Dr. Dobson steps down as chairman of Focus on the Family

Denver, Colo., Feb 27, 2009 / 12:09 pm

Today it was announced that Dr. James Dobson, has resigned as chairman of the Christian group, Focus on the Family.

According to Focus on the Family, Dobson, 72, is stepping down as part of the organization’s succession plan.

"One of the common errors of founder-presidents, is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority,” Dobson acknowledged in a press release.

He continued, “Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do."

Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977 with a weekly radio address to provide advice for families. He is licensed as psychologist in California and is a licensed marriage, family and child counselor in California and Colorado.

The Christian group is based in Colorado Springs and emphasizes the importance of traditional marriage and family.  It also produces Dobson’s syndicated radio program that has a significant international following.

The board of directors applauded Dobson’s efforts in ensuring the future leadership of the organization in a statement, saying, "One of Dr. Dobson's objectives during the last decade has been to help identify the next generation of leadership for the ministry, and to see it established securely before he stepped away from administrative oversight. That purpose has now been fulfilled, and we applaud Dr. Dobson for this concern for the future of the ministry."

Though Dobson is stepping down, he will continue his radio broadcast and handle other duties as in the past. He will also continue to write the newsletter, sent to 1.6 million people per month.

Jim Daly, the organization’s president and CEO, stressed that the ministry will "forever be committed to the fulfillment of the mission so definitively served by both Dr. and Mrs. Dobson – helping families thrive."

"The Dobsons have dedicated their lives to Focus on the Family," Daly said. "He is my mentor and friend – and an inspiration and role model to millions of Americans.