1st District Commissioner Ernest Coursey

Commissioner Ernest Coursey was first elected County Commissioner in 2013 and re-elected in 2016 and 2019, serving as the chairperson of the Education and Schools, Human Services, and Public Safety Committees. As your County Commissioner, Ernest supported lowering the county tax levy, the construction of the National Aerospace Research and Technical Park, and Stockton University’s expansion to Atlantic City. His public service career started thirty years ago when he became Atlantic City’s Third Ward Councilman. Ernest served on City Council from 1991 to 2002, serving as Vice President of City Council and eventually Council President. Ernest has served as Deputy Mayor of Atlantic City, Staff Assistant to United States Senator Robert Torricelli, and served as a Commissioner on the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Ernest now serves as the Chief of Staff for Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small. In this capacity, Atlantic City has seen lower municipal property taxes, increased public safety, and more jobs and investment for the region. Throughout his career, Ernest has earned a reputation as an independent fighter and “people person.” Ernest credits God Almighty for his success and looks to Him for inspiration and guidance. A lifelong resident of Atlantic City, Ernest and his wife, Leslie, live in the Venice Park neighborhood and have two sons, Ernest Jr., and Ethan. In his spare time, he enjoys boating, fishing, and attending family functions.