Representative Michael F. Gerber, dubbed “Rookie of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Report in his freshman term, was born and raised in Montgomery County. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Dean’s List student and a defensive back on an Ivy League championship football team. Gerber then graduated cum laude from Villanova University School of Law, where he received a scholarship award for his contributions to community legal services.

Gerber, now in his second term, has been elected by his colleagues from southeastern Pennsylvania to chair their 24-member delegation, placing Gerber in his caucus leadership structure. His new assignments in Harrisburg enhance his ability to serve the 148th Legislative District and address some of the most important issues facing southeastern Pennsylvania and the entire Commonwealth. Gerber also serves as a deputy majority whip, a critical job this session.

Gerber, a vocal advocate for improved environmental policy and for greater investment in mass transit, also chairs the Energy Subcommittee within the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and the Public Transportation Subcommittee within the Transportation Committee.

Gerber was also recently named to the Board of Trustees of the State Employees’ Retirement System. There are only 11 members of the SERS board, which includes the state treasurer. It manages a $31 billion portfolio.

Gerber also serves on the Insurance Committee, where he hopes to have a lasting effect in providing affordable health care in Pennsylvania, and through his seat on the Children and Youth Committee, he hopes to continue championing early childhood education and a greater investment in youth services.

Professionally, Gerber served as legal counsel to Gov. Ed Rendell’s transition team and as Law Clerk for Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter of the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In private practice at the Philadelphia law firm of Wolf Block, Gerber handled commercial litigation matters. In recognition of his achievements, Gerber was recognized as one of the top 35 lawyers under the age of 40 in the state of Pennsylvania by American Lawyer Media and the Legal Intelligencer.

Gerber’s community involvement began at an early age. As an undergraduate at Penn, he co-founded a nonprofit organization called Urban Artists, Inc., which developed after-school programs in Philadelphia community centers and provided art programs for children in detention. While in law school, Gerber served as an intern in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, worked for the Delaware County Legal Aid, and interned for Anthony J. Scirica, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Locally, Gerber has served on his township’s park and recreation board and coached youth football and high school baseball.

Gerber, his wife Jessica, and their three children, Benjamin, Samuel and Alison, live in the Broad Axe section of Whitpain Township. His legislative priorities include improving early childhood education, encouraging smart growth and lowering property taxes for seniors.