Ernest Kent Coulter (November 14, 1871 - May 1, 1952) was a journalist, lawyer, public administrator, and developer of civil society and human welfare programs most notably through his work in child advocacy. Civil society or civil institutions refers to the totality of voluntary civic and social organizations or institutions which form the basis of a functioning society as opposed to the force backed structures of a state (regardless of that states political system). ...

Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1904 he became a clerk in New York Children's Court. In this capacity he spoke to a local men's club on behalf of the children appearing before the court. Forty volunteers responded resulting in what would become Big Brothers of America and Big Sisters of America, and organization for which he was a lifelong leader and advocate.

He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.