Ethics Violations Cited As 3 Removed From Columbia Association Board

COLUMBIA, MD — Three board members of the Columbia Association were removed at the April 23 board of directors meeting due to ethics violations.

A statement released by the association Thursday stated that an ethics panel investigation had been launched and, effective that same day, Reg Avery, Karin Emery and Eric Greenberg were removed from the board.

"Their removal follows an ethics investigation report and recommendations made to the board of directors on April 9 and reviewed on April 14. In accordance with CA's bylaws and its process for considering alleged violations of the Code of Business Conduct & Policies, the CA board members, as the Columbia Council, met prior to the April 23 open meeting of the board of directors to take final action on the ethics panel recommendations," the board stated.

The Columbia Association's ethics panel consists of three attorneys without any tie to or interest in the association.

“This board takes its obligations to Columbia Association and the Columbia community seriously, and that includes maintaining the integrity of our governance,” said Board Chair Collin Sullivan.

The details of the ethics investigation, including the panel's findings and the basis for removal of members, were addressed in closed sessions and will not be disclosed.

"In doing so, the board followed CA’s ethics policies and rules regarding confidentiality and acted pursuant to the law. Further details of the ethics determinations cannot be provided without further approval from the board," the board stated.