Navigating Change Award

The Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) Announces 2023 Navigating Change Award Recipient

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 February 24, 2023 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 2023 Navigating Change Award recipient is Lancaster Vice Mayor Marvin Crist. 

Marvin “Marv” Crist is a lifelong resident of the Antelope Valley, whose extraordinary leadership and passion for the Antelope Valley Region has been instrumental in the growth, development and safety of the local community. Marv’s passion and dedication to this community is unparalleled. Under his leadership as an elected official, community non-profit leader, neighbor and family man, Marvin is an individual who has always challenged the status quo. For nearly five decades, he has been responsible for developing positive growth in the Antelope Valley region.  His passion and commitment to building collaborative and diverse workforce teams, coupled with his creative and strategic ability to build innovative partnerships, sponsorships and new revenue streams for non-profit organizations, the City of Lancaster and countless local organizations has enriched the lives of residents and businesses throughout the Antelope Valley.

Marvin’s ability to build genuine, sustainable, and authentic relationships within and outside the community has created countless opportunities for local businesses, residents, and non-profit organizations. His unbridled commitment to the community, the various team members he works with, and the Antelope Valley residents at large have made a significant positive impact. In addition to daily responsibilities as a local businessman, Marvin serves as Vice Mayor of the City of Lancaster. First elected to the Lancaster City Council in April 2010, he was appointed Vice Mayor on December 11, 2012. 

Upon notification of receiving the award, Mr. Crist commented, “I am really at a loss for words, and extremely humbled to receive this prestigious recognition. Having the countless privileges of serving this community in various ways has afforded me priceless experiences, insights, and lifelong friendships. Working with countless individuals who passionately love the Antelope Valley as fiercely as I do inspires me daily. These individuals’ innovation, determination, and commitments ensures the sanctity of this precious place we all call home.”

Crist was born and raised in the Antelope Valley and studied Business at Antelope Valley College. A former firefighter, he now owns his own insurance brokerage and participates in a wide variety of local organizations. Mavin was recently appointed Chair of the Board of Directors for the North County Transportation Coalition (NCTC). He also serves as the President of the Antelope Valley Sheriff Boosters; Director of Kids’ Charities of the Antelope Valley; Co-Chairman of the Fallen Heroes Ride; Co-Chairman of the Animal House Kiwanis Junior Livestock Auction; Co-Chairman of the Hank Hunter “After the Fair” Barbeque; and Co-Chairman of 21st Century for Kids. He is also a member of the Antelope Valley College Golf Tournament Committee and Lancaster West Rotary. In 2005, he was named Volunteer of the Year for Desert Christian Schools. In 2007, he was named Lancaster Sheriff’s Booster of the Year. In addition to his many philanthropic endeavors, Marv leads many local governing boards; as Chairman of the Antelope Valley Transit Authority; Chairman of the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District; and Vice Chairman of the Antelope Valley Fair’s Joint Powers Authority Board of Directors. Marv resides in Lancaster with his wife Cindy and has one adult son, Ryan.

Marvin went on to say, “I share this recognition on behalf of the countless people, businesses, and corporations who volunteer their time, treasure, blood, sweat, and tears in protecting this community today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”

Past Navigating Change Award honorees include Dante Simi, founder, and past CEO of Learn 4 Life, for innovation and passion for alternative education; Ed Knudsen, with Antelope Valley College, recognized for overseeing major campus growth and meeting the needs of students’ technical needs and during the pandemic; Diane Walker for her work with Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District for her innovative strategies in building collaboration to increase Talent to Workforce success to prepare local students for high-quality jobs in the Antelope Valley; Pauline East for her work in increasing and capitalizing on the Antelope Valley’s filming potential; and Scott Ehrlich for his success in rejuvenating downtown Lancaster into “The BLVD.”

AV EDGE will be honoring Marvin Crist as the 2023 Navigating Change recipient at this year’s Spring Business Summit happening Friday, Feb. 24th from 7 AM-12 PM at the AV Fair & Event Center. 

Click here to see the full press release.