A native of Iberia Parish, Ernest grew up on his family’s farm just south of New Iberia. He has been married to the former Deanna Fouquier for 51 years, and they have five children and 17 grandchildren.

He is a graduate of New Iberia Senior High, and USL (now the University of Louisiana - Lafayette) with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting. He worked for the Iberia Parish Police Jury for 20 years, last serving as Secretary-Treasurer. In 1983, he took a position as Assistant Vice-President at New Iberia National Bank. Five years later, he became President and continued through the acquisition by Regions Bank until 2005. He also served in the Louisiana National Guard and the United States Army Reserve for more than 33 years, rising to the rank of Full Colonel. He took office as Iberia Parish President in January, 2008.