Navigating Change Award

The Navigating Change Award is a leadership award presented by the Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE). This year’s recipient will be celebrated during the Spring Business Summit taking place on March 20th, 2025 at the AV Fair & Event Center. This prestigious award honors individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership through their community service, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals and/or significantly helping organizations or local governments, while meeting the changing circumstances or challenges in the Antelope Valley region.  

According to AV EDGE Executive Director Drew Mercy, “Honorees are individuals who reject the idea of doing things a certain way because ‘that’s how we’ve always done it;’  Rather, they challenge the status quo with determination, innovation, and creativity, overcoming obstacles and changing landscape through collaboration and strategy.”

The AV EDGE Board members, committee, and staff are honored to announce the 2025 Navigating Change Award recipient are Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez, who currently holds the Director of Transitional Technologies position for IBEW/NECA/LMCC of LA County, and the late David Gomez, who served as Executive Director of Business Development for IBEW/NECA until his passing in November 2024.

Dave and Kathy were known as a dynamic duo; in addition to both Dave and Kathy working in the same industry that they both loved, they also shared a love for life as husband and wife for over fifteen years. Their partnership was a testament to making their community a better place to live. For the past several years, Ms. Mac Laren-Gomez and Mr. Gomez have successfully implemented regional partnerships that have significantly contributed to the region’s economic growth. In addition to her professional position, Kathy serves on several regional boards and committees, including the Palmdale Water District and the Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center Board of Directors. Dave Gomez was passionate about helping people of all ages succeed in the various trade unions. In addition to his lifelong commitment to the trades, Dave was an active community member, holding various positions on local and regional committees and boards. He was also appointed Lancaster City’s Honorary Mayor, was a past board member of the Palmdale Water District, a past member of the Palmdale City Planning Commission, and a member of the Los Angeles County College District 13 Diversity Committee.

AV EDGE Board of Director President Martin Tompkins commented, “Dave and Kathy’s commitment and passion for their community is truly commendable. Their love for people, business, and partnerships has made a positive difference for many of us in the Antelope Valley. They were quite the dynamic duo, and I am confident that Kathy’s dedication to continuing her and Dave’s legacy in bettering this community will continue to benefit us all.”

AV EDGE Executive Director Drew Mercy added, “Navigating Change Honorees are innovative individuals who challenge the status quo with determination and creativity, overcoming obstacles. For decades, Dave and Kathy have been dedicated to improving our communities through collaboration and effective strategies. These two individuals exemplify the type of community leadership that makes the Antelope Valley Region an extraordinary place for business, education, and lifestyle. It is an honor to recognize the late Dave Gomez, and someone I am proud to call my friend, Kathy Mac Laren – Gomez. “

Past Navigating Change Award honorees include Regina Rossall, Westside School District Superintendent; Marvin Crist, Vice Mayor of the City of Lancaster; Dante Simi, founder and past CEO of Learn 4 Life; Ed Knudsen, with Antelope Valley College; Diane Walker, with Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District; Pauline East; and Scott Ehrlich, Developer.

AV EDGE will be honoring Dave and Kathy as the 2025 Navigating Change recipient at this year’s Spring Business Summit happening Thursday, March  20th from 7 AM-1 PM at the AV Fair & Event Center.