Two of the three embattled board members of Columbia’s oldest village resigned from their posts Wednesday.

Wilde Lake Village Board Chair Katharine Rathbun and her husband, Edward Richards, resigned effective immediately in separate letters dated Wednesday. Rathbun shared the letters Thursday night with The Banner.

“I cannot continue to serve in a position where I am actively prevented from fulfilling my fiduciary duties to protect the Association’s finances and our community’s interests,” Rathbun wrote.

Wilde Lake residents have been sounding the alarm about what they say has been a year of infighting and discord among village board members.

Rathbun, who’s been a critic of the election process and village governance, along with Richards and Francis Uy was newly elected to the board last spring in a contest that drew only five candidates for five seats. The three joined incumbents Kevin McAliley and Brandon Cogdell.

Rathbun had joined the board a year earlier but was removed in January 2025 for financial malfeasance related to the board spending at least $7,000 on legal fees looking at whether she could access election records.

State Sen. Clarence Lam, who attended a village meeting last fall after calls from concerned residents, said Thursday night that, while the recent events on the Wilde Lake board have been “unfortunate,” he hopes it can inspire residents to serve their community without inserting their own agendas.

“I’m hopeful with these resignations that the village board can work toward healing the community and restoring trust within the village, the board and its staff,” Lam said.

Roughly 20 village residents unofficially gathered Monday evening to express their concerns about the village’s finances, board member behavior, the treatment of the community association staff and the upcoming village board election in April. They met in reaction to the village board meeting being canceled suddenly for the second time this month.

Residents have come to the defense of longtime Village Manager Sharon Cooper-Kerr, who has expressed concern that some board members were seeking to fire her. Last month, in an unannounced closed session, the board voted to strip Cooper-Kerr of her treasurer duties. According to the Wilde Lake Community Association’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, the village manager serves as the treasurer.

“The Wilde Lake Community Association deserves transparent financial management, a manager who follows board directives, board members who honor their duty to serve, and meetings where members can participate without fear of intimidation,” Rathbun wrote in her resignation letter.

In his letter, Richards said village meetings “have become unsafe” because of disruption and intimidation by attendees he said are supporters of Cooper-Kerr.

“When I agreed to serve on this board, I expected to work collaboratively to serve the interests of our community,” Richards wrote. “Instead, I have witnessed systematic obstruction of proper governance, financial mismanagement, and a hostile environment that makes effective board service impossible.”

Last year, Howard County Police responded to two calls alleging assault and disorderly conduct during meetings.

“It has been an honor to fight for the proper governance of our community,” Rathbun wrote. “I wish the association and its members the very best.”

McAliley, reached Thursday night, said he is looking forward to “getting back to the business of the people.”

“I would like to reestablish our good name in the community and reestablish our relationships with our local and state leaders, our grant funders and our financial relationships,” McAliley said.

He said he wishes the best for Rathbun and Richards and encourages them to remain involved in the community.

The village board is expected to meet in person with a virtual option at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

This article has been updated.