Additionally, Dobson's wife, Shirley--who serves as National Day of Prayer chairman--has also stepped down from the board of directors, according to a Feb. 27 announcement. Focus officials said that the Dobsons' decision follows a transition plan begun six years ago, when James Dobson stepped down as president in order to lessen his administrative burden. Executive leadership was handed to Don Hodel in 2003, and then to Jim Daly in 2005.

Besides continuing to host the "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast, Dobson, 72, will also continue to write the organization's newsletter, sent to 1.6 million people monthly.

"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," said Dobson, whose books include The New Strong-Willed Child and Bringing Up Boys (both Tyndale House Publishers). "I have wanted not to make that mistake. ... Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do."

Last fall, Focus eliminated more than 200 staff positions, its largest employee cutback ever, the Associated Press reported.

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