In 1980, he became president of the Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures for four seasons.

He was one of the first engineers toward integrating Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1984.

Palmisano became known mainly for integrating committee established filmmakers like First Blood (1982), Robocop 2 (1990), Batman Forever (1995), Free Willy 2 (1995), Assassins (1995) with Sylvester Stallone, Rush Hour 2 (2001) with Jackie Chan; After the Sunset (2004) with Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek, The Other Guys (2010) with Will Ferrell, among others.

[2] Palmisano was married to singer and actress Irene Cara from 1986 to 1991.

They also worked together on Busted Up (1986), his second and last feature film as executive director.