Archbishop Aquila Reflects on Curtis Martin’s Legacy as FOCUS Founder Steps Down as CEO

FOCUS Founder Curtis Martin announced his retirement from the role of FOCUS CEO, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Photo: FOCUS)

Curtis Martin, founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), has announced he is stepping down as CEO after nearly three decades of leadership, marking a significant transition for one of the most influential Catholic evangelization ministries in the Church today. 

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila offered the following statement upon the announcement: 

“I am deeply grateful for the many years of partnership and friendship I have shared with Curtis Martin. From the earliest days of FOCUS to its extraordinary growth into a global missionary movement, Curtis has been a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and the Church. He is a tireless witness to the Gospel and has responded to the call of the Holy Spirit to found FOCUS — a work that has borne fruit that only God can produce.   At the heart of FOCUS is leading young men and women to encounter Jesus and become his disciples. Under Curtis’ leadership, the impact of FOCUS on the dioceses I have served as bishop has been a great blessing — one that has brought gratitude to my heart to the Father for Curtis and for the many FOCUS missionaries.  As I have watched FOCUS grow into one of the greatest missionary adventures in the Church today, I am filled with awe at Jesus’ faithfulness to his promise: that when we stay attached to the vine, Jesus, fruit will be born far beyond our expectations. Many of our priestly vocations have come from FOCUS, and many young people who have encountered Jesus through FOCUS continue to live on mission in their parishes throughout the United States.   The work of FOCUS is no longer limited to the United States but has expanded globally. FOCUS has now grown to the point where one full-time CEO cannot both manage day-to-day operations and promote the mission among young people and donors. Having Curtis free to continue to share the vision as Founder will motivate many to enter relationship with Jesus and ensure that the work of FOCUS continues to grow for many more decades. The work of evangelization is never finished and is one desperately needed today. Having known Tim Thoman for several years, I know that he knows FOCUS well, has a missionary heart, and a love for Jesus and the Church. He will serve well as interim CEO as the board searches for a new CEO.   I am especially thankful that Curtis and FOCUS are based in the Archdiocese of Denver, where they have blessed our local Church in countless ways. As Curtis enters this new chapter of service as Founder, I offer my prayers and sincere gratitude to him and his wife,  Michaelann, who has supported him and his family during the past 28 years. I thank them for faithfully following the vision the Lord placed on Curtis' heart, and I pray for FOCUS as it continues its vital mission of evangelization.” 

A Ministry That Has Transformed the Church 

Founded in 1998 with just four missionaries serving on a single college campus, FOCUS has experienced significant growth under Martin’s leadership. Today, more than 1,000 FOCUS missionaries serve in over 250 locations, reaching nearly 60,000 students and parishioners each year. 

In a letter to FOCUS leadership dated on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12), Martin reflected on the ministry’s history and growth.

“Since we began in 1998 with four missionaries on one campus, God has grown this mission in remarkable ways,” he said.

Martin highlighted several milestones in the ministry’s expansion, noting that since 2008, FOCUS missionaries have led over 1,200 mission trips, sending more than 20,000 people to serve in over 50 countries. He also pointed to the organization’s impact on vocations, citing data from the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors indicating that FOCUS has impacted one-third of all U.S. diocesan seminarians. 

Reflecting on the broader significance of this growth, Martin wrote, “This all points to the work of the Holy Spirit through countless men and women who have said yes, year after year, to the mission the Lord has entrusted to us.” 

A Prayerful Transition for Long-Term Mission 

Martin explained that his decision to step down as CEO followed years of prayerful discernment with the FOCUS Board of Directors, undertaken with a focus on long-term sustainability and continuity of mission. 

“As FOCUS now moves into a new stage of growth, our leadership structure must also evolve,” Martin wrote. “My desire is to do what is best for the institution I love so dearly.” 

As part of the transition, Martin will move into an expanded public-facing role as Founder and will continue to serve on the FOCUS Board of Directors. Longtime board member Tim Thoman has been named Interim CEO while the board searches for the organization’s next permanent leader. 

Announcing the appointment, Martin wrote, “I am thrilled that Tim Thoman will serve in this role.” 

Martin noted that Thoman and his wife, Cathy, have long supported the mission of FOCUS, and that Thoman brings years of leadership experience to the interim position. 

A Lasting Presence in Colorado 

Based in Colorado for many years, FOCUS has had a significant impact on the local Church, particularly within the Archdiocese of Denver. The ministry’s presence has enriched parishes, campuses, and vocations throughout the region. 

Martin concluded his letter by thanking FOCUS staff and missionaries for their faithfulness and service, writing, “It is one of the deepest privileges of my life to serve alongside you, and I look forward to what God will continue to do through our work together.” 

As FOCUS enters this new chapter, the Archdiocese of Denver joins the wider Church in praying for Curtis Martin, Tim Thoman, and the entire FOCUS community as they continue their mission of evangelization.