New Area Coordinator Appointed to US Southwest Region
Bret J Henderson of Belen, New Mexico, has been appointed as the IDPA Area Coordinator for New Mexico, Arizona Utah, and Nevada effective Nov. 4, 2025. Henderson is a member of the Los Lunas Gun Club and Del Norte Gun Club, both in NM. Shooting primarily CDP (Ex), SSP (Ex), and CO (Ex), he also shoots CCP, BUG, and ESP on occasion. 
Henderson says, “I have been shooting IDPA 11 years, and work and shoot matches across the country. My family has been involved in various disciplines of competitive shooting since I was little. My first competitions were in small and large bore metallic silhouette. I have always enjoyed shooting handguns and IDPA was a natural partnership between my interest in competitive shooting and enhancing my defensive shooting skills. I have worked and been Match Director for multiple Tier 1-4 matches including the NM State Match, NM Blueline, and the Colorado State Championship side of the Third Rock at Cameo and worked several Nationals and World’s matches.”
His goals are well defined. “I plan to continue the efforts to increase the number of IDPA clubs, sanctioned matches and members participating. I believe we need to increase the number of junior and female shooters to enhance the sport.”
There are some upcoming sanctioned matches in the area that Henderson is excited about. “Utah state although a little wet for my taste but is an excellent match; New Mexico State, Arizona State, and South Mountain Showdown teams also put on excellent matches that I recommend.”
The new AC also has words of praise for his predecessors. “I want to wish Kevin (K-Mart) Martinez the best of luck in his endeavors and look forward to seeing him at IDPA matches in the future. Also, I would like to thank Ben Petty for his contributions to New Mexico IDPA and his sage advice.”
Henderson is employed as the Director of Operations and Electronic Payments for large regional bank holding company. He and his wife, Donnette, have a family connection to our sport. “My college age daughter, Jordan, has attended multiple tiered matches with me in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas and is an excellent competitor.” Many folks are familiar with Jordan, who helps work at sanctioned matches around the country.
What does Bret do off the range? “In addition to spending time with my wife, family, grand kids, and the shooting sports, I enjoy hunting, camping, farming and blacksmithing, volunteering and supporting Veteran support groups and organizations working to eliminate child hunger.”
What else would the new AC like his constituents to know about him as he assumes the position of AC? “I look forward to working with the shooters in my area and across the country to grow IDPA and improve the experience of all competitors.”