Robert A. Altenkirch, PhD, president of NJIT, welcomed De Palma to his new position. “It is a great privilege to welcome Steve to the NJIT Board of Trustees,” he said.   “I look forward to working with Steve to meet the challenges of the present and to realize our vision for the future. Each of our trustees represents the highest ideals of service to our home community of Newark, the State of New Jersey and the nation. Their wealth of experience and breadth of perspective are invaluable to the continuing success of NJIT's mission in education, research and economic development." 

DePalma has focused his energy driving DePalma’s organizational development from a localized smaller firm grossing $17 million in 1993 to its current standing as a 12-office, multi-state firm grossing $76 million in 2002.  In 2002, the Engineering News Record ranked Schoor DePalma 77th in the top 100 pure design firms.

DePalma brings to the multidisciplined engineering and design consulting firm more than 30 years of progressive experience in the phases of civil engineering and planning, including the administration and design of projects for government, industry and private clients.  He represents clients in all areas of consulting including concept planning, design, budget analysis, project management and construction management.

DePalma serves on the board of directors for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. Other boards he has served on include the New Jersey Alliance for Action, the board of the Monmouth University Real Estate Institute and the president’s advisory council for Brookdale Community College.  He is also a founding member and current board member of the New Jersey Presidents’ Organization and a trustee of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Foundation.