Timeline of James Dobson's career

DOBSON
TIMELINE

1967

James Dobson earns a doctorate in child development and begins working as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. He receives license to practice psychology in California.

1977

Dobson’s first radio broadcast, titled, “Let’s Get Acquainted,” airs as a weekly family advice program. Focus on the Family incorporates as a nonprofit organization, with Dobson as president and a single staff member.

1980

“Focus on the Family” daily radio broadcast premieres. By June, 100 radio stations are carrying the broadcast.

1981

Focus staff is consolidated into one building in Arcadia, Calif., and the staff grows to 34. “Focus on the Family” broadcast expands to 30 minutes.

1982

Dobson is appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Advisory Commission for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (1982-1984).

1983

“Focus on the Family” daily radio program goes worldwide via satellite. Focus breaks ground on a new headquarters in Arcadia in the first structure designed and built for the ministry.

1987

Focus’ first international office opens. U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese appoints Dobson to the Attorney General’s Advisory Board on Missing and Exploited Children (1987-1988). Focus moves from Arcadia to Pomona, Calif., with a staff of 450.

1991

Focus moves to Colorado Springs with a staff of about 400.

1993

Focus moves into new headquarters on a 45-acre campus in Colorado Springs with 1,200 employees.

1994

U.S. Sen. Bob Dole appoints Dobson to serve on the Commission on Child and Family Welfare.

2002

Focus staff reaches 1,400.

2003

Dobson resigns as Focus president and CEO, beginning his transition out of the organization.

2005

Jim Daly is named as president of Focus.

2008

“Focus on the Family” radio show inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.

2009

Dobson resigns as Focus chairman of the board in February. He informs Focus board members in October of his plans for a new ministry. Layoffs reduce Focus’ staff to 860. Dobson announces Dec. 28 on Facebook his plan to start a new ministry.

2010

Dobson’s final hosting of the “Focus on the Family” radio show airs Feb. 26 on thousands of radio stations worldwide. He plans to begin the “Family Talk” radio show on May 3.

Sources: Focus
on the Family
and Gazette research