Lancaster – The Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) is now accepting 2026 Navigating Change Award nominations. The annual Navigating Change Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership across the community, improve the quality of life for residents in the region, and support organizations and local governments while navigating challenging circumstances.
AV EDGE Executive Director Drew Mercy commented, “Our region continues to experience significant economic growth, due in large part to innovative leadership across all business sectors. This positive trajectory is only made possible by exemplary leadership. The Navigating Change program is a terrific opportunity to honor individuals who contribute their time, resources, and abilities to the community’s economic development and growth. I strongly encourage our local community members to nominate individuals who influence positive change in our area.
2026 Navigating Change nominations can be submitted online here, by email at administration@avedgeca.org, or delivered to the AV EDGE office at 824 W. Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster CA 93534. All nominations must be submitted by midnight on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The 2025 Navigating Change recipient will be announced the week before the 2026 AV EDGE Spring Summit, scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Suzy Ghazarossian, President of the Board of Directors, stated, “The positive growth we are seeing throughout our region is only possible with the collaboration, innovation, ingenuity, and vision of community leadership. There are so many talented individuals who are making the Antelope Valley Region one of the most dynamic areas to conduct business, and it is an honor to make this program available to everyone. I encourage folks to submit nominations of people who have made or are making a positive impact on the Antelope Valley on or before January 31st.”
Past Navigating Change Award honorees include Educator and Community Leader Regina Rossall; Marvin Crist, Vice Mayor and Antelope Valley Community Advocate; Dante Simi, founder and past CEO of Learn 4 Life; Ed Knudsen, with the Antelope Valley College; Diane Walker, Educator and community advocate; Pauline East, Antelope Valley Film Commission; and Scott Ehrlich, Developer.
In addition to announcing the 2026 Navigating Change recipient, this year’s Spring Business Summit will provide valuable insights, practical resources, and data on the current and future regional economic climate, along with an in-depth analysis of current economic challenges and opportunities. Additional details regarding the 2026 Spring Summit will be announced in the upcoming weeks. Be sure to visit avedgeca.org for all event details, including sponsorship opportunities.
