Palmer Gillis
O. PALMER GILLIS

Palmer Gillis, CEO, founded Gillis Gilkerson, Inc. in 1983 to serve the construction needs of the Delmarva Peninsula. During his tenure, the company has grown from a small commercial contractor to one of the largest, most versatile full-service general contractors on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Mr. Gillis has more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry. He oversees, and is involved with, all aspects of the construction including: sales, estimating, purchasing, project management and senior administrative functions.

Palmer Gillis has been an active leader in the growth and development of the Salisbury community through his numerous civic contributions. A former city councilman, Gillis also served on the Salisbury Wicomico County Planning and Zoning Commission. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the past president of the Salisbury Jaycees.

Gillis earned his degree in Business Administration from Salisbury University in 1975. He has served on the Salisbury University Foundation Board of Directors, chairing the Foundation House Planning Committee, and served on the Salisbury University Board of Visitors. In addition to serving on the Salisbury University Foundation Board, Gillis is a 2000 graduate of the Leadership Maryland, a 50-person, statewide program designed to develop and foster community leadership skills among corporate leaders in Maryland.

He has served as Director of the Greater Salisbury Committee; Vice Chair of the Salisbury University Foundation; Vice President of the Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development; President of the Salisbury Downtown Association; Director of Maple Shade Residential Homes and is on the Peninsula Mercantile Advisory Board. Gillis’ interests include scuba diving, water sports, jet skis, snow skiing, and boating.

Gillis Gilkerson takes a unique approach in the construction industry. “All construction projects have their individual and unique problems and obstacles to overcome,” Gillis said. “Gillis Gilkerson, Inc. takes a cooperative and pro-active style in seeking solutions to those conditions as they arise, which will result with client satisfaction.”