District 1

Atlantic City, Egg Harbor Township (District 13), Longport, Margate and Ventnor

201 S. Shore Rd.
Northfield, NJ 08225
609-645-5900
FAX: (609) 645-5922

Term expires 2025

Send email to Commissioner Coursey

AD HOC COMMITTEES

Chairperson

Homeless Committee, Human Services Committee and Public Safety Committee

Member

Budget and Finance Committee, Employment Compliance and Benefits Committee, Facilities Committee, Jail Committee, Roads, Bridges and Dams Committee and Veterans Affairs Committee

ADVISORY BOARDS/COMMISSIONS

Atlantic Cape Community College Board of School Estimates, Atlantic County Institute of Technology and Special Services School District Board of School Estimates, Emergency Management Advisory Board and Youth Services Commission

BIOGRAPHY

Ernest D. Coursey is a life-long Atlantic City resident. His political career started over 25 years ago when he became Atlantic City’s Third Ward Councilmember. During his tenure City Council, he was re-elected three times, serving from 1991 to 2002.  He also served as both Council President and Council Vice President. Ernest continuously strived to make the Third Ward “a shining example of community spirit and pride.” He was the first Councilmember to operate under an “open door policy”, publish the first ward-wide newsletter; and establish the "Third Ward Eye-On-Crime", to monitor criminal activity in the neighborhood. Ernest’s annual holiday events, food drives, Senior Citizen Day and Youth Day at the Steel Pier were enjoyed by many and served to unite the entire city. “Coursey Cares” is a sentiment that is echoed throughout the community.

Ernest has earned a reputation as a fighter, non-conformist and “people person”. He brings a proven philosophy: that of leadership and respect for the people! In January 2002, Ernest accepted an administrative position for Atlantic City’s then newly-elected mayor, Lorenzo T. Langford. As Deputy Mayor, Ernest’s role was expanded to include the entire city. His job was to ensure that city government best served its most valuable and precious asset: its citizens!

In 2006, he left city government and returned in 2011 as Superintendent of Surf Stadium and Bader Field. Ernest currently serves as Chief of Staff fro Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr.  Ernest also served as Staff Assistant to former United States Senator Robert Torricelli. He worked on former Governor James McGreevey’s Transition Committee and was a Commissioner for the South Jersey Transportation Authority. On June 4, 2013, Ernest overwhelmingly won the Democratic primary election for Atlantic County Commissioner (District One). On November 5, 2013, he was victorious in the general election. He was re-elected in 2016 and 2019.  Commissioner Coursey was re-elected for a fourth term in the general election held November 8, 2022.  Ernest credits God Almighty and looks to Him for inspiration and guidance. His parents, Raymond and Hazel (both deceased), and his seven brothers and two sisters have given him a true sense of family. Ernest and his wife, Leslie, have two sons, Ernest Jr., and Ethan. In his spare time, Ernest enjoys boating, fishing and attending family gatherings and church functions.