National Industries for the Blind Names Former Defense Logistics Agency Director to Its Board of Directors

Retired Army Lieutenant General Darrell K. Williams becomes the organization’s newest board member

National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind, announced that retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Darrell K. Williams has joined its board of directors.

Lt. Gen. Williams is vice president and managing director of Logistics Commodities and Services Transformation (LCST) and Logistics at Leidos, a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader supporting the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets.

In his final military assignment, Lt. Gen. Williams led the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), where he oversaw more than 25,000 military personnel and civilians deployed globally to provide combat support logistics. As DLA director, he also supervised the National Defense Stockpile and the Department of Defense’s reverse logistic process, and directed nine supply chains supporting the U.S. military, as well as federal, state, local, and international partners.

“During my military career I witnessed first-hand the capabilities of people who are blind working at NIB and its associated nonprofit agencies,” said Lt. Gen. Williams. “I’m now eager to help NIB implement innovative solutions to build rewarding careers for people who are blind across the country.”

For more than 80 years, NIB and its associated nonprofit agencies have created and sustained thousands of U.S.-based jobs for people who are blind in nearly every sector of the economy—from manufacturing to professional services. People who are blind working in NIB’s nationwide network earn competitive pay and benefits in quality, inclusive workplaces, and have access to advanced training and development programs to help them succeed in any career they choose.

“We’re thrilled to welcome General Williams to the NIB board of directors,” said Dr. Paul Healy, NIB board chairperson. “His knowledge and experience of the defense and logistics industries will be invaluable as the board expands employment opportunities for people who are blind.”

NIB’s board of directors provides governance and oversight for an organization that supports the employment of 5,500 Americans who are blind across the country. Composed of 12 private sector representatives and eight associated agency chief executive officers, the NIB board sets the organization’s strategic direction, oversees finances, and approves and monitors programs and services, among other duties.

“The Department of Defense is our largest and most long-standing customer,” said NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch. “General Williams’ experience and the relationships he built during his decorated military career are a tremendous asset for NIB and our associated nonprofit agencies. He’ll provide valuable insight and guidance as we expand and strengthen our support to the nation’s military and federal government.”

Click here to read General Williams’ full biography.

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About National Industries for the Blind

Since 1938, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) has focused on enhancing the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining, and improving employment. NIB and its network of associated nonprofit agencies are the nation’s largest employer of people who are blind through the manufacture and provision of SKILCRAFT® and other products and services of the AbilityOne® Program. For more information about NIB, visit NIB.org.