Tighter focus

Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, 66, will turn over his post as president and CEO of the group this month to Don Hodel, a Focus board member and former secretary of the interior and energy in the Reagan administration. Mr. Dobson, who retains his post as Focus' chairman, said he plans to spend more time speaking and writing. He will remain the radio voice of Focus, whose daily broadcasts reach an estimated 5 million listeners.

The ministry, with multiple outreach and publishing programs, a staff of nearly 1,300, and a mailing list of 2.6 million, has had to cope with the downturn in the economy. It recently pared its budget to $125 million, laid off 36 staff, and eliminated 60 other positions.