Capital Area United Way President Bob Berning resigned Monday as the Board of Directors voted to change leadership in the aftermath of the $1.88 million embezzlement scandal.

"The board of directors voted to accept Bob Berning's resignation," Board Chairman Tom Chirgwin said. "We accept with regret."

Berning is not suspected of any wrongdoing, but the board felt this step was necessary to move forward and regain trust in the charity, Chirgwin said.

"We do feel we've made some progress in moving forward today," he said.

Board member Richard Liles will take the helm as an interim director. Liles, an MSU alumnus, has worked in the criminal justice system and provided consulting and training for organizations involved in public service activity.

The board will also begin a national search for a new president, while the organization will continue attempts in regaining the lost money.

"The final chapter will be cast when we get full restoration and I hope we have that meeting soon," Chirgwin said.

The 42-member panel of directors' vote comes after an internal investigation found former finance chief Jacquelyn Allen-MacGregor allegedly embezzled $1.88 million during the past seven years.

From the beginning of the investigation, Berning told the board he would step down if it would help the organization move forward, Chirgwin said.

"This is the saddest letter I have ever written, and the most difficult," Berning wrote in his resignation letter.