder of Anchor Innovation.  She brings 24 years of experience in multiple corporate environments which include healthcare, financial compliance and reporting, manufacturing and satellite communications.  She received her MS in Management in 1990 and went on to receive her PHR (Professional in Human Resources) after assuming responsibility for a multi-national department overseeing the administration of all HR functions including training, compensation, benefits, employee relations and retention and legal requirements.  Her broad range of knowledge and experience in human resources, marketing, and administration make her an invaluable member of the Anchor team.



David LongDave Long
Director, Navy Security Program
s

Dave Long is Anchor's Director of Navy Security Programs.  He began his Navy service in 1982 as a Seaman Recruit (E-1) and completed an extremely successful 28 year career when he retired as an LDO Lieutenant Commander, Security Officer, in 2009.  His extensive background includes 23 years of Navy Law Enforcement and Force Protection, where he served as the Security Officer and Force Protection Officer onboard several USS platforms, shore command precincts, overseas commands, and staff duty.  Additionally, he served as the Program Manager for the NCIS Security, Training, Assistance and Assessment Teams (STAAT) and the Master-at-Arms community.  Most notably, he ended his career as the Senior Navy Officer in charge of an integrated Master-at-Arms and Marine Corps force while assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Kingsbay - SWFLANT.



Gordon Sheek
Director, Security Exercises
and Assessments


Gordon Sheek is Anchor's Director of Security Exercises and Assessments.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1973, and retired as an LDO Commander, Security Officer, after serving 31 years.  His extensive experience and knowledge of Navy Training, Assessments, Exercises and Planning are one of the key pillars to the success of the Anchor Innovation team.  During Gordon's career he served in numerous key positions: Officer in Charge, NCIS Security Training Assistance and Assessment Team Atlantic; Director of Training, Center for Antiterrorism and Navy Security Forces; Regional Director of Public Safety, Commander Naval Forces Marianas, Guam; and Officer in Charge Navy Security Force, Bahrain.



Paul HoffmanPaul Hoffman
Director, Logistics


Paul Hoffman is Anchor’s Director of Logistics and Facility Security Officer.  He retired from the Navy as a Master Chief Storekeeper in 2007 after 24 years of service.  His background includes years of experience in Navy procurement, contracting, logistic support, and materials management which are key to the successful management of several DOD contracts along with the maintenance of Anchor’s GSA Schedule.    His MS in Information Systems is instrumental in the development and growth of business processes which enable Anchor to provide exceptional service to our customers.



Philip Goodman
Regional Director Southwest

Philip Goodman is the West Coast contract Project Director for Anchor Innovation, Inc. He provides management support to the Navy Region Southwest in the areas of Harbor Security Boat and Anti-Small Craft Barrier maintenance and operations.

Philip enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1981.  He retired in 2003 as a Boatswain's Mate Senior Chief Petty Officer after 22 years of Navy service.  As a Project Director, Philip has managed numerous multi-year and short term service contracts in support of Navy Region Southwest and Special Boat Team TWELVE.



Eric SmithEric Smith
Director, Marine Operations

Eric Smith is Anchor's Director of Marine Operations.  Eric enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1977 as a Seaman Recruit (E-1).  In 2007, he retired as a Lieutenant Commander, Deck LDO, after a successful 30 year career.  His  background includes Craftmaster of various small craft and First Lieutenant on numerous ship platforms. Additionally, while ashore he served as Department Head, Port Operations Officer and Contracting Officer Representative at three different major Navy ports. After retirement, Eric worked for Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNIC) for three years as their Program Manager, Small Boat Service Craft and Waterfront Equipment.



Rob LesherRob Lesher
Security Program Analyst

Rob Lesher is Anchor’s Security Program Analyst.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1984 as an Operations Specialist and later in his career he converted to Data System Technician.  In 2000, he was commissioned as an LDO, Electronics Material Officer where he served onboard several ships and shore commands throughout his career.  In 2010, Rob retired after 25 years of service.  Rob has extensive experience in C4I with a well versed back ground in Combat Systems, navigation, radars, Intel systems, and exercise planning. Rob's last active duty command was United States Fleet Forces Command Fleet Anti-Terrorism Directorate.  He was in charge of DRRS reporting and Solid Curtain – Citadel Shield 09/10 Planner.