FOCUS Welcomes New CEO
FOCUS names Jonathan Reyes as the new CEO of FOCUS, leading the organization in its mission to know Christ Jesus and fulfill His Great Commission.
Announcement Letter • October 7, 2026
Jonathan Reyes to Lead National Catholic Outreach
Dear Friends,
After a prayerful and thorough search, we are delighted to announce that Jonathan Reyes will serve as our next CEO, effective Nov. 16. Jonathan’s background is marked by decades of executive leadership in evangelization, charity and Catholic higher education, a long history with FOCUS, and a deep love for Jesus Christ and his Church.
Archbishop Emeritus Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia, a former board member and close friend of the apostolate, said, “I’ve known and admired Jonathan Reyes for many years, both as a lay leader and a friend. He’s a man of exceptional Christian character, intellect, apostolic energy and professional skill. He knows the founder’s vision and the wonderful FOCUS staff and missionaries from long personal experience, and he’ll build on that to make the work of FOCUS even more fruitful in the years ahead. The FOCUS Board made exactly the right choice in a next-generation leader.”
The conviction that led to the founding of FOCUS in 1998 remains at the heart of our mission today: when men and women encounter Christ through authentic friendship and are invited into the fullness of the Gospel, their lives are changed and they are equipped to bring that same invitation to others. That vision has grown into a movement beyond the campus to every stage of life. Our mission remains unchanged and stronger than ever. With the support of each of you, Jonathan will continue partnering with Church leaders to carry that mission into this next season of our apostolate.
Jonathan shared, “Decades ago, I joined FOCUS at Curtis Martin’s invitation to support the important work of missionary formation. That invitation changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. Over the years, I have watched God use this apostolate to transform thousands of lives on college campuses and in parishes. That fruit is a sign of God’s blessing and a testimony to the faithful leaders and missionaries who have given themselves completely to the Great Commission. It is a privilege to serve alongside them, and I pray God will continue to bless FOCUS for generations to come.”
We step into this next chapter with gratitude for the leaders who have paved the way and confidence that the Lord’s faithfulness will continue. We are grateful for Curtis Martin, who continues to serve FOCUS in his Founder role, advocating for the New Evangelization and the mission of FOCUS.
Curtis told us, “I have been blessed to know Jonathan for more than 25 years. He has extensive leadership experience working with the Church and a deep desire to help others encounter Jesus Christ. Please join me in praying for Jonathan as he helps lead FOCUS and carries this mission forward.”
We are also grateful for Tim Thoman’s faithful and dedicated service as Interim CEO since December 2025. Tim will assist with the transition and then return to his role serving on the FOCUS Board of Directors.
We believe that, under Jonathan’s leadership, together we will continue to draw close to Jesus Christ and be faithful instruments in building his Kingdom. Please join us in welcoming Jonathan Reyes to our mission here at FOCUS in his new role as CEO.
In Christ,
FOCUS Board of Directors
About Jonathan Reyes
Jonathan Reyes has devoted his career to serving the Catholic Church, guided by a single conviction: the Gospel has the power to renew every person, family and culture it reaches. A Catholic leader and builder of missionary institutions, he returns to FOCUS having spent decades forming disciples who carry the faith with confidence into parishes, campuses and the public square.
He previously served as FOCUS’ Vice President of Ministry and Formation (2004 – 2005), helping shape the formation of missionaries who accompany college students into a life of discipleship. For Reyes, this work has always been deeply personal. Across decades of apostolic leadership, he has consistently championed the idea that true cultural renewal begins with a personal invitation to know Jesus Christ and his Church.
Reyes has served for nearly 30 years in senior leadership and CEO roles, including his recent position as the Senior Vice President of Communications for the Knights of Columbus. He also led the order’s work to equip Catholic men to grow in holiness, lead their families in faith, and share Christ with their parishes and communities.
Before joining the Knights of Columbus, Reyes served the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C., first as Executive Director of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development, and later as Assistant General Secretary for Integral Human Development.
Much of Reyes’ ministry and leadership has centered on launching new works of evangelization. In 2005, he co-founded and served as the first president of the Augustine Institute, which forms Catholic leaders for the New Evangelization. Reyes also previously taught history at Christendom College, where he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs. He founded Christ in the City in 2011, a national volunteer and formation program, and served as President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver (2009 – 2012).
Reyes’ work is grounded in deep study of the Church’s history. A Rackham Graduate Fellow at the University of Michigan, he went on to complete a Ph.D. in European history at the University of Notre Dame, where his research focused on Christopher Dawson, the historian whose work explored how faith gives birth to culture. That vision continues to inform his conviction that evangelization is the foundation for transforming communities and culture. Reyes speaks frequently at conferences, parishes and college campuses across the country, including previous SEEK conferences hosted by FOCUS. He and his wife of 31 years, Stephanie, have seven children and will be relocating to Colorado from Northern Virginia.
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“I welcome with great joy the appointment of Jonathan Reyes, as the new CEO of FOCUS. The friendship Jonathan shares with Curtis Martin gives this transition a special continuity. Jonathan’s experience in various apostolates, most recently the world’s largest fraternal organization, the Knights of Columbus, has prepared him well to lead in this moment. My brother bishops and I rely deeply upon lay movements such as FOCUS to help bring the Great Commission to fruition in every generation. May the Lord bless Jonathan and the entire FOCUS family as they continue forming missionary disciples for Christ and His Church.”
—Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City
President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
About FOCUS
Forming Catholics who form the Church.
Since 1998, FOCUS has been inviting people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church. More than 1,000 active FOCUS missionaries across the U.S. partner with local dioceses to reach people at every stage of life and help form the next generation of Catholic leaders. FOCUS hosts the annual SEEK conference, one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the country, to inspire and challenge people to deepen their personal faith in God.
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