James Dobson Resigns As Chairman of Focus On the Family

Jim Burroway

February 27th, 2009

James Dobson (Mike Simons/Getty Images)

James Dobson (Mike Simons/Getty Images)

The Associated Press is reporting that James Dobson is resigning as chairman of Focus On the Family, but he will continue to play a prominent role in the organization. Dobson, 72, notified the board of directors on Wednesday, and the 950 remaining employees were told this morning at a monthly worship service at their Colorado Springs headquarters.

Jim Daly, the who succeeded Dobson as president and CEO six months ago, said that Dobson will continue to speak out on political matters. He will also continue to write his monthly newsletter. Dobson will continue to host FOTF’s radio program for the time being, although there is some indication that the program may be retooled with a new host or group of hosts in order to reach a younger audience. Focus officials have acknowledged difficulties in raising money from younger families recently. But with Dobson continuing to play a prominent role in the organization, this latest move likely won’t signal a change in FOTF’s positions or tone in the short term.

Dobson described his resignation as the last step in their transition 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 said in a statement. “… Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do.”

Focus On the Family has undergone a series of layoffs over the past few years. At its peak, FOTF employed some 1,500 employees. As of September 2007, FOTF reported an $8 million budget shortfall. Daly said they are now “right on track” with a revised annual budget of $138 million, a budget which dwarfs that of the Human Rights Campaign and the HRC Foundation, representing the largest LGBT advocacy group, by 3.6 to 1.

deb

February 27th, 2009

I’m glad people are posting about this. The sentiment seems to be the same in all the pages I’ve read so far. I posted, too. :)
Dobson is Done


http://dhconcerts.wordpress.com/2009/02/27/dobson-is-done/

Jason

February 28th, 2009

We too, in Canada have the Focus on the Family group. When my husband and I took the gov to court for the right to marry, that group financed the couple who applied for intervener status. In any event, I just wanted to show you this link:

http://www.slapupsidethehead.com/2009/02/evangelical-lobbyists-get-top-pmo-gigs/

Pretty scary, eh?

Timothy (TRiG)

March 1st, 2009

Oh, a fellow fan of Slap. I love that blog.

TRiG.

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