COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Focus on the Family's James Dobson has stepped down as board chairman of the ministry he founded 32 years ago, according to a news release on the organization’s Web site (www.focusonthefamily.com).
James Dobson
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Dobson’s wife, Shirley, also has left the Focus on the Family Board of Directors. They have been elected to the positions of founder and chairman emeritus and director emerita, respectively, for the nonprofit ministry they started in 1977.
The moves represent the next step in a transition plan begun six years ago, when Dobson stepped down as president in order to lessen his administrative burden, according to the release. Executive leadership was handed to Don Hodel in 2003, and then to Jim Daly in 2005. Dobson remained board chairman until Feb. 27.
Dobson will continue the "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast, and handle other duties as in the past, the release said. He will also continue to write the organization’s newsletter, sent to 1.6 million people per month.
"One of the common errors of founder-presidents," Dobson said, "is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority…. Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do."