Tony Reid is an accomplished Commercial sUAS Pilot with 6 years of experience in the UAV drone
industry. His journey began in September 2016 when he obtained his Part 107 UAS Certification,
marking the beginning of a remarkable career in the field.
Mr. Reid has made significant contributions to disaster response efforts through his collaboration with
the American Red Cross. His expertise has been instrumental in various missions, providing crucial
support during critical situations. From mapping efforts during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to
conducting damage assessments in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2018, Mr. Reid
consistently demonstrated his commitment to helping affected communities. In 2019, he deployed to
the grand Bahamas for Hurricane Relief, conducting extensive damage assessments in the aftermath
of Hurricane Dorian. This included inspections of buildings, bridges, highways, roofs, and powerlines.
In addition to these accomplishments, Mr. Reid is a Co-Founder, Vice President of Business
Development, and Drone Instructor at Drone Cadets. This innovative program aims to expose and
train young individuals, particularly from black and brown communities, in drone technology. Through
the program, FAA rules and regulations, repair classes, coding, and drone operations are taught,
empowering the next generation with valuable skills and opportunities.
Mr. Reid's dedication to disaster response extends beyond his work with the American Red Cross. In
2022, during Hurricane Ian in Florida, his team at Drone Cadets dispatched 12 pilots to capture
damages to people's homes and businesses. This rapid response and thorough assessment provided
crucial information for relief efforts, enabling swift action and assistance for affected individuals.
Drawing from his experiences as a corrections officer at Rikers Island, where he worked specifically
with the adolescent population aged 16 to 21 years old, Mr. Reid recognized the importance of
bridging the gap and providing opportunities for underserved communities. This drove his passion to
expose black and brown youth to drone technology and ensure their equal access to its
transformative potential.
With his diverse experiences as a corrections officer, Commercial sUAS Pilot, and advocate for
inclusivity, Tony Reid continues to make significant strides in the UAV drone industry. His work not
only advances technology and supports disaster response efforts but also serves as an inspiration for
the next generation, empowering them to pursue their dreams and create a positive impact in their
communities.
