FOCUS unanimously selects next CEO

The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) announced Oct. 7 that its board unanimously selected Jonathan Reyes as the organization’s next chief executive officer.

After what FOCUS described as a “prayerful and thorough search,” the board selected Reyes, who previously served as the organization’s vice president of ministry and formation and on its board, according to an Oct. 7 press release.

Reyes expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside FOCUS’ missionaries.

“Over the years, I have watched God use this apostolate to transform thousands of lives on college campuses and in parishes,” he said. “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.”

Reyes, who co-founded the Augustine Institute and served as its first president, will begin Nov. 16. He succeeds interim CEO Tim Thoman, who has led the organization since December 2025 during the board’s national search.

In an Oct. 7 email to supporters, board Chairman William Mumma expressed confidence in Reyes’ ability to lead FOCUS’ staff and missionaries.

“Jonathan has a deep, abiding love for Christ, a proven dedication to Catholic evangelization, and decades of executive leadership experience,” he wrote. “He truly understands what it takes to reach souls and form lifelong disciples, and we have tremendous confidence in his ability to guide our staff and missionaries forward.”

FOCUS describes its mission as drawing people into a relationship with Jesus Christ and preparing them to share the faith and build up God’s kingdom. Founded in 1998, the organization says it has more than 1,000 active missionaries across the U.S. Its work includes personal mentorship, Bible studies, mission trips, and the annual SEEK conference.

Mumma pointed to Reyes’ leadership experience and knowledge of FOCUS’ mission in the release.

“From the start of our search, the Board considered it ideal to find someone who combined a proven record of executive leadership with firsthand knowledge of this apostolate. Jonathan has walked alongside our missionaries, and he returns with a real understanding of how this mission bears fruit,” he said.

In addition to co-founding the Augustine Institute, Reyes has held senior leadership roles at the Knights of Columbus, Christendom College, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Reyes and his wife, Stephanie, have seven children and will relocate to Colorado, home to FOCUS’ national headquarters.

Curtis Martin, the organization’s founder, will continue serving on its board and working with Church leaders to advance evangelization. He invited the faithful to pray for Reyes as he prepares to lead FOCUS.

“I have been blessed to know Jonathan for more than 25 years,” Martin said. “Jonathan 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.”