Jim Daly Set to Retire

After nearly two decades leading Focus on the Family, Jim Daly is preparing to pass the baton to the next generation.

The president of one of America’s most influential Evangelical organizations announced this week that Focus on the Family has officially launched a nationwide search for its next leader. The succession process is expected to take 12 to 18 months and will culminate ahead of the ministry’s 50th anniversary in 2027.

“My core belief was it’s good to get new faces, new energy, younger leadership in to kind of speak to the 30-, 40-somethings now about what they’re facing with marriage and parenting,” Daly said. “I’m going to be turning 65 here. It’s time to start looking for the next-gen leadership. That’s really the goal, and to do it well is the other goal.”

The search, being conducted with executive search firm FaithSearch Partners, will culminate in a vote by Focus’ board of directors. Candidates are expected to begin applying immediately. Founded in 1977 by psychologist and author Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family grew from a fledgling radio ministry into one of the most recognizable voices in American evangelicalism. Through its daily radio broadcasts, magazines, books, counseling services and public policy advocacy, the Colorado Springs-based nonprofit became a defining force in conversations surrounding marriage, parenting, religious liberty and the sanctity of life. Today, the ministry says it reaches millions through radio, podcasts and digital media while operating 13 international offices, employing roughly 750 people and overseeing an annual budget of about $150 million. Daly’s own journey to the presidency began in 2005, when he succeeded Dobson after serving in executive leadership roles within the organization. The founder’s departure proved challenging, according to Daly, who acknowledged that experience has shaped how he’s approaching his own transition.

“So many transitions don’t go well,” he said. “We had some difficulty in the founder transition, even at Focus with Dr. Dobson, and I took a lot of notes and thought, ‘When it’s my turn … I want to make sure I do it as best as I can.’ Christians should be leading the way on how to do this well.”