Ernie McAlister (born June 17, 1957) was the mayor of Cary, North Carolina from 2003–2007.
Born in Tampa, Florida, McAlister holds a bachelor's degree in business from Pfeiffer University. A resident of Cary since 1988, McAlister was elected mayor in 2003 but lost his re-election bid in 2007. He is married and has no children.