The Richmond Crusade for Voters has changed its leadership.

Corey M. Nicholson is now the president of the city’s oldest

and largest African-American political group.

He took over as the voter education group prepares to endorse

national, state and local candidates at its September meeting,

begins the process for holding elections for new officers in November

and considers how to mark the 60th

anniversary of its founding in 1956.

“It’s a busy time,” Mr. Nicholson said.

The 52-year-old attorney moved up from

first vice president to interim president

following the resignation of Reginald D.

“Regie” Ford, five months before his term

was to expire in December.

Mr. Ford, 47, stepped down in July following

months of criticism for handling of

the group’s affairs, members said.

A mortgage loan officer for SunTrust

Bank, Mr. Ford had been under fire, members said, for failing

to provide financial details from a fundraising banquet the group

held and for making decisions for the Crusade without consulting

the executive board as required.

Mr. Nicholson said he has not decided whether he would seek

the presidency in the group’s upcoming election. — JEREMY

M. LAZARUS