Focus on the Family has begun a nationwide search for its next president after long-time leader Jim Daly announced he intends to step down, the organisation said as it prepares for its 50th anniversary in 2027. The leadership change follows Daly's more than two decades as president and CEO, a role he took on in 2005.
Search aims for younger leadership
The ministry said the transition is intended to bring “new faces, new energy, younger leadership” to help address issues affecting people in their 30s and 40s, particularly around marriage and parenting. Daly has framed the move as a planned succession rather than a response to controversy.
“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.
The organisation has engaged FaithSearch Partners, an executive search firm, to lead the recruitment. Ed Fry, FaithSearch’s founder and CEO, characterised the assignment as significant, saying the incoming leader will need strong skills across public communication, fundraising, strategic planning and administration.
What the change means for stakeholders
For congregants and partner organisations, leadership transitions at large ministries can affect public messaging, priorities and partnerships. The ministry’s public-facing work — including media outreach, fundraising and programming — is likely to be an area of focus for the search committee.
- Timing: Daly announced his intent to step down with the organisation approaching its 50th anniversary in 2027.
- Goal: Recruit a successor focused on connecting with younger adults and families.
- Process: FaithSearch Partners has been retained to manage the national search.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current president | Jim Daly (since 2005) |
| Search partner | FaithSearch Partners |
| Anniversary | 50th in 2027 |
The organisation emphasised that the search seeks leaders who will remain grounded in the ministry’s stated biblical principles while bringing the skills necessary to steward a complex national operation.
Local faith groups and individuals in Milton who engage with national ministries may watch the process closely for shifts in emphasis or outreach approaches. The timeline for hiring was not detailed in the announcement.
