AV EDGE appoints new Executive Director

The Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) recently announced that Drew Mercy has been selected as the organization's new Executive Director.

Mercy has an extensive background in the fields of legislative, economic, public relations and communications. Specifically, Drew's professional experience includes being an advisor to many of the region's state-level elected officials for more than twenty years, including Senator Wm. J. "Pete" Knight, Senator Sharon Runner and former Senator and Board of Equalization Member George Runner. Most recently, he served as Senate Republican Leader

Scott Wilk's District Director and Deputy Chief of Staff. AV EDGE Board President, Bret Banks stated, "In addition to Drew's vast business acumen, he has an impressive record of community engagement and civic involvement. His long list of accomplishments includes being past president of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade, one of the two entities that merged to create AV EDGE. Currently Drew serves as President of the Antelope Valley Fair Board, a Director of the Antelope Valley Sheriffs' Boosters, Chairman of the Lancaster Criminal Justice Commission and a Director for the Quartz Hill Water Board. Drew's experience, combined with passion for this entire region will take the AV EDGE to the next level of reaching our regional economic development goals, for both large industries and small businesses."

The AV EDGE mission is to attract, retain and foster diverse business growth, cultivate regional partnerships, engage in workforce development and education initiatives and, create sustainable quality infrastructures, while championing a robust legislative voice that significantly contributes to the success and prosperity of the Greater Antelope Valley Region.

Mercy commented, "AV EDGE has an incredible opportunity to increase investment and job opportunities for local residents. I truly appreciate the Board trusting me with this responsibility and look forward to working with our community to help make great things happen."

Local business members and individuals interested in becoming a member of the AV EDGE can contact AV EDGE at [email protected] or (661) 441-2957.