Ernie Jarvis

As a sixth generation Washingtonian, Ernie Jarvis can proudly proclaim a kinship with the Nation's Capitol. As the son of former longtime D.C. councilmember and Southeastern University president Charlene Drew Jarvis, Ernie was exposed to the importance of “giving back” to community and has certainly established himself as an activist in the city in his own right.

At 40, Jarvis excels on the Global Corporate Services team at CB Richard Ellis, one of the world's largest provider of commercial real estate services. He is also the founder and president of Metropolitan Access, a networking organization he created to assist young African-American professionals in the District navigate the business community.

Jarvis started Metropolitan Access to facilitate a system of contacts and relationships to promote entrepreneurship and professional growth, and influence on business policy. Currently, over 1,000 young African-American business professionals take part in the organization's networking and lecture activities. Previous speakers include former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, Mayor Anthony Williams and Franklin Raines, CEO of Fannie Mae, and Bob Johnson of BET Holdings. Metropolitan Access has been recognized both locally and nationally for its achievements.

Jarvis is currently a board member for the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund, a graduate of Leadership Washington and a board member of the Greater Washington Urban League, as well as a member of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. He is also a former board member of Greater DC Cares, the D.C. Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Washington Boys and Girls Clubs.

In addition to sitting on numerous boards and committees, Jarvis takes time to roll up his sleeves and volunteer. He also mentors aspiring minority real estate professionals and is a board member of Project REAP, an organization designed to create career opportunities for minorities in commercial real estate. In recognition of his efforts, he has been named one of McDonald's Black History Makers of Today.

Ernie is married to Debbi Jarvis, former NBC- Channel 4 news anchor and current manager of media relations at PEPCO. They have two sons and live in the District.