LANCASTER – The Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) has selected Lancaster Vice Mayor Marvin Crist for its 2023 Navigating Change award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership through their community service while meeting the changing circumstances or challenges in the Antelope Valley region.
Crist will be honored during AV EDGE’s Spring Business Summit, taking place Feb. 24 at the AV Fair & Event Center.
“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,” said AV EDGE Executive Director Drew Mercy.
Upon notification of receiving the award, 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.”
Crist was first elected to the Lancaster City Council in April 2010 and appointed vice mayor on Dec. 11, 2012.
Born and raised in the Antelope Valley, Crist studied business at Antelope Valley College. A former firefighter, Crist now owns his own insurance brokerage and participates in a wide variety of local organizations. He was recently appointed chair of the Board of Directors for the North County Transportation Coalition (NCTC).
Crist also serves as 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.
Crist 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, Crist leads many local governing boards, including the Antelope Valley Transit Authority; the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District; and the Antelope Valley Fair’s Joint Powers Authority Board of Directors.
Crist lives in Lancaster with his wife, Cindy, and son, Ryan.
“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,“ Crist said.
Past Navigating Change Award honorees include Dante Simi, founder and past CEO of Learn 4 Life; Ed Knudsen, recognized for overseeing major campus growth at Antelope Valley College; Diane Walker, honored for her work with the Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District; Pauline East, for her work in increasing and capitalizing on the Antelope Valley’s filming potential; and Scott Ehrlich, recognized for his success in rejuvenating downtown Lancaster into “The BLVD.”
In addition to honoring Marvin Crist as the 2023 Navigating Change recipient, this year’s Spring Business Summit will provide insights, practical resources, and data on the current and future regional economic climate. The event’s keynote speaker will be business entrepreneur, award winning author /journalist, and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, Steve Forbes. The event will also feature a segment led by acclaimed economist and author Dr. Robert Eyler, as well as an in-depth panel discussion that includes leadership from the city of Lancaster, city of Palmdale, Los Angeles County and Kern County.
Individual tickets start at $100 for AV EDGE members and $120 for non-members. Attendees should purchase tickets early as seating is limited. For event details, including sponsorship opportunities, and detailed ticket information, visit avedgeca.org.
[Information via news release from AV EDGE.]
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AV Edgeless says
I threw up in my mouth watching Wrecks on stage and the phony accolades for his toadie Marve. What a joke.
AV Truth says
Three things Marv will not mention in his acceptance speech:
1. His role at Plant 42 when he and several others were busted on illegal alcohol and drug issues
2. The extra curricular activities that went on at the Racquet Club Apartments
3. How he recruited and financed his boy Bishop to infiltrate and drag down Palmdale
There will be much bloviation and self congratulations. The Chosen Ones will be proud.
I will not applaud.
Dan says
Impressive resume, very impresive. Thank you for serving the AV, Marv. I hope I can agree with all your decvisions and the AV grows in the right way. There is so much work to do and it’s quite evident you are someone to get things done.
Cheers and congratulations,
DP
JPB says
Grifter comes to mind. But to be fair, he does put on one helluva party behind the scenes for the Chosen Ones at the Fair. The drinks flow and the food is plentiful.
Firemarshal Bill says
That resume includes being barred from working at an Air Force plant in Palmdale for
allegedly using drugs and alcohol on the job.
J. LaLanne says
When the AVTA named their fitness center after Marv, it was an obvious sign that the Lancaster Mafia is as mentally clueless as they are corrupt.
Tim Legend says
Tim, you’re the best. Tim, you are a winner. Tim, you are the man. Tim, you are the president. Tim, you are the mayor. Tim, you are the king. Ohhhhhhh Tim. Tim can do anything better than you!
Tim Scott says
Wrecks and his cronies select their MVP for the year.
Timmy Foolio says
Marvin has done more for this community than your clown self ever will. We are lucky to have his leadership. You’re a keyboard warrior and probably accomplished very little in your life. My last comment because I will never argue with a fool because onlookers cannot tell who is who. Good night.
Nathen Knows says
We are so fortunate to have a self server like Marvin and of course he would get this award from his good buddy Drew’ I owe it all to you Marvin”. These control freaks do nothing unless there is something in it for them. Butt Buddies
Topper Tim says
Marvin has done more for our community than you can ever dream of. If you can do better, put your money where your mouth is. Put up or hush. Good night Timmy.
Truth says
Marvin has done more for himself and the Fern Street Mafia than you can ever dream of, Topper Tim. It must be good to be one of the Chosen Ones who benefit by no bid contracts, insider deals, preferential treatment, and business thrown your way. The rest of the hard working people of Lancaster don’t live such a charmed existence.
Our mayor and vice mayor have checkered pasts that morphed into the mess we are today. Some things and people never change.
Deputy Dog says
And they will get away with it because they always have.
Booker says
The only way it will end is if some outside entity exposes the fraud and presses charges. It will never be done here in the AV as they control law enforcement, judges, media, businesses, and agencies. But why would anyone bother? It’s Lancaster, an insignificant city in a desert. Big deal.