Brenda Reid

Brenda Reid (D‑8660), based in Eloy, Arizona, is a respected leader, competitor, judge, and industry professional whose lifelong commitment to skydiving has impacted the sport across continents. She began her skydiving career in 1974 in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa, where she developed a passion for freefall that would shape her life and legacy. In 1976, she relocated to Johannesburg and became Secretary of the Parachuting Section of the Aero Club of South Africa, contributing to the organization and promotion of parachuting in the region.

In 1978, Brenda captained an all-female four-way formation skydiving team representing South Africa at the World Cup in France, demonstrating both skill and leadership on the international stage.

Following her move to the United States in 1980, Brenda continued to deepen her involvement in the sport. She began judging competitions in 1987 and earned her USPA National Judges Rating, quickly becoming a trusted figure in competitive evaluation. In 1992, she earned her Private Pilot’s License, further strengthening her connection to aviation and the sport of skydiving.

One of her most influential contributions came in 1996–1997, when she authored the Manual for the IPC Judges Training Program, which was officially adopted by the International Parachuting Commission (IPC) in 1998. The manual helped set a global standard for judge training and continues to impact competitions today.

Brenda also served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Rigging Innovations, Inc., a respected parachute equipment manufacturer based in Eloy, Arizona. Her work supported the company’s operations and its role in advancing skydiving safety and technology.

In 2015, Brenda Reid was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame, in recognition of her decades-long dedication to competition, judging, aviation, and the advancement of skydiving worldwide.