James Dobson, who founded the conservative evangelical group Focus on the Family, has resigned from his role as chairman of that organization, according to the Associated Press.

Mr. Dobson, 72, announced his decision to the board of the Colorado Springs ministry on Wednesday and the charity’s employees were told this morning during a monthly worship service, according to Jim Daly, the group’s chief executive officer. Mr. Dobson will be replaced as board chair by Patrick P. Caruana, a retired Air Force official. The move was part of an existing succession plan, according to the news service.

Mr. Dobson will continue to be involved in some of the charity’s activities, such as his hosting of Focus on the Family’s national radio program, Mr. Daly said, and will also continue to speak out publicly about social issues. Mr. Dobson has for decades been one of the key public voices among social conservatives, and endorsed Sen. John McCain during the Arizona Republican’s run for the presidency last year.