13 January 2026
Dear Friends,
It is with mixed feelings that I share the news that after 12 and a half years of faithful service, Brett Ryan has made the decision to resign as CEO of Focus on the Family Australia.
Over the past nine months, Brett and his wife Kate have been prayerfully discerning what God has for their next season. Brett would like to share with you:
“This decision comes after much prayer and several confirmations since the start of the year. Kate and I have a growing heart for family ministry in Europe and have felt a ‘nudge’ from the Holy Spirit in this direction for some time. While we initially thought this calling would be two to three years away, it intensified significantly in recent months. So, we have decided to relocate to Europe in March 2026 as a step of faith and obedience.
Kate and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and encouragement over so many years. It has been an incredible honour and privilege to serve Australian families and to play a small part in your lives over the last 12 and a half years.”
As a Board, we feel the sadness of saying goodbye to Brett’s leadership – but we are very excited to see Brett and Kate stepping into obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and for their next chapter serving the Lord. There is nothing sweeter than being in step with God’s direction and leading.
We are also delighted to share that Brett will continue to serve as spokesperson for Focus on the Family Australia in 2026, so you will still see and hear Brett on our social media platforms and radio broadcasts around Australia. His voice and wisdom will remain a blessing to families nationwide.
On behalf of the Board, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to Brett for his exemplary leadership and service to Focus on the Family Australia as CEO. His positive impact on families across Australia will be felt for many generations to come. We also extend our deep appreciation to Kate, whose support and faithful service alongside Brett have been invaluable, and we are grateful for her heart for families.
Brett stands in the long line of esteemed leaders who have shaped our ministry, from founding CEO Glenn Williams to Dr Andrew Boutros and Brett McLeod. We honour this legacy with gratitude.
The Board will now commence the search for our next CEO. I am pleased that Chief Operating Officer Josh Reid will serve as Acting CEO during the transition period to ensure stability and continuity.
As we turn the page on this significant chapter, we do so with deep respect for Brett’s leadership tenure and genuine excitement for what God has ahead. We are confident that the Lord is preparing a new and hope-filled season for marriages, parents, and families across Australia. We look forward with anticipation to the ways God will continue to use Focus on the Family Australia to restore and strengthen homes in 2026 and beyond.
We warmly invite you to pray for Brett and Kate as they prepare for their new chapter of ministry, and for the Board and staff as we seek God’s wisdom for the next exciting era of Focus on the Family Australia to continue our calling to create a legacy of God-honouring families across our great country.
Thank you for your faithful partnership with our ministry.
Steven Fogg
Board Chair
Focus on the Family Australia
Media Release – Focus on the Family Australia Leadership Update Jan 2026.pdf