Ernest J. Berger

Ernest J. 'Ernie' Berger is a former member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, where he represented the Dranesville District from 1992 to 1996.

In 1988, Berger was appointed to the newly-created position of vice president for community and corporate relations at George Mason University. He later became the assistant dean of the university's school of business administration.

After an expensive and contentious campaign marked by personal attacks, Berger was elected as the supervisor from the Dranesville district on November 5, 1991, defeating Democratic incumbent Lilla D. Richards and independent challenger Carole L. Herrick.

Following the departure of Chairman Tom Davis, Berger squared off against Springfield District supervisor Elaine N. McConnell in 1995, seeking the Republican nomination to run in the special election to elect a new chair, but was resoundingly defeated in the party's primary on January 7, 1995.

Berger's loss in the primary was one of the reasons cited in his announcement on February 28, 1995, that he would not seek a second term as supervisor.

Berger's frustration with his inability to effect what he considered meaningful change led to him departing not only politics, but Fairfax County entirely. He placed his home in McLean up for sale, stating, "I want to go somewhere where there are lots and lots of Republicans. That means somewhere in the South."

True to his word, Berger is currently enjoying retirement in South Carolina.