____________________________

1 Participated in the morning session only.

2 Participated in the afternoon session only. 

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 24, 2016, MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

ATTENDANCE

This scheduled meeting of the Board of Regents (“Board”) of the Smithsonian Institution (“Smithsonian”) 

was held on Monday, October 24, 2016. The Board conducted morning, afternoon, and executive 

sessions in the Regents’ Room and the Commons of the Smithsonian Castle in Washington, DC. Board 

Chair John W. McCarter, Jr., called the meeting to order at 8:29 a.m. Also present were Regents:

Barbara M. Barrett

Steve Case

John Fahey

Shirley Ann Jackson

Robert P. Kogod 

Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey

Michael Lynton

David M. Rubenstein

Robert MacDonald, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Alan G. Spoon, Advancement Committee Chair

The Chief Justice, Vice President, Senator John Boozman, Senator David Perdue, Senator Patrick J. Leahy, 

Representative Xavier Becerra, Representative Tom Cole, Representative Sam Johnson, and Investment 

Committee Chair Tim O’Neill were unable to attend the meeting. 

Also present by invitation of the Board were: 

David J. Skorton, Secretary

Patricia Bartlett, Acting Assistant Secretary 

 Education & Access

Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary 

Epin Christensen,

1 Counsel to the Inspector 

General

Virginia B. Clark, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement

Jennifer Ehlinger, Office of the Regents Senior 

 Researcher & Writer (recorder)

Rachel Goslins,

1 Director for the Arts & Industries 

Building

Amanda Hamilton,

1 Assistant to Representative 

 Johnson

Toni-Marie Higgins,

1 Assistant to Senator Boozman

Albert Horvath, Under Secretary for Finance & 

 Administration/Chief Financial Officer 

Kirk Johnson,

2

Sant Director of the National

Museum of Natural History 

Richard Kurin, Acting Provost/Under Secretary for 

 Museums & Research

John K. Lapiana, Deputy Under Secretary for 

 Finance & Administration and Acting Assistant 

 Secretary Communications & External Affairs

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Era Marshall, Director for the Office of Equal 

 Employment and Minority Affairs

Kevin McDonald1, Senior Adviser to Senator Leahy

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief Justice 

Rachel Parker, Deputy Chief of Staff to the 

 Regents

Nell Payne,

1 Director of Government Relations 

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents
2

MORNING SESSION

Board Leadership 

Elections

Smithsonian Channel 

Update

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

BOARD LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS AND SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL 

UPDATE

The meeting of the Board of Regents began with an executive session. The 

Board discussed leadership positions for 2017 and received an update on the 

status of the Smithsonian Channel Put option. 

The Board reviewed the Governance and Nominating Committee’s 

recommendations for 2017 leadership. The Governance and Nominating 

Committee is charged with nominating candidates for election as Chair, Vice 

Chair, and member of the Executive Committee. The Chair and Vice Chair are 

elected for a term of one year and may serve no more than three consecutive 

terms. Having served three consecutive terms, current Board Chair John W. 

McCarter, Jr., and Vice Chair Shirley Ann Jackson will conclude their respective 

terms on January 30, 2017. The Governance and Nominating Committee 

recommended that the Board appoint David Rubenstein as Chair, Steve Case

as Vice Chair, and Dr. Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey as the third Executive Committee 

member to serve as the 2017 Board leadership team. As candidates under 

consideration, Mr. Rubenstein, Mr. Case, and Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey recused 

themselves from the discussion and vote. Upon motion duly made and 

seconded, the elections were approved en banc. 

See attached Actions 2016.10.01-2016.10.03 (Minutes of the Board of 

Regents, Appendix A). 

Secretary Skorton provided an update on the Smithsonian Channel Put Option. 

In 2011, the Smithsonian purchased additional equity interest in the 

Smithsonian Channel (“Channel”). The Smithsonian’s joint venture agreement 

with its partner, Showtime, provided that the Smithsonian could sell back 

(“put”) to its partner a portion, or all, of its ownership interest in 2014, 2016, 

or 2018. Under the agreement, Showtime is only obligated to execute against 

one of these possible dates. The Smithsonian declined to exercise this option 

in January 2014. The Board voted during its special telephonic meeting on 

May 1, 2016, to exercise the put option and sellback a portion of its equity 

stake in the Smithsonian Channel. On May 2, 2016, the Smithsonian initiated 

the formal put process by issuing a notice to Showtime.

The Secretary updated the Board on the status of the negotiations and sought 

the Board’s advice on how best to proceed. 

The executive session adjourned at 9:03 a.m.
3

Welcome and 

Introductions

Important Upcoming 

dates

Recognition of 

Congressman Steven 

LaTourette

Recognition of

William G. Bowen

Award of Joseph 

Henry Medal

OPEN SESSION 

Smithsonian and Regent staff members entered the room and the meeting 

reconvened. Mr. McCarter called the open session to order at 9:08 a.m., 

welcomed everyone, and called for introductions around the room. 

REPORT OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Mr. McCarter noted important upcoming dates, including a dinner reception to 

be held on November 14, 2016, at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design 

Museum in New York, NY to honor and posthumously award former and 

inaugural Investment Committee Chair David Silfen with the Regents’ Gold 

Medal for Exceptional Service. Mr. McCarter also announced that the next 

Board meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, January 30, 2017.

Mr. McCarter reviewed the first item for the full Board’s consideration: the 

recognition for former Regent Congressman Steven LaTourette who passed 

away in August 2016. Congressman LaTourette served as a Congressman from 

Ohio for 18 years and provided invaluable support to the Smithsonian through 

his service on the Board of Regents and through his service on the House 

Appropriations Committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board 

voted to extend its sincere appreciation for the dedication and service of 

Congressman LaTourette to the Smithsonian and to the nation.

See attached Actions 2016.10.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

Mr. McCarter noted the recent passing of former Regent William G. Bowen, 

who served as a dedicated Regent and was an influential educator who 

transformed the landscape of higher education. Mr. McCarter asked the 

Board to pass a resolution to formally honor and recognize the many 

contributions of Mr. Bowen to the Smithsonian. Upon motion duly made and 

seconded, the Board voted to expresses its profound appreciation to the 

memory of Mr. Bowen as a former Regent, distinguished and influential 

educator, and friend of the Smithsonian and to extend its heartfelt sympathies 

his family. 

See attached Actions 2016.10.05 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

Mr. McCarter presented the next item for the Board’s consideration: the 

award of the Joseph Henry Medal to Dr. Elizabeth Broun, the Margaret and 

Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Ms. Broun will 

be retiring from the Smithsonian at the end of November 2016, and the 

Secretary proposed awarding Betsy with the Henry Medal to recognize her 

many contributions to the Smithsonian. Upon motion duly made and 

seconded, the Board voted to present the Joseph Henry Medal to Dr. Elizabeth 

Broun, in recognition of her manifold contributions to the Smithsonian, most 
4

Actions Between 

Meetings

Former Secretaries’ 

Portrait Fund

Adoption of the 

Consent Agenda

significantly the transformation of the Smithsonian American Art Museum into 

an intellectually vibrant, pre-eminent institution that serves scholars, 

educators, and the public.

See attached Actions 2016.10.06 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

Mr. McCarter reminded Regents and staff that both the motion and award 

should be treated as confidential until officially announced at Dr. Broun’s 

farewell dinner in late November. 

Next, Mr. McCarter reported that, on behalf of the Board, the Executive 

Committee approved ten actions between the June and October meetings. 

The Executive Committee voted by email ballot, on behalf of the Board, to 

approve nine gifts, all requiring expedited approval in order to facilitate the 

timing of specific programs and announcements related to the grand opening

of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (“NMAAHC”). 

The other action taken by the Executive Committee on behalf of the Board was

the approval of the Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2017 Federal and Trust 

Consolidated Budget. 

Lastly, Mr. McCarter updated the Board on the status of the former 

Secretaries’ portraits. The portrait of Larry Small has been completed and the 

portrait of Dr. G. Wayne Clough should be completed within the next month. 

Mr. McCarter asked the Regents to consider making a donation to help cover 

the final costs of framing and shipping for both of the portraits.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

The Board reviewed the meeting’s Consent Agenda (“Agenda”). Procedures of 

the Board’s use of the Agenda mandate that an item will remain on the 

Agenda only by unanimous consent, and any Regent may ask the Office of the 

Regents to remove an item from the Agenda for discussion by providing threedays’ notice in advance of the scheduled Board meeting. 

Action items listed on the present meeting’s Agenda include the draft minutes 

of the June 13, 2016, Board meeting; the appointment and reappointment of 

candidates to 13 Smithsonian Advisory Boards; and the proposed amendments 

to the bylaws of the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Environmental 

Research Center. The Agenda also includes the approval of three proposed gift 

actions, one request for a change in recognition location, and the proposed 

establishment of a quasi-endowment, all of which comply with Smithsonian 

policies. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to adopt the 

Agenda, constituting the approval of all action items listed therein.

See attached Actions 2016.10.07 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).
5

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports 

Update from the 

Compensation sand 

Human Resources 

Committee 

Update from the 

Facilities Committee

Update on the 

NASM Revitalization

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. McCarter reminded the Board of the procedural meeting modifications, 

which were adopted in June 2015 and have been in use since the October 

2015 meeting. The modifications allow for more time to be dedicated toward 

strategic discussions and include comprehensive written committee reports

and modified oral reports. In line with these modifications, Regent 

Committees having no action or discussion items prepare written reports that 

were distributed in advance of the meeting. During the meeting, Regent 

committee chairs and senior Smithsonian staff were available to answer 

questions from the Board about the written reports. 

Report of the Compensation and Human Resources

Committee

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee met on September 12, 

2016. During the meeting, the Committee voted to approve the list of 

disqualified persons for 2017, which was updated to reflect the Secretary’s 

reorganization of management in February 2016, the decision making levels 

for the 2017 compensation process, the methodology for determining 

comparable compensation for Trust executive positions, and the updated

compensation philosophies. The Committee also reviewed its Charter and the 

compensation timeline for the 2017 process. Lastly, the Committee received a 

preview of potential investment incentive payouts, which will be a topic for 

discussion at the January 2017 Board meeting.

Report of the Facilities Committee

The Facilities Committee met on September 21, 2016. During the meeting, the 

Committee reviewed routine amendments to the Committee’s Charter, which 

include changes to ensure the Charter accurately reflects current practices, 

ensures that the Committees follows best practices across the non-profit 

sector, and ensures consistent structure and wording among all Regent 

Committee charters. 

The Committee received an update on facilities maintenance and cost 

benchmarking, facility condition ratings, and the general assessment process. 

Progress has been made with regard to large revitalization projects at 

individual facilities; however, a large backlog of deferred maintenance and 

repairs continues to grow at other facilities. Maintenance funding has not 

kept pace with the increase in Smithsonian space and facilities’ needs. 

The Committee briefed the Board on the update it received regarding the

progress of the Smithsonian’s major capital projects, including the 

revitalization of the National Air and Space Museum (“NASM”), which will be 

the Smithsonian’s next major capital project. Smithsonian management has 
6

Update from the 

Finance Committee

spent the past three years planning for, and overseeing the design of, the

extensive project. The detailed design of the renovation by architect Quinn 

Evans is approximately 50 percent complete and the goal is for construction to 

begin sometime in 2018, with projected costs estimated at $675 million. The 

Smithsonian anticipates requesting federal revitalization funding for the 

project over fiscal years 2018 - 2022 to enable the revitalization to begin in 

early fiscal year 2018 (fall 2017). 

The Smithsonian expects to award a Construction Management Contract 

sometime in fiscal year 2017, which will facilitate completion of the 100 

percent design documents, construction of the exterior cladding mock-ups, 

and cost and schedule estimate validations. Construction will be phased so 

that visitors can continue to access a significant portion of the museum during 

the entire six-year span of the project. Before the renovation can begin, 

additional storage space for artifacts must be constructed at the Museum’s 

Udvar-Hazy Center, near the Dulles Airport in Virginia. Design of the storage 

module is now complete and a construction contract should be awarded in 

February 2017, with completion of the module expected in 2018. 

During the revitalization, NASM plans to simultaneously move forward with a 

complete refresh of the exhibits and galleries inside of the building. NASM 

Director, General Jack Dailey, is leading the effort to raise $250 million in 

private funds to support the revitalization of the interior. 

The Smithsonian has considered various scenarios for federal capital funding 

levels over the next 10 years. The costs projected for the NASM Revitalization 

were reflected in context with the Smithsonian’s other capital priorities for a 

range of possible federal funding levels. The recommendation is that the 

Smithsonian continue to seek a commitment of $200 million per year in base 

federal revitalization funding, and that the NASM Revitalization project 

funding be supplemental to the Smithsonian’s base funding levels.

Report of the Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met on August 22, 2016. During the meeting, the 

Committee reviewed and voted to recommend that the Executive Committee 

approve the fiscal year 2017 Federal and Trust Consolidated Budget, on behalf 

of the full Board. The Consolidated Budget provides $922.2 million for the 

Smithsonian, including $759.2 million for Salaries and Expenses, and $163 

million for Facilities Capital.

The Committee received updates on the fiscal year 2018 federal budget, which

would normally be due to the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) in 

September 2016, however was delayed due to the 2016 election. 

The Committee discussed the fiscal year 2016 financial results.

Revenues for the period totaled $1,268 million; expenses totaled $1,076 

million; and the Net Operating Revenue for the period was $192 million. 
7

Charter Amendments

Update from the 

Investment Committee

Endowment Update

Update from the 

Strategy, Innovation, 

and Technology 

Committee

Charter Amendments

The Committee reviewed its Charter and voted to recommend the approval of

three proposed amendments. The first amendment modifies current Charter

language that requires the committee chair to notify the Governance and 

Nominating Committee every November of their preferred membership. 

Membership conversations typically happen informally and are not limited to 

the month of November. The second amendment modifies a provision 

requiring that all committees maintain a Regent majority. The Board 

previously approved non-Regent majorities on certain committees, currently 

the Advancement and Investment Committees. The proposed amendments 

simply reflect the Board’s decision on this matter. The last amendment 

modifies language for the appointment of a substitute to serve as chair at 

meetings when the residing chair is unable to attend. Current language 

requires members to be polled to select a substitute. The proposed 

amendment allows the residing chair to appoint any member who will be 

present at the meeting to serve as chair in their stead. 

Report of the Investment Committee

The Investment Committee met on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. During the 

meeting, the Committee reviewed the Investment Portfolio, Portfolio 

Implementation, and Operations. The Committee also reviewed its Charter, 

which was last revised in 2015 to reflect the Regents’ recommended changes 

with regard to term limits.

The Committee also reviewed the performance of the Endowment. As of June 

30, 2016, the Endowment stood at $1.29 billion, an increase of $5.3 million 

since October 1, 2015. The change reflects a total return to the Endowment of 

$28.5 million, new contributions of $30.6 million, payout of $52.5 million, and 

$1.2 million for investment expenses. Over the trailing one-year, three-year, 

five-year and ten-year periods, the Endowment generated returns against the 

policy benchmark of -2.1% versus -1.9%, 6.0% versus 3.6%, 5.7% versus 3.4%, 

and 5.6% versus 3.6%, respectively. 

Report of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology 

Committee

The Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee met on September 8, 

2016. During the meeting, the Committee reviewed its Charter and voted to 

recommend the approval of routine amendments. One such proposed 

modification will revise the current provision, which requires that the 

Committee Chair notify and present membership recommendations to the 

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair every November. The 

amendment will revise language to make recommendations permissive instead 

of mandatory and allowed throughout the year, not just in the month of 

November. 
8

Update on New 

Strategic Plan and Vision 

Statement

Update from the Office 

of the Assistant 

Secretary for 

Education and Access

Exhibition Review 

and Revisions to 

Smithsonian 

Directive 603

Update from the 

Smithsonian National 

Board

The Committee received an update on the development of the Smithsonian’s 

new Strategic Plan and vision statement. The current draft vision statement 

includes four elements: a date for realization, an ambitious statement of 

institutional purpose, an emphasis on meaningful conversations, and 

accountability. The draft statement was synthesized based on feedback from 

the Regents during the full Board meeting in April 2016. The Committee also

reviewed a newly proposed “fifth” grand challenge, introduced by the 

Secretary. 

The Committee was provided with a summary of the activities within the 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Education and Access. The Learning Lab, 

which was launched several months ago, is an initiative that shifts the 

Smithsonian away from acting as an authoritative voice, using digital 

collections as an opportunity to connect and learn from its users. The Learning 

Lab was featured at the Denver Education Forum and received high praise, 

particularly in comparison with a similar effort recently launched by Amazon.

The Smithsonian will consider a new direction for the George Mason University 

Masters of History and Decorative Arts program partnership. The Smithsonian 

and George Mason University are in the process of unwinding their 

partnership; however, due to the success of the program, the Smithsonian is 

considering a continuation of the program with a new partner. 

The calendar of upcoming exhibits was reviewed, with a focus on any exhibit 

that might generate greater than normal stakeholder interest. Exhibitions 

unveiled at the opening of NMAAHC in September were noted and discussed. 

The Smithsonian Directive 603, which is currently in the process of being 

revised, covers the process for developing and reviewing exhibitions, including 

those that could potentially generate public controversy. The revised Directive

will include a supplemental provision for handling the review of exhibitions 

that may pose a legal and/or fiscal risk, and will expand coverage to include

the review of public programs and activities that may also raise issues.

Report of the Smithsonian National Board

Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”) Chair Robert MacDonald was asked to 

present a brief verbal update on the SNB’s upcoming fall meeting to 

compliment the SNB’s written report. The SNB will hold its Fall meeting from 

October 20 – 22, 2016, in Washington, DC. During the meeting, SNB members 

will spend time in discussion with Secretary Skorton, Smithsonian 

management, and museum directors about the visitor experience in museums 

across the Smithsonian. Members will be asked to provide input on a variety 

of topics including preparing visitors for a museum visit, reaching diverse 

audiences, creating memorable experiences for visitors, and fostering 

connections to the Smithsonian after a visit. Prior to the meeting, SNB 

members will visit a local museum in each of their communities, review and 

evaluate their experience, and report their findings. The fall meeting will also 

focus on the recent opening of the National Museum of African American 
9

Update from the 

Office of Government 

Relations

History and Culture. SNB members will learn how museums across the 

Smithsonian are recognizing the opening of the new museum and have an

opportunity to visit NMAAHC during the SNB’s dinner on Friday, October 21. 

Additionally, during the fall meeting, the SNB will welcome seven new 

members whose terms became effective on October 1, 2016. The SNB’s 

Advancement, and Nominating and Membership Committees will also 

convene; and the Human Capital and Smithsonian Enterprises working groups 

will continue their ad hoc work advising on a range of particular topics. 

Report from the Office of Government Relations

The Office of Government Relations (“OGR”) has continued congressional and 

White House engagement, hosting and participating in a number of programs 

and events. On June 14, 2016, the Smithsonian hosted its annual 

Congressional Night for members of Congress, their families, and staff at the 

National Museum of American History. The event featured many special 

programs, including activities for kids, special museum exhibitions, and a 

reception. On July 1, 2016, the Office of Government Relations hosted 

approximately 75 congressional staff members on a tour of the grounds of the 

Folklife Festival. Guests toured program areas with various curators and 

ended the visit with a Festival Food picnic lunch in the Arts and Industries 

Building. On September 10, 2016, the Smithsonian hosted the third annual 

Congressional Day at the Zoo, which featured live animal demonstrations, 

activities for children, and a reception. Secretary Skorton made opening 

remarks on behalf of the Smithsonian and approximately 450 members of 

Congress, staff, and their families were in attendance. Throughout the month 

of July, members and staff of key congressional offices were invited to view 

the ongoing construction of NMAAHC and on September 20, 2016, the Office 

of Government Relations together with NMAAHC, hosted a Congressional 

Open-House to celebrate the new museum. 

OGR has continued to monitor the federal budget. On September 28, 2016, 

Congress passed the Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction 

Veterans Affairs, Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2017, and the Zika 

Response and Preparedness Act, which includes short term funding for the 

Smithsonian. On September 29, 2016, the President signed the bill into law. 

The Smithsonian will continue to be funded at fiscal year 2016 levels until 

December 9, 2016.

OGR has also been monitoring pending legislation, H.R. 6001, the Smithsonian 

American Latino Museum Act of 2016, which was introduced on September 13, 

2016, by Regent Representative Xavier Becerra. On the same day, Senator 

Menendez introduced companion legislation, S. 3314. The bills are identical to 

previously introduced legislation, which if passed, would establish the museum 

as part of the Smithsonian and designate the Arts and Industries Building as its 

location.
10

Campaign 

Announcement

Smithsonian 

Secretary’s Scholars

Youth Advisory 

Committee

Smithsonian management and OGR have conducted a series of briefings to 

update key Congressional Committees on the current status of a number of 

important projects and initiatives, including invasive species and ballast water 

monitoring at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, corporate 

donations and preventing exhibit influence, the future plans for the Arts & 

Industries Building, and the NASM revitalization.

On July 6, 2016, Deputy Under Secretary for Finance and Administration John 

Lapiana testified on the Smithsonian’s authority to lease real estate 

independently from the General Services Administration (“GSA”) before the 

House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Public Buildings. 

The hearing was called to coincide with the release of a Government 

Accountability Office report entitled Federal Real Property: Actions Needed to 

Enhance Information on and Coordination with Federal Entities with Leasing 

Authority. The report found that many agencies did not have explicit 

exemption from the Anti-Deficiency Act to enter into leases. The 

Subcommittee expressed a preference for all agencies to lease space through 

GSA; however, it took no position on the Smithsonian’s independent authority.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

Secretary Skorton updated the Board on the state of the Smithsonian. The 

Secretary began his report by announcing that Smithsonian has exceeded its 

$1.5 billion goal for the Capital Campaign (“Campaign”) raising $1.56 billion. 

The Campaign, launched in 2011, is the most ambitious capital campaign that 

has ever been mounted by a cultural organization. He also announced that 

with regard to general fundraising, the Smithsonian has raised $296 million in 

fiscal year 2016, which makes it the highest fundraising year to-date. The 

Campaign will continue as planned, until December 2017, to achieve 

priorities that remain to be accomplished. The Campaign has broadened 

our base of support, strengthened our volunteer leadership, and reached

new audiences.

Next, the Secretary updated the Board on the status of his recently launched 

initiative, the Smithsonian Secretary’s Scholars (“Scholars”), which aims to 

enhance the Smithsonian’s creative and intellectual workforce by funding 40 

new positions in the curatorial, conservation, research, and science fields. So 

far, sufficient funding has been secured to sponsor 14 Scholars, and the hiring 

of curators and scientists to fill these positions has begun. New Scholar 

positions will include a New Media Curator at the Hirshhorn Museum and 

Sculpture Garden (“Hirshhorn”), an Oral Historian at Archives of American Art,

a Naval Aviation Curator at NASM, a Health Research Scientist, and a Marine 

Mammals Curator at NMNH, to name a few. 

Next, the Secretary provided an update on his meetings with the Youth 

Advisory Committee, a group founded by the Secretary together with the late

Secretary for Education and Access Claudine Brown. The Youth Advisory 
11

NMAAHC Overview 

Committee is a group of local teens who are interested in and engaged with 

the Smithsonian, and who are sharing their views on how we can change our 

visitor experience to present a more engaging environment for them. The 

meetings have led to a number of inspiring conversations and some overall 

lessons for the Smithsonian. The Youth Advisory Committee has expressed 

that they still are interested in seeing real collection objects, not just a digital 

version. Additionally, many comments have been made regarding 

improvements to the overall visitor experience and better tailoring the 

Smithsonian’s programs and exhibits to visitors of all ages. 

The Secretary concluded his report with an update on NMAAHC. The highly 

anticipated and heavily attended NMAAHC dedication ceremony and grand 

opening included speeches from Oprah Winfrey; Will Smith; Board Vice Chair 

Shirley Ann Jackson; Smithsonian Chancellor and Chief Justice John G. Roberts; 

Jr., President Barack Obama; and former president George W. Bush, who 

signed the 2003 bill that authorized the museum. Leading up to the grand 

opening, the museum received the most significant and sustained media 

coverage a new cultural institution in the United States has ever achieved. On 

opening day, the Smithsonian used Facebook and Twitter to provide live 

coverage for online audiences. The Facebook livestream reached 120,000 

people and received 330,000 views. The Smithsonian also live-tweeted the 

entire two-hour ceremony, supplementing the live remarks with relevant 

content found in the museum. An impromptu video filmed by staff with 

NMAAHC Council member Oprah Winfrey, which was directed toward

Smithsonian followers, was the museum’s top tweet of the day with 162,000 

impressions and 12,000 views. On opening day, there was live national 

broadcast coverage from C-SPAN, CNN, and local coverage from NBC4. 

Additionally, there was Associated Press photo coverage in most US daily 

newspapers, and all local and national broadcast stations covered stories from 

the museum. Based on coverage during the month of September alone—the 

museum had more than 9.7 billion impressions solely from online views and 

print media. 

As of October 17, 2016, the museum had welcomed more than 213,000 

visitors, which is based on approximately 8,000 visitors per day on the 

weekends, and around 6,000 visitors per day during the week. With that level 

of visitorship, the Smithsonian and NMAAHC have been working to refine

certain logistics in order to improve visitor experiences. The cafeteria has 

recently been reconfigured to reduce wait times and has made over $690,000 

in sales through October 10, 2016. To reduce lines inside of the museum and 

eliminate congestion, staff have been re-routing entering visitors to begin their 

tours on the upper floors as well as the bottom floor. The number of 

volunteers has also been increased to accommodate visitor questions and 

services. Additional wheelchairs have also been brought in to accommodate 

visitors with mobility issues. The Secretary thanked Smithsonian staff and 

commended them on the amazing work done by all units that contributed to 

an extremely successful opening of the Smithsonian’s 19th museum. 
12

Campaign and 

Fundraising Details

Online Fundraising 

Initiatives

REPORT OF THE ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Advancement Committee Chair and Regent Emeritus Alan Spoon presented 

the Committee’s report. Mr. Spoon provided additional details regarding the

status of the Campaign and overall fundraising efforts. At the end of fiscal year 

2016, 11 units had surpassed their Campaign goals and four more units were

on track to surpass their goals as well. Mr. Spoon reported that fiscal year

2016 was also the fifth year in a row that the Smithsonian has raised over $200 

million, reaching $296 million, which is the highest amount ever raised in a 

single fundraising year. Additionally, as of October 2016, 18 units had

exceeded their annual fundraising goals, which is the highest number of units 

to reach their goal in the Smithsonian’s fundraising history. NMAAHC was 

among those units that surpassed their Campaign goal reaching breaking a 

number of milestones: the museum raised $357 million, surpassing its goal of 

$270 million, and raised $154 million in annual funds, which is the highest 

amount raised in a single year. 

Mr. Spoon thanked the Advancement Committee members and Campaign cochairs for their great work and support, and applauded the leadership of 

Secretary Skorton and the entire Smithsonian for their outstanding efforts. 

The Campaign has increased the level of support across the Smithsonian,

expanded its donor base to provide a launching pad for the future, and 

strengthened the institutions volunteer support. 

Mr. Spoon briefed the Board on additional fundraising initiatives. The 

Smithsonian has started to engage in a number of creative fundraising

opportunities, including the use of social media. Last year, in its first online 

campaign, “Reboot the Suit,” the Smithsonian raised $720,000 thousand from 

9,500 donors to enable NASM to conserve, digitize, and display the spacesuit 

worn by Neil Armstrong in 1969 for the moon landing of Apollo 11, and the 

spacesuit worn by Alan Shepard for the first American manned spaceflight in 

1961. On October 17, 2016, the Smithsonian and the NMAH launched another 

major Kickstarter effort, announcing the “#KeepThemRuby” campaign to fund 

the conservation and display of Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, made famous in 1939 

by the landmark MGM musical, the Wizard of Oz. The campaign reached its

Kickstarter goal of $300,000 on October 23, 2016, far ahead of schedule, 

thanks to more than 5,300 supporters in 41 countries and across six 

continents. The money raised will fund the immediate conservation, care, and 

display of the slippers designed to protect the slippers from environmental 

harm. The Smithsonian is also on track toward its goal of $85,000 to conserve 

the Scarecrow costume from the Wizard of Oz. Mr. Spoon thanked Regent 

Michael Lynton, who was instrumental in helping the Smithsonian secure the 

rights to use the soundtrack from the movie for the online campaigns. 
13

Bylaw Amendments

Update on New Regent 

Search

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair Steve Case presented the report 

of the Committee. Mr. Case presented one action item for the Board’s 

consideration: the proposed amendments to the bylaws of the Board of 

Trustees of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, which were 

reviewed by the Governance and Nominating Committee during its meeting on 

September 22, 2016. Due to an unusual provision relating to term limits and a 

rollback provision, the proposed amendments were not included on the 

Consent Agenda. 

General Counsel Judith Leonard explained each of the provisions, which 

include an increase in membership capacity, revised term-limits and the 

inclusion of a rollback provision, formal recognition of emeritus and alumni 

roles, and the inclusion of the Smithsonian’s standard conflict-of-interest 

statement for advisory boards. Ms. Leonard explained that Cooper Hewitt, 

which is located in New York City, operates in a different market than the 

museums located on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The Cooper 

Hewitt’s amended term-limit provision, which provides that trustees may be 

elected for a three-year term and may be reelected to serve up to a total of 

five consecutive terms, is in line with those of other New York City non-profit

boards. The roll-back provision, which provides that current trustees who 

have served three or more terms will remain eligible to continue serving on 

the Board for five additional terms once the new term-limits take effect, is 

critical to providing continuity in board leadership and securing the resources 

for the transformation of the historic Carnegie Mansion into a 21stcentury

museum. The Committee agreed to the membership provisions due to the 

Cooper Hewitt’s unique circumstances, but noted that roll-back provision 

should not serve as a precedent for other advisory boards. Upon motion duly 

made and seconded, the Board voted to approve the proposed bylaw 

amendments. 

See attached Actions 2016.10.08 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

Next, Mr. Case briefed the Board on the status of the search for two new 

Regents to fill Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s and Robert Kogod’s seats since each of 

their Regent terms will expire in May 2017. He reminded the Board that Mr. 

Kogod’s seat must be filled by a DC resident, while Dr. Jackson’s replacement 

can be from any state not already represented by a citizen Regent. Following a 

competitive process, executive search firm Spencer Stuart was retained to 

assist with the identification, vetting, and selection of two Regent candidates. 

Spencer Stuart developed a position description and competency matrix to 

assess the skills and abilities that are currently represented on the Board and 

pinpoint the experience, knowledge, and perspectives still needed. 
14

Planning for the 

April 2017

Strategic Meeting

The matrix was distributed to all Regents in early October and the completed 

matrix was included in the meeting materials for the Board to review. Spencer 

Stuart incorporated the feedback received from the Regents into the final 

position description. 

The Board reviewed the completed matrix and position description and 

discussed the desired qualities and skills that Spencer Stuart and the 

Governance and Nominating Committee should take into consideration while 

searching for potential Regent candidates. The Board asked that Spencer 

Stuart conduct a call with each of the Regents individually, in order to solicit 

additional feedback needed to engage in the search. 

Over the next several months, the Governance and Nominating Committee will 

continue to work with Spencer Stuart to identify potential candidates who fit 

the selection criteria and have the time and inclination to serve. The goal is to 

present a list of finalists to the Board for review and a vote in January 2017, so 

that they may be appointed in time for the June 2017 meeting. 

Lastly, Mr. Case briefed the Board on current plans for the April 2017 Strategic 

meeting. At its meeting in June 2015, the Board agreed to convene one 

strategic meeting each year at a facility other than the Castle. The first 

strategic meeting, held in April 2016, took place at NMAH. Several committees 

have started to consider the agenda and possible locations for the Board’s next 

Strategic Meeting, which is scheduled to be held on April 3, 2017. 

The current plan is to host a technology demonstration, which will give 

Regents and Smithsonian leadership an opportunity to test new technologies 

relevant to the museum experience and to discuss future opportunities for 

integrating these advances across the Institution.

Recognizing that the Smithsonian does not have a facility with the necessary 

space and infrastructure to support an event of this nature, the Governance 

and Nominating Committee considered and recommended the use of 

alternative venues. After discussing the advantages and disadvantages of 

hosting the meeting at a third-party location, the Board agreed with the 

Committee’s recommendation to hold the meeting off-site provided that the 

Smithsonian serves as the primary convener and host of the meeting, the 

Smithsonian extends the invitations and plans the agenda, and a broad array 

of entities are included. 

Since none of the Congressional Regents were able to attend the October 2016 

meeting, the Office of the Regents notified all Congressional Liaisons about the 

prospective of holding the April 2017 meeting off-site. No objections have

been received to-date. 
15

Financial Disclosure

and Conflict of

Interest Review

Introduction of 

Rachel Goslins and 

Update on AIB

The next steps in planning will be to extend invitations to potential participants

who may be interested in displaying their technologies during the meeting in 

April. The Board was asked to send any recommendations regarding potential 

participants to the Office of the Regents. 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMITTEE

Chair of the Audit and Review Committee Ambassador Barbara Barrett 

presented the report of the Committee and briefed the Board on the annual 

financial disclosure and conflict of interest review. 

The Office of the General Counsel (“OGC”) oversees the financial disclosure 

process for the Smithsonian and the Board. In fiscal year 2016, two 

substantive changes were implemented to the process due to changes in the 

Smithsonian’s standards of conduct policy. The first change incorporates more 

objective standards, which were adopted in order to help identify those 

individuals required to file a disclosure. The second change requires that 

almost all Smithsonian employees file a conflict-of-interest declaration. 

Additionally, the Smithsonian has moved to an electronic filing system for 

financial and conflict-of-interest disclosures in order to provide real-time 

conflicts-of-interest checks in connection with all procurements and grants 

prior to awards. 

Following a review of the filed disclosures, OGC found that any conflicts of 

interest, or circumstances creating the appearance of conflicts of interest, 

were manageable through recusal or other means.

STRATEGIC PROJECT UPDATE

The Secretary introduced Rachel Goslins, who was appointed as director for 

the Arts and Industries Building (“AIB”) on August 22, 2016. Ms. Goslins is the 

former executive director of the President’s Committee on the Arts and as AIB 

director, will be responsible for developing and implementing plans for the 

building, including programming, exhibitions, and infrastructure. Ms. Goslins

briefed the Board on the status of AIB. 

Ms. Goslins reported that although a long-term use for the building has yet to 

be determined, she is working with Smithsonian management to move 

forward with ideas to develop two different spaces within the building, each to 

provide a valuable and informative visitor experience. The first space would 

be used as a place to educate and inspire visitors about the impact of creativity 

and innovation on society. The installation would be highly interactive, 

participatory, and engaging, and also serve as a dynamic place for public 

programming, conferences, seminars, and trainings. Adjacent to the 

innovation space would be a Smithsonian American Latino Gallery. The gallery 

would provide a landing spot for the Latino American experience on the 

National Mall and act as a point of entry for Latino-related content in other 
16

Update on London 

Opportunity

Gatekeeper Reports

Strategic Planning 

Discussion

Smithsonian collections. The Smithsonian Latino Center has been actively 

working on the concept and design for the gallery. A design firm has been 

hired to help develop and illustrate the concepts for both spaces and an 

Innovation Project Team has been assembled, which is made up of creative 

thinkers and professionals from across the Smithsonian.

Next, the Board received an update on the Smithsonian’s opportunity for a 

presence in London. On May 1, 2016, the Board held a special teleconference 

and voted to approve the Secretary’s request to engage in a long-term 

collaboration with the Victoria & Albert Museum (“V&A”) to develop a jointly 

organized, permanent gallery space, to be housed in the new V&A Building at 

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Subsequently, in June 2016, the Smithsonian 

and the V&A announced plans to pursue an international collaboration as part 

of the redevelopment of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Since 

then, teams from each organization have worked together to develop the 

programmatic strategies, business model, and terms of a formal agreement. 

Current plans for the collaboration include a space for exhibitions jointly 

curated by a team of V&A and Smithsonian scholars as well as a temporary 

gallery space that would serve to periodically house Smithsonian exhibitions. 

Other partner institutions at the Olympic Park include Sadlers Wells Dance 

Theater, University of the Arts London, and University College London. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: “GATEKEEPER” REPORTS

The Board then conducted an executive session with General Counsel Judith 

Leonard and Secretary Skorton. 

AFTERNOON SESSION

The meeting reconvened in the Commons of the Smithsonian Castle and Mr. 

McCarter called the afternoon session to order at 11:59 a.m. 

WORKING LUNCH: STRATEGIC PLANNING 

Regent Vice Chair; Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Chair; and Co-Chair of 

the Strategic Planning Committee Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson led the Board in a 

lunch discussion about the development of the Smithsonian’s next Strategic 

Plan. 

During the April 2016 Strategic Meeting, the Board discussed strategies for 

revising the Smithsonian’s current Strategic Plan, which is set to expire in 2017. 

In June 2016, the Board continued these discussions and provided feedback 

regarding the future of the Smithsonian and how that could be reflected in a 

comprehensive vision statement and a new Strategic Plan that will chart the 

Smithsonian’s strategic direction for years to come. To lead the effort, the 

Secretary assembled a Strategic Planning Committee (“Committee”), Co-
17

Approval of a “Fifth” 

Grand Challenge for 

Current Strategic Plan

Chaired by Regent Vice Chair Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson and National Museum of 

Natural History Director Kirk Johnson. The Committee is composed of 15 

members, including Regents and staff, all who have deep ties to the 

Smithsonian’s museums, education efforts, and research centers. The 

Committee has been working to engage a broad cross-section of the 

Smithsonian community so that the new Plan will effectively and accurately 

reflect the Smithsonian’s mission and incorporate the insight of all who work 

to represent it. The Committee has an aggressive schedule to gather and 

analyze data and draft a plan, with the goal of presenting a first draft at the 

Regents’ Strategic meeting in April 2017.

The Board discussed aspects of the current Plan, which is structured around 

four grand challenges: (1) Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe; (2) 

Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Plant; (3) Valuing World Cultures; 

and (4) Understanding the American Experience. Dr. Jackson presented the

Secretary’s proposal to add a “fifth” grand challenge related to the arts, which

focuses on the Smithsonian’s ability to understand and encourage the 

transformative power of arts and design. Dr. Jackson noted that the fifth 

challenge was reviewed and endorsed by the Strategy, Innovation, and 

Technology Committee during its meeting on September 8, 2016. Upon 

motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to amend the existing 

strategic plan by adding a fifth grand challenge that focuses on the 

Smithsonian’s ability to understand and encourage the transformative power

of art and design. 

See attached Actions 2016.10.09 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

As part of the strategic planning process, the Committee will engage a broader 

section of the Smithsonian community by asking each unit director and their 

staff to identify unit and Institutional priorities for the next five years. Among 

other topics, the Committee members inquired about the areas in which each 

unit holds a leadership position, the vital activities that are not currently being 

undertaken, and the programs and activities that could possibly be eliminated

in order to make room for other priorities. The Committee also inquired about 

the existing strategic plan related to each unit and whether it had been 

effective in guiding the Smithsonian’s strategic direction, and how each unit 

might be able to contribute to the Smithsonian’s overarching goals.

The Board and participating Smithsonian staff members provided their 

feedback on the Smithsonian’s current Plan and its grand challenges, as they 

relate to its overall effectiveness in guiding the Smithsonian’s goals, mission, 

and future strategic direction. Further, the Board discussed their individual 

perspectives regarding the Smithsonian’s strengths, weaknesses, 

opportunities, and threats. 
18

Eighth Annual Public 

Forum

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at

approximately 1:08 p.m., after which Mr. Lapiana provided a briefing for 

Regents participating in the Eighth Annual Public Forum (“Public Forum”). 

Regents and staff then proceeded to Ring Auditorium at the Hirshhorn 

Museum and Sculpture Garden (“Hirshhorn”) for the Forum. 

EIGHTH ANNUAL PUBLIC FORUM WITH THE SMITHSONIAN 

BOARD OF REGENTS

The Regents’ Public Forum began at approximately 1:30 p.m. in the Ring 

Auditorium at the Hirshhorn. Board Chair John W. McCarter, Jr., Regents Dr. 

Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, Steve Case, John Fahey, David M. Rubenstein, Robert 

Kogod, Michael Lynton, and Secretary Skorton reviewed the business 

conducted during the Regents’ morning meeting. The Regents presented on 

and entertained questions about the Smithsonian’s major initiatives and 

capital improvement projects. Following the Regents’ presentations, Chief of 

Staff to the Regents Porter Wilkinson moderated a question and answer 

session for the benefit of the public and the press. 

Respectfully submitted,

David J. Skorton

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

OCTOBER 24, 2016, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Governance and Nominating Committee recommends the election by the 

Board of Regents of David M. Rubenstein as Chair of the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of 

Regents for a one-year term effective January 31, 2017. [2016.10.01]

VOTED that the Governance and Nominating Committee recommends the election by the 

Board of Regents of Steve Case as Vice Chair of the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents 

for a one-year term effective January 31, 2017. [2016.10.02]

VOTED that the Governance and Nominating Committee recommends the election by the 

Board of Regents of Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey as a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents’ 

Executive Committee for a one-year term effective January 31, 2017. [2016.10.03]

VOTED that the Board of Regents expresses its profound appreciation to the memory of the 

Honorable Steven C. LaTourette, former Regent, esteemed statesman, and friend of the 

Smithsonian Institution, and extends its heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Jennifer, and family. 

[2016.10.04]

VOTED that the Board of Regents expresses its profound appreciation to the memory of 

William G. Bowen, former Regent, distinguished and influential educator, and friend of the 

Smithsonian Institution, and extends its heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Mary Ellen, and family. 

[2016.10.05]

VOTED that the Board of Regents presents the Joseph Henry Medal to the proposed candidate. 

At the request of the Board and the Secretary, the action is being treated as confidential until

the candidate is publicly announced. [2016.10.06]

VOTED that the Board of Regents adopts the Consent Agenda, which constitutes the approval 

of all action items listed therein. [2016.10.07]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the June 13, 2016, Meeting 

of the Board of Regents.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed slate of candidates for 

appointment or reappointment to 12 Smithsonian advisory boards.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed amendments to the bylaws of 

the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
2

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Peter and Linda Claussen 

to the National Museum of American History and names the Linda and Pete Claussen 

Hall of American Democracy for 20 years or until the next major renovation, whichever 

occurs later; and creates an endowment, named the Linda and Pete Claussen Fund for 

Democracy. 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Emily and Carl W. 

Knobloch, Jr. to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and names two galleries each 

the Carl and Emily Knobloch Gallery until the next comprehensive building renovation. 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Marie Halff to the 

Smithsonian American Art Museum and names the Marie and Hugh Halff Gallery until 

the next comprehensive building renovation. 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the change of location for the Enid and 

Lester Morse Gallery and the Usdan Family Gallery naming recognition for the 

remainder of the 40-year naming term.

VOTED that the Board of Regents creates a quasi-endowment for the benefit of the 

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery to support exhibitions associated with 

the art, culture, and history of Asia. Further, the Board authorizes the transfer of the 

funds identified for this purpose.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed amendments to the bylaws of the 

Board of Trustees of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. [2016.10.08]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed Arts Challenge and directs that it be 

incorporated into the Smithsonian Institution’s Strategic Plan, which expires in December 2017. 

[2016.10.09]