ITASCA, IL – July 24th, 2026 – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of General (Ret) Joseph L. Votel to its Board of Directors. General Votel brings a distinguished record of military leadership, strategic expertise, and a lifelong commitment to serving the nation’s warfighters.
General Joseph L. Votel is a retired U.S. Army Four-Star officer and former Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), where he was responsible for U.S. and coalition military operations in the Middle East, the Levant, and Central and South Asia. During his 39 years in the military, he commanded special operations and conventional military forces at every level. His career included combat operations in Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Notably, he led a 79-member coalition that successfully liberated Iraq and Syria from the Islamic State Caliphate. Prior to his assignment at CENTCOM, he served as Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
Following his retirement from military service, General Votel served as President and CEO of Business Executives for National Security (BENS). He currently serves on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards and advisory organizations, including AeroVironment, Minnesota Wire, DC Capital Partners, NtelSec, Insight Partners, and the Middle East Institute. He is also the Distinguished Chair of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Paul C. Darley, Chairman and CEO, commented, “We are so honored to have General Votel join our board. His life of selfless service to our country, serving our warfighters in JSOC, SOCOM and CENTCOM will help us to better serve our Department of War customer base.”
General Votel stated, “I am really excited to join Darley and be a part of this legendary company that does such great work for our first responders and military.”
General Votel’s appointment reflects Darley’s ongoing commitment to building on the strength of its Board of Directors with experienced leaders who provide strategic guidance and oversight in support of the company’s long-term direction and continued success.
Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.