Why it matters: IDPA shooters across New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada have a new boss—and this one actually knows what he's doing. Bret Henderson from Belen, New Mexico, just took the reins as Area Coordinator for the Southwest region as of November 4, 2025.

Henderson isn't some desk jockey who got handed the job. The guy's been shooting IDPA for 11 years and holds Expert classification in three divisions: Custom Defensive Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, and Carry Optics. He dabbles in Compact Carry Pistol, Back-Up Gun, and Enhanced Service Pistol when he's feeling frisky.

You'll find him at Los Lunas Gun Club and Del Norte Gun Club when he's not traveling around running matches.

Match Experience That Actually Counts

The big picture: Henderson has Match Director experience at everything from local Tier 1 matches up to Tier 4 competitions. That includes running the New Mexico State Match, New Mexico Blueline, and the Colorado State Championship portion of Third Rock at Cameo.

He's also worked staff positions at Nationals and World Championships—the kind of experience that teaches you what works and what turns into a cluster.

"I have been shooting IDPA 11 years, and work and shoot matches across the country," Henderson said. "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."

Between the lines: The shooting sports are a family affair. His college-age daughter Jordan competes at tiered matches across four states and regularly works staff positions at sanctioned matches nationwide. Having family who understands the commitment helps when you're coordinating a four-state region.

What He's Planning

What this means for you: Henderson wants more clubs, more sanctioned matches, and more shooters—especially juniors and women. Smart priorities, since those are exactly the areas where IDPA needs growth.

He's already talking up upcoming sanctioned matches in his region:

• Utah State: "A little wet for my taste but is an excellent match"
• New Mexico State
• Arizona State
• South Mountain Showdown

Guy's got opinions about weather but recognizes good match management when he sees it.

Passing the Torch

Henderson gave proper credit to the guys who came before him. He thanked Kevin "K-Mart" Martinez and wished him well, plus acknowledged Ben Petty's contributions to New Mexico IDPA and his "sage advice."

That's the mark of someone who understands this is a community effort, not a personal empire.

Day Job and Side Hustles

When he's not coordinating matches or working on his draw, Henderson runs operations and electronic payments for a large regional bank holding company. Because apparently managing money and managing IDPA shooters require similar skill sets.

His off-range time includes hunting, camping, farming, and blacksmithing. Plus volunteer work with veteran support groups and organizations fighting child hunger. The man stays busy.

The bottom line: The Southwest region landed an Area Coordinator who actually shoots, runs matches, and understands what competitors need. Henderson's got the experience and the family connections to build on what's already one of the most active IDPA regions in the country.

For shooters in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, this appointment means continuity with fresh energy focused on growth. And maybe fewer administrative headaches at your next sanctioned match.

Read the original article in The Handbook | By BGC Staff

Join the Discussion

Have you guys shot any IDPA matches in the Southwest region, and what's your take on how local match organization has been running?