Representative Michael F. Gerber, born and raised in Montgomery County, is in his third term in the state legislature. He is coming off of a productive second term, during which he led the House effort to enact a statewide smoking ban and the state’s first alternative fuels bill.

Gerber now carries several responsibilities in Harrisburg. He has twice been elected by his colleagues chairman of the 24-member Southeast Delegation in the Democratic Caucus. Gerber also serves as a deputy majority whip, chairman of the Energy Subcommittee of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and chairman of the Public Transportation Subcommittee of the Transportation Committee. Gerber is one of 11 board members of the State Employees’ Retirement System, the state’s $25 billion retirement fund.

Professionally, Gerber is of counsel at the Philadelphia law firm of Drinker, Biddle and Reath. He served as legal counsel to Gov. Rendell’s transition team and as law clerk for Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter of the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In recognition of his achievements, Gerber was recognized as one of the top 35 lawyers under the age of 40 in Pennsylvania by American Lawyer Media and the Legal Intelligencer.

Gerber graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a dean’s list student and a defensive back on a championship football team. He then graduated cum laude from Villanova University School of Law, where he received a scholarship award for his contributions to community legal services.

Gerber’s community involvement began at an early age. As an undergraduate, he co-founded a nonprofit organization called Urban Artists Inc., which developed afterschool 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 U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Locally, Gerber has served on his township’s park and recreation board and coached youth football, youth baseball and high school baseball. Gerber, his wife Jessica, and their three children live in the Broad Axe section of Whitpain Township.