Chris Berger

Chris Berger was first elected to the Gettysburg Borough Council in November, 2017 and was reelected for a second term in 2021.  He and his wife, Annie Byrne, have owned a home and resided in the Second Ward for the past twenty five years.  Mr. Berger is proud to serve this historic community by promoting the common good for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

A native of Altoona PA, Chris graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle High School where he was a three-sport athlete and captain of the 1987 undefeated football team.  He attended Juniata College, earning a B.A. in History and playing on the football team.  Berger completed graduate school credits in history at Duquesne University and earned his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at Shippensburg University.

Mr. Berger began his professional career in corrections education as an intern at SCI Smithfield and taught for ten years at South Mountain Secure Treatment Unit, a maximum security juvenile facility in the area.  In 2000, Berger was awarded the PA Teacher of the Year for juvenile corrections education for his work teaching history to serious juvenile offenders.

In 2006, Berger moved on to teach at-risk students as the alternative education teacher in the Upper Adams School District. Since 2012, he has been teaching 8th grade American History in the Upper Adams Middle School.  His subject matter covers the time period from the French and Indian War through the Civil War.

During his twenty five year career in education, Berger has also served the community as a mobile therapist and counselor to autistic and at-risk teens, as well as coaching football, basketball, and softball.  Berger serves as a board member of the Gettysburg Municipal Authority (GMA) as well as the Canners Fund in the Upper Adams School District.  He is an active parishioner of St. Francis Xavier in Gettysburg, where he has served on the Athletic Board, as a coach, as a catechist, and as a member of the Adult Choir.

Chris and Annie are proud parents of their two sons, both graduates of Gettysburg High School.  Ben attended Temple University and is now teaching music at St. Monica’s, a Catholic elementary school in South Philadelphia.  Will can be found working and spreading his good cheer at Kennie’s Markets in our neighborhood.  All said, it is truly a pleasure and a privilege to publicly serve in the most famous small town in the world!