New Area Coordinator in the Mid Atlantic
IDPA Headquarters is delighted to announce that Noel Gardner has been named as the Area Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic, effective October 28th. His region will cover Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. 
Noel is from Roanoke VA and his home club is the Roanoke Rifle and Revolver Club. He shoots CDP/MM, ESP/SS, SSP/SS, CCP/SS, CO/MM, REV/SS, BUG/MM, PCC/MM. “I usually compete in SSP or PCC, but I shoot in all the divisions.”
The new AC’s IDPA History began in Virginia. “I started shooting competitions at my local club in the 2007. In 2013, friends talked me into joining IDPA and shooting sanctioned matches. Since then, I’ve shot matches over most of the country. In 2014 I became a Safety Officer, and in 2016 I became a Chief Safety Officer. Since then, I have worked as an SO/CSO at numerous matches including Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals and IDPA Nationals/Worlds. In 2021 I was selected to be an Assistant Match Director for the National Championship and served in that role through 2024. I’ve severed as the Match Director for my local club since 2024. For the 2025 National Championship I was promoted to Match Director.” Gardner will also serve as the Nationals Match Director for the 2026 Championship event at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio.
Gardner takes his hat off to his predecessor, Cody Claxton. “Cody Claxton served the area for 10 years as the Mid-Atlantic Area Coordinator. His leadership helped form and direct the future of IDPA.”
Vocationally, Noel has worked for the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department for over 30 years, and he currently serves as a Deputy Fire Marshal. “When I’m not working or shooting, I enjoy riding and collecting motorcycles.”
What are his plans for the Mid Atlantic? “I plan to promote IDPA across the region by being a resource to shooters, I’m here to help. I hope to bring more sanctioned matches to the area and work with the Safety Officer Instructors in the area to provide a strong base of safety officers for both local our and regional matches.”
Noel is excited about his new role. “I am honored to be able to serve the shooting community in a new and challenging way. If you have any question or I can help you in any way, please reach out to me.”