Report on the Size, 

Composition, and Structure 

of the Board of Regents 

Prepared for: 

Governance and Nominating Committee 

of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 

January 26, 2008 

Consultants

Deborah Hechinger 

Marla Bobowick 

Emily Heard 

BoardSource 

1828 L Street NW, Suite 900 

Washington, DC 20036 

(202) 452-6262 

www.boardsource.org
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 2

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary...................................................................................................................... 4

Part 1: Background and Context................................................................................................. 8

Context of this Report............................................................................................................... 8 

History of Recent Governance Issues....................................................................................... 9 

Methodology of this Report.................................................................................................... 10 

Framework for this Report...................................................................................................... 10 

Part 2: Findings and Interview Results .................................................................................... 12

Section 1. Board Size and Composition ................................................................................. 12 

Special Nature of the Organization................................................................................... 12 

Current Composition......................................................................................................... 13 

Issues Raised by Board Size and Composition................................................................. 14 

Section 2. Committee Structure .............................................................................................. 28 

Current Committee Structure............................................................................................ 28 

Issues Raised with Current Committee Structure ............................................................. 30 

Section 3. Executive Committee............................................................................................. 36 

Current Function and Structure of the Executive Committee........................................... 36 

Issues Raised by Executive Committee Function and Structure ...................................... 37 

Part 3: Principles of Good Governance in Nonprofit Boards................................................. 40

Principle I. Governance structures and practices should empower the board to 

execute its oversight responsibilities and ensure mission success.................................... 40 

Principle II. Board size and composition should reflect the unique nature of 

the organization................................................................................................................. 41 

Principle III. Committee structures should enable the board to fulfill its 

governance responsibilities............................................................................................... 42 

Principle IV. Nonprofit boards are most effective when their members are driven by a 

passion for the mission of the organization and are accountable for the health and 

performance of the organization ....................................................................................... 42 

Principle V. Good governance depends upon a constructive partnership between 

the board and chief executive built on trust and mutual respect....................................... 43 

Principle VI. Success requires continued leadership, continued openness, and 

constant outreach .............................................................................................................. 43 

Application to the Smithsonian Institution ............................................................................. 44 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 3

Part 4: Analysis and Alternatives.............................................................................................. 46

Section 1. Alternative Approaches to Current Committee Structure (Other Than the 

Executive Committee) ............................................................................................................ 46 

Additional Committees ..................................................................................................... 46 

Committee Workload........................................................................................................ 48 

Section 2. Alternative Approaches to the Executive Committee............................................ 50 

Size of the Executive Committee...................................................................................... 50 

Role of the Chief Justice as Chancellor ............................................................................ 51 

Role of the Executive Committee..................................................................................... 51 

Section 3. Alternative Approaches to Board Size and Composition ...................................... 53 

Alternatives for Changing Board Size and Composition.................................................. 53 

Considerations Related to Changing Board Size and Composition.................................. 54 

Part 5: Options for Board Size, Composition, and Executive Committee............................. 56

Option 1: Modified Current Structure (17 Members)............................................................. 58 

Option 2: Governing Board within a Statutory Board (17 to 19 Members) ........................... 58 

Option 3: Slightly Larger Board (21 to 23 Members) ............................................................ 58 

Option 4: Large Board (30 to 40 Members) ........................................................................... 59 

Part 6: Summary of Other Matters for Consideration ........................................................... 61

Part 7: Conclusion....................................................................................................................... 64

Appendices................................................................................................................................... 65

1. Board Roster 

2. Charter 

3. Duties of the Chancellor and Chair of the Board 

4. Bylaws 

5. Duties and Responsibilities of Regents 

6. General Criteria for Identifying Candidates for the Smithsonian Board of Regents 

7. Committee Assignments 

8. General Guidelines for the Appointment to Standing Committees of the Board of Regents 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

BoardSource was retained by the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Smithsonian 

Institution to research and report on seven issues related to board composition and structure: (1) 

size, (2) representation of the three branches of government, (3) number of Citizen Regents, (4) 

Regent selection and appointment process, (5) committee structure, (6) size and function of the 

Executive Committee, and (7) roles of the Chancellor and Board Chair. From late November 

2007 through mid-January 2008, we reviewed key documents and interviewed 49 stakeholders. 

BoardSource approached its review mindful that it is part of a broader, ongoing process to rectify 

a governance crisis experienced by the organization. The crisis was precipitated by media stories 

on compensation and expense practices of some senior management and certain revenuegenerating contracts by the Smithsonian. Through much of 2007, the Board focused on 

improving the governance practices of the Smithsonian, establishing a new Governance and 

Nominating Committee to review its governance practices and an Independent Review 

Committee (IRC) to review issues arising from an Inspector General’s report on the former 

Secretary’s expenses, the Regents’ response to the report, and Congressional concern about these 

matters. The recommendations of both the Governance and Nominating Committee (as adopted 

by the Board of Regents) and the IRC were fully considered throughout our review. 

This report summarizes our findings, discusses good governance principles that should guide 

decisions about board size, composition, and practices, and offers four options as to board size 

and composition. We also make some suggestions to further improve board governance 

practices, but we fully recognize the significant efforts already underway to implement the many 

recommendations of the Governance and Nominating Committee. In addition, sorting through 

Board issues in the absence of a permanent Secretary presents notable challenges given that 

success depends greatly on the relationship between the Board and the Secretary. Therefore, the 

Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board itself should consider these suggestions 

at the appropriate time. 

Findings and Interview Results 

Board Size and Composition

The Board consists of 17 members, including two ex officio members (the Chief Justice of the 

United States and the Vice President of the United States), six Congressional Regents (three each 

from the Senate and House), and nine Citizen Regents. This composition reflects the 

public/private nature of the Smithsonian and its unique historical structure. While many 

interviewees thought the Board size was about right, our findings identified constraints on the 

Board’s overall capacity for effective governance from the combination of the Board’s current 

size and composition. Each category of Regents brings its own set of benefits and limitations, 

making it difficult to ensure adequate capacity to lead the Board and the organization, to include 

appropriate skills and experiences on the Board, and to distribute work evenly among Regents. In 

addition, unlike other boards, for a significant number of Regents, the Smithsonian has limited 

ability to shape Board nominations and to hold Regents accountable for performance. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 5

Committee Structure

The Smithsonian Board of Regents has six standing committees to carry out its responsibilities: 

Executive, Finance and Investments, Audit and Review, Governance and Nominating, 

Compensation and Human Resources, and Facilities Revitalization. In addition, the Board has 

convened an ad hoc Search Committee. Committees are chaired by Citizen Regents, and most 

committees include Regent and non-Regent members. Our findings surfaced concerns about the 

need to consider new committees to handle fundraising and strategic planning activities at the 

appropriate time. Committees are also challenged by the need for greater manpower and more 

diversity of expertise. 

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is responsible for setting meeting agendas, following up on Board 

decisions, monitoring organizational progress, acting on behalf of the Board between meetings, 

and serving as consultants to the Secretary on issues outside the purview of other committees. At 

the time of our interviews, the Executive Committee consisted of three members – two Citizen 

Regents and the Chief Justice as Chancellor. Since then, the Chancellor has stepped off the 

Executive Committee, and the Board is expected to elect a third member in January 2008. Our 

findings raised questions about the small size of the Executive Committee, as well as its purpose 

and communication with the full Board. 

Principles of Good Governance in Nonprofit Boards 

Decisions about the appropriate size, structure, and composition of the Board and its committees 

are best made in reference to a set of principles of good governance. The principles we offer 

highlight key responsibilities of nonprofit boards that drive board size and structure decisions: 

I. Governance structures and practices should empower the board to execute its oversight 

responsibilities and ensure mission success. 

II. Board size and composition should reflect the unique nature of the organization. 

III. Committee structures should enable the board to fulfill its governance responsibilities. 

IV. Nonprofit boards are most effective when their members are driven by a passion for the 

mission of the organization and are accountable for the health and performance of the 

organization. 

V. Good governance depends upon a constructive partnership between the board and chief 

executive built on trust and mutual respect. 

VI. Success requires continued leadership, continued openness, and constant outreach. 

Taken one by one, these principles speak to critical elements of good governance in nonprofit 

boards. Read together, the principles form a complete and integrated context for governance 

structures, decisions, and practices. 

Already, these principles have guided the work and recommendations of the Governance and 

Nominating Committee. In particular, the Committee’s focus on the importance of establishing a 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 6

constructive partnership, and its recommendations and actions in support thereof, have set the 

stage for improved governance structures and practices. 

Analysis and Alternatives 

Current board composition and committee structures may not give the Smithsonian Board the 

capacity it needs. Solutions lie either in changing the structure of the Board, which requires 

statutory legislation, and/or in supplementing Board work with support from other sources. 

Alternatives for changing the committee structure include adding a development/campaign 

committee and a strategic planning/issues committee at the appropriate time. Other changes to 

committee practices could also help alleviate some of the challenges of managing committee 

workload, such as spreading committee leadership responsibilities to Congressional Regents, 

spreading committee leadership responsibilities among Citizen Regents, and continuing to 

include non-Regents with special skills and experience on committees. 

Alternatives for changing the Executive Committee include either increasing the number of 

Executive Committee members through statutory amendment or including additional Regents in 

Executive Committee deliberations. Ultimately, the decision about the appropriate size of the 

Executive Committee will require balancing the need for an Executive Committee that is large 

enough to represent the full Board but small enough to be functional. In addition, the role of the 

Executive Committee should be reviewed periodically to ensure that it does not to replace the 

full functioning of the Board of Regents. 

Alternatives for changing board size and composition include adding Citizen Regents, reducing 

the number of Congressional Regents, and/or changing the voting status of ex officio Regents. Of 

critical note is that a decision to change the size or composition of the Board would require 

opening the Smithsonian’s charter, which is not a decision to be made lightly. 

Options for Board Size, Composition, and Executive Committee 

To assist the Board of Regents in its consideration of board size and composition, we identify 

four options that include different combinations of individual components for board size, board 

composition, and Executive Committee size and composition: 

1. Modified Current Structure: A Board of 17 members with an expanded Executive 

Committee 

2. Governing Board within a Statutory Board: A Board of 17 to 19 members with an 

Executive Committee of 5 members 

3. Slightly Larger Board: A Board of 21 to 23 members with an Executive Committee of 5 

members 

4. Large Board: A Board of 30 to 40 members with an Executive Committee of 10 members 

Each of these options has its own risks and rewards. From a governance perspective, some are 

better than others. Our analysis highlights these considerations to assist the Board in making the 

best decision for the Smithsonian. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 7

Other Matters for Consideration 

We also offer a separate set of suggestions for consideration by the Governance and Nominating 

Committee at an appropriate time. In some cases, these suggestions could be implemented now. 

In other cases, their implementation should await Board decisions or the conclusion of work and 

changes already underway: 

1. Broaden Board capacity by adding non-Regents to committees. 

2. Communicate expectations for Congressional Regents. 

3. Add a development committee. 

4. Reevaluate the need for the Facilities Revitalization Committee at the appropriate time. 

5. Closely monitor the use of the Executive Committee. 

6. Once the new Secretary is retained, consider recommending that the Board undertake a 

vision-setting and strategic planning process. 

7. Continue efforts to build commonality of purpose, knowledge, and commitment among 

Regents. 

8. Consider a policy to address attendance by Regents. 

Conclusion 

The work of the Governance and Nominating Committee and the IRC, coupled with other 

actions by the Board of Regents, has demonstrated the Smithsonian’s ongoing commitment to 

improved governance practices, self-reflection, accountability, and transparency. We hope that 

these findings and analyses assist the Governance and Nominating Committee in furthering its 

efforts and in moving forward on Recommendation 1 of the Committee’s Report. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 8

PART 1: BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 

Context of this Report 

On June 14, 2007, the Governance Committee of the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents 

released a report outlining 25 recommendations for strengthening governance at the Smithsonian. 

The Board of Regents adopted all 25 recommendations on June 18, 2007. BoardSource1 was 

engaged by the then renamed Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Regents 

in late November 2007 to assist in the implementation of Recommendation 1 from the 

Governance Committee Report. 

Recommendation 1 states, “To ensure that the Board is positioned to provide effective 

leadership, the Governance Committee will examine the appropriate structure and composition 

of the Board, the Executive Committee, and Board committees and report to the Board in 

January 2008 on its findings and recommendations.”2

 This recommendation further states: 

...The last change to the Board’s structure occurred over 30 years ago when the number of 

Citizen Regents was increased from six to nine. The Committee found that best practices for 

good governance include a periodic review of board size and structure to ensure it continues 

to meet the organization’s need for effective governance. The Committee determined that 

considerable analysis, including input from stakeholders, and further deliberations are 

necessary before making any suggestions with regard to whether changing the charter would 

improve governance. 

The Governance Committee identified some fundamental questions about the structure and 

composition of the Board and its committees, including: (1) what is the appropriate size of 

the board; (2) what is the appropriate size and function of the Executive Committee; (3) what 

is the appropriate representation of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches on the 

Board; (4) what is the appropriate Board Committee structure; (5) what is the appropriate 

number of Citizen Regents on the Board; (6) what is the appropriate process for selection and 

appointment of Regents; and (7) what are the appropriate roles of the Chancellor and the 

Board Chair? 

The framework of Recommendation 1 became the mandate for our work. BoardSource operated 

under the assumption that the Smithsonian Institution will keep its current status as a unique 

 

1

 BoardSource is the premier resource for leadership development, practical information, training, and tools and 

promising practices for leaders of nonprofit organizations nationwide. The organization has more than 12,000 

members and serves more than 75,000 nonprofit leaders. As a recognized expert on nonprofit governance, 

BoardSource hosts an annual conference (the BoardSource Leadership Forum) which brings together more than 800 

experts, board members, and chief executives of nonprofit organizations from around the world. BoardSource also 

served as a co-convener of the Work Group on Nonprofit Governance and Fiduciary Responsibility, one of five 

groups reporting to the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector that had been convened by Independent Sector in response to 

concerns of Congress about accountability and governance practices in the nonprofit sector. 

2

 Recommendation 1, Governance Committee, Report of the Governance Committee to the Board of Regents, June 

14, 2007. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 9

hybrid public/private entity. There was no attempt – or request – to look at whether the 

Smithsonian should be a federal agency, a pure 501(c)(3), or any other alternative structure. 

History of Recent Governance Issues 

The genesis of the Governance Committee’s study in early 2007 was a series of issues and events 

that called into question the effectiveness of the Smithsonian’s governance and management. 

Media reports about business contracts between Smithsonian Business Ventures and outside 

companies were followed by reports that raised issues about the compensation of senior 

executives. A January 2007 report by the then Acting Inspector General (IG) for the Smithsonian 

on the former Secretary’s compensation and expenses highlighted concerns about unauthorized 

or unsupported transactions. The Board’s decision to retroactively authorize those expenditures 

was followed by public criticism and expressions of concern by certain members of Congress. 

In addition to early questions about whether the Board of Regents exercised appropriate 

oversight over management’s compensation, expenses, and certain revenue-generating 

transactions with corporations, media reports and some members of Congress have continued to 

raise new issues.3

 New concerns focus on the adequacy of facilities and the storage of art and 

artifacts, as well as the compensation, expenses, and expenditures of several other senior staff, 

including the former Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Smithsonian and at 

least one director of a Smithsonian museum. 

In 2007, the U.S. Senate Rules and Administration Committee held three hearings on operations 

and governance at the Smithsonian on April 11, June 26, and December 12. In September 2007, 

the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the facilities and security 

challenges, recommending that the Smithsonian “include privately funded projects in its capital 

plan...and comprehensively analyze funding options and report to Congress and the Office of 

Management and Budget on a funding strategy.”4 GAO has also looked into governance changes 

at the Smithsonian and plans to “continue to address these issues in our ongoing work, in which 

we are assessing the Board of Regents’ governance changes and how the board is addressing 

long-term governance challenges facing the Smithsonian,” with a report planned for 2008.5

The Board of Regents has taken a number of steps to review its governance practices. First, it 

formed a new Governance Committee to review the governance policies and practices of the 

Smithsonian. It also established an Independent Review Committee (IRC) to review issues 

arising from the IG’s report, the Board’s reponses to that report, and Congressional concerns. 

Reports from the IRC and the Governance Committee were issued within days of each other and, 

 

3 More recently, the Smithsonian garnered media attention over a controversy involving a gift from the American 

Petroleum Institute (API). After some Regents questioned the gift, the company withdrew the donation. The details 

of the proposed transaction and the concerns of individual Regents were disclosed in a newspaper article. James V. 

Grimaldi and Jacqueline Trescott, “Smithsonian Questions $5 Million In Oil Money,” The Washington Post, 

November 3, 2007. 

4

 Government Accountability Office, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION Funding Challenges Affect Facilities’ 

Conditions and Security, Endangering Collections (Report GAO-07-1127), September 2007. 5

 Statement of Mark L. Goldstein (U.S. Government Accountability Office), Oversight Hearing on the Smithsonian 

Institution, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, December 12, 2007. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 10

despite different mandates, made congruent and extensive recommendations. The Board of 

Regents then reviewed and adopted all of the Governance Committee’s recommendations on 

June 18, 2007. It has pressed forward to implement many of those recommendations, using a 

scorecard to track the Board’s progress.6

Methodology of this Report 

BoardSource approached its review mindful that it is part of a broader, ongoing process to rectify 

a governance crisis experienced by the institution. In doing so, we took into account the 

extensive work and recommendations of both the Governance and Nominating Committee 

(formerly the Governance Committee) and the IRC. 

From late November through late December, BoardSource engaged in an intensive but limited 

review of the Smithsonian’s governance structure. We reviewed key documents, including the 

Report of the Governance Committee, Report to the Board of Regents by the IRC, and other 

documents including minutes, bylaws, various relevant legal memoranda, internal governance 

surveys and analyses, legislative history, among others. In particular, BoardSource took into 

account the recommendations of the Governance and Nominating Committee regarding proposed 

changes in governance practices and the IRC regarding the structure and composition of the 

Board of Regents. 

One limitation of the compressed time frame of this assignment was the lack of an opportunity to 

observe personally the Board of Regents in action in Board and committee meetings. In this 

regard, we relied on the observations and insights of an extended group of stakeholders, a 

majority of whom were recommended by the Office of the Regents. We interviewed, in person 

and by telephone, more than 49 individual stakeholders7

 including 12 current Regents,8 2 former 

Regents, 7 Regent Liaisons, 8 senior Smithsonian staff, 1 non-Regent member of a Board 

committee, 4 Advisory Board Chairs or Advisory Board members, 2 Museum Directors, 1 nonRegent Member of Congress, 5 senior Congressional staff members, and 7 members of the 

nonprofit community. 

In order to encourage candor, interviewees were advised that specific comments would not be 

attributed to any particular individual in the report, unless individual approval was obtained. 

Framework for this Report 

In Part 2, this report summarizes the findings from our interviews, highlights issues raised in 

those interviews, and provides extensive reporting on the views of key stakeholders (largely 

without attribution). By including a number of specific comments from interviewees, the Report 

 

6

 The scorecard tracks implementation of each of the 25 recommendations of the Governance Committee. Overlaps 

with the IRC recommendations are also noted. For a copy of the scorecard, see 

http://www.si.edu/about/Regents/scorecard.htm. 7

 At some interviews, more than one individual was present. These were counted as one interview except in 

instances where a Congressional Regent and his/her Regent Liaison were interviewed simultaneously and the 

Regent Liaison was not also interviewed separately. 

8

 For a roster of current Regents, see Appendix 1. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 11

seeks to provide the Committee with a nuanced sense of the diversity and complexity of views 

on the various subjects. 

In Part 3, the report articulates good governance principles and best practices, based on 

BoardSource’s extensive experience and work with other nonprofit organizations, that should be 

taken into account as the Board considers the analysis and alternatives presented in Part 4. 

In Part 5, the report outlines options for board size, composition, and executive committee 

structure. Finally, in Part 6, we offer eight suggestions for changes to current governance 

practices to be considered at the appropriate time. 

Throughout the process, BoardSource has appreciated the advice and assistance of the Office of 

the Board of Regents, other Smithsonian staff, and the Chair of the Governance and Nominating 

Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee was given the opportunity to respond 

to an earlier draft of the report; however, BoardSource retained complete control over the final 

report, findings, and options. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 12

PART 2: FINDINGS AND INTERVIEW RESULTS 

Section 1. Board Size and Composition 

Special Nature of the Organization 

An Act of Congress in 18469

 created the Smithsonian after the approval of a bequest from James 

Smithson, which was originally accepted in 1836. James Smithson, a British scientist, left his 

estate “to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the 

Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among 

men.”10 According to a Special Report of the General Counsel of the Smithsonian, after 

considerable debate, Congress created the “Smithsonian Institution as an independent trust 

‘establishment’ of the United States.”11

The Smithsonian was created by Congress “under its exclusive Constitutional authority to 

legislate for the District of Columbia.”12 The federal legislation established an independent 

Board of Regents – which included representatives from all three branches of government and 

private citizens – and a Secretary to carry out the responsibilities of the trust. The Board’s size 

and structure are detailed in the charter and have only been changed twice by statutory 

amendment – once in 1894 removing the Governor of the District of Columbia as a Regent and 

in 1970 increasing the number of Citizen Regents from six to nine. Both changes required an 

amendment by Congress.13

At present, approximately 70% of the Smithsonian’s $1 billion operating revenue comes from 

federal appropriations14 and 30% comes from private trust and other funds. The Smithsonian 

includes 19 museums and nine research centers in three areas: science and technology, history 

and culture, and art. 

 

9

 The Smithsonian Act of August 10, 1846, as amended, is codified, 20 U.S.C. §§ 41–67. See Appendix 2. 

10 For more information, see http://www.si.edu/about/history.htm. 

11 “Special Report of the General Counsel,” Proceedings of the Board of Regents, September 18, 2006. According to 

this report, “Trusts were well known in 19th-century America under the Nation’s common law heritage. A trust is a 

fiduciary relationship whereby a trustee holds property for the benefit of the trust beneficiary. To create a trust there 

must be a trust purpose, a beneficiary, property and a trustee. The Smithson bequest satisfied these four elements: it 

had a trust purpose (the creation of “an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge”), a beneficiary 

(all mankind), property (“the whole of my property”) and a trustee (the United States). In addition, Smithson 

attached two conditions to the trust: that it be administered in Washington, D.C., and that the establishment be 

named the Smithsonian Institution.” 

12 20 U.S.C. §§ 42, 43. See Appendix 2. 

13 20 U.S.C. §§ 42, 43. See Appendix 2. 

14 The federal appropriations fall into two categories: (1) facilities capital appropriation and (2) salaries and expenses 

appropriation. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 13

Current Composition 

At present, the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents consists of 17 members, including: 

• Two members – the Chief Justice of the United States and the Vice President of the United 

States – who are ex officio members and serve as a duty of their respective offices. 

• Three Senators appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate for six-year 

terms. Typically, two are from the majority party and one is from the minority party. 

• Three Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for 

two-year terms. Typically, two are from the majority party and one is from the minority 

party. 

• Nine citizens recommended by the Board of Regents and appointed by Congress. Two 

Citizen Regents must reside in the District of Columbia and seven must be inhabitants of 

some state, but no two of them from the same state.15 For Citizen Regents to be confirmed, a 

Congressional Regent introduces a bill – one in the House and one in the Senate – that is 

cosponsored by the other two Regents in his or her chamber. Citizen Regents may serve up to 

two consecutive six-year terms. 

Board meeting attendance averages 12 out of 17 Regents. Most Congressional Regents and 

Citizen Regents have solid attendance records. The Vice President almost never comes. The 

Chief Justice attends the vast majority of meetings. The Chief Justice also serves as Chancellor 

of the Board; the responsibilities of the Chancellor are outlined in the Governance Committee 

Report16 and are being further revised. 

In addition, Congressional Regents and the ex officio Regents each have a Regent Liaison who 

supports them in their service as a Regent, serving as their “eyes and ears.” Typically the Regent 

Liaison is a staff member in the Regent’s office.17 At present, most Regent Liaisons attend all 

Board of Regent meetings, even if the Congressional Regent or ex officio Regent whom they 

support does not attend. 

 

15 20 U.S.C. §§ 42 (a). See Appendix 2. 

16 “Recommendation 3: To enhance Board leadership, the Regents adopt the following specific duties and 

responsibilities for the positions of Chancellor and Chair of the Board and will initiate a change to the Bylaws to 

separate these positions,” Governance Committee, Report of the Governance Committee to the Board of Regents, 

June 14, 2007. This recommendation – along with all recommendations in this Report – was adopted by the Board 

of Regents on June 18, 2007, and the bylaws of the Board of Regents were updated to reflect this in September 

2007. See Appendices 3 and 4. 

17 There is no standard profile of a Regent Liaison. At present, they hold various positions including Chief of Staff, 

senior policy advisor, legislative assistant, scheduler, etc. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 14

Issues Raised by Board Size and Composition 

1. Board capacity for effective governance

A majority of interviewees endorsed the current Board size on the grounds that it supports 

both quality deliberations and a diversity of perspectives. 

Many individuals we spoke to believed a board of 17 Regents to be about the right size because 

it is small enough to allow for personal engagement and large enough to include some diversity. 

Regents, in particular, expressed concern that a larger board would diffuse responsibility by 

decreasing the level of individual involvement and lowering the quality of conversation. As a 

Regent explained, “I do believe the Board is the right size....Attendance is in [inverse] 

proportion to size of the Board. I’m on a lot of boards with a lot of directors....They don’t take 

their responsibilities seriously. Attendance is low. Regents view their responsibility seriously. We 

have good attendance records and participation. People do their homework.” 

Another Regent observed, “I think it works well. My experience is, if it [the board] gets too 

large, nobody will be there. Right now, they all feel they have input and can be there. You can 

get involved in what is going on. It’s small enough so that we know each other and don’t hesitate 

to speak up when we disagree, but not small enough that it is incestuous.”

Senior Smithsonian staff also felt that the Board is a manageable size. As one staff member 

explained, “The size is about right I would guess. I want it large enough to be diverse but small 

enough to be manageable. It’s not a fundraising board. I get nervous when I see proposals to 

make it a board of 48; I see the dysfunctions on other boards and it makes our Board look 

great.” 

However, some interviewees favored increasing Board size to redistribute workload more 

evenly.

Several interviewees suggested that the Board needs to be slightly larger to address composition 

and division of labor challenges. One Citizen Regent said, “I don’t know the right size. Citizen 

Regents, who can chair committees, are stretched thin.”

A Regent Liaison commented that the size “is about right. But, it could be usefully expanded 

slightly with Citizen Regents.” Another explained, “We could expand by two and add in some 

financial expertise. That would change the balance.” 

Congressional voices are somewhat split on the issue of board size. Some have expressed general 

support for the current size of the Board of Regents. One critical Congressional staff member 

said, “Best practice says boards should be smaller. Don’t worry regarding [the current] size. We 

would not like it to be bigger.” Others in Congress disagree, expressing concern that “if...six of 

17 slots are taken by them [Congressional Regents], they may have a delayed ability to deal with 

the issues.”
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 15

On this point, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton proposed a bill on October 24, 2007, that 

would change the Board size from 17 to 21 Regents, all of whom would come from the private 

sector. In her statement introducing the legislation, she explained, “the Regents must be free to 

give new...attention...to finding and helping to raise substantially more funds from private 

sources.” 

In an April 11, 2007, meeting of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senator 

Dianne Feinstein opened with the following comment, “Comparable museums, like the Met for 

example, have five public officials that serve ex officio, but that is in addition to a robust board 

of 40 that includes experts in museum management, fundraising, and the law. We need to strive 

for this level of diversity and commitment among the Smithsonian’s Regents. I’m afraid the 

Board has become largely honorific, and I think that’s the last thing this institution needs.” 18

Some respondents argued that the Board’s composition, rather than its size, was 

problematic. 

Overall, size in and of itself does not seem to be perceived as a problem for the Smithsonian. As 

one Regent explained, “The issue is not the size or shape of the Board. The issue is the 

passionate involvement of the Regents and finding ways to make it possible for them to 

function.”

The Board is populated with high-profile, highly successful individuals, all of whom are very 

busy. Critics are concerned that government Regents do not have time to pay adequate attention 

to the Smithsonian because they do not have control over their calendars and commitments. 

Several Congressional leaders have suggested that the Board composition is problematic. As one 

Congressional staff member said, “I don’t think the size is a problem. I see it as perfectly 

reasonable and large enough to have diversity. The presence of government officials – Vice 

President, Chief Justice, six members of Congress – is a dysfunctional model because none of 

those people have the time nor do they have experience that adds to the ability to oversee the 

Board. In earlier times when Congress was not all year (1800s), there may have been a stronger 

argument to do this.”

Senator Dianne Feinstein expressed a related concern: “The Congressional Regents, the Vice 

President, and the Chief Justice all add unique perspectives to the Board and I know they are 

providing an invaluable public service. But given their day jobs, I wonder if they can dedicate 

the time, attention, and expertise that are so greatly needed at the Smithsonian at this time.”19

The Smithsonian has developed a reportedly effective solution to the limitations of government 

Regents by working closely with Regent Liaisons who are in regular communication with both 

Smithsonian staff and their governmental representatives. For example, Regent Liaisons have 

two pre-Board meeting briefings, the first to provide input on the meeting agenda and the second 

 

18 Statement of Chairman Senator Dianne Feinstein, Oversight Hearing on the Operations and Governance of the 

Smithsonian Institution, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, April 11, 2007. 

19 Statement of Chairman Senator Dianne Feinstein, Oversight Hearing on the Operations and Governance of the 

Smithsonian Institution, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, April 11, 2007. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 16

to review the board books, so that they may brief their Regents. They attend Board and 

committee meetings with their Regents, and they meet periodically with the Inspector General. 

As one of the Regent Liaisons described their role, “Having Liaisons to do leg work helps 

Regents in the decision-making process. Even though their time commitment might not be 100%, 

through our eyes and ears, they can hear what is going on when they can’t be there. They’re 

always briefed.” Regent Liaisons were praised by other Regents and Smithsonian staff for 

helping to keep Congressional and ex officio Regents informed and for assisting them in carrying 

out their duties. 

2. Benefits and drawbacks of different categories of Regents

Given the complex composition of the Board of Regents, we sought to explore the three 

categories of Regents – Congressional Regents, ex officio Regents, and Citizen Regents – and the 

benefits and drawbacks each brings to the Board. 

Congressional Regents 

Nearly all interviewees affirmed that Congressional Regents are invaluable in generating 

support on Capitol Hill for the Smithsonian. 

Our interviews surfaced universal support for Congressional Regents, with the exception of some 

non-Regent members of Congress (and staff) who expressed some concern about competing and 

possible conflicts of interest. Most interviewees acknowledged that the Congressional Regents 

are critical to the Smithsonian because of their understanding of and access to the Hill. They 

were generally praised for their personal commitment and behind-the-scenes support, which 

includes introducing legislation for Regents’ appointment and informing colleagues about 

Smithsonian activities and funding needs. Congressional Regents also participate in Board and 

committee meetings. Like the Board writ large, when problems of governance and leadership 

were identified, Congressional Regents became even more actively involved. 

Congressional Regents are important to the Smithsonian governance structure because they 

represent the legislative branch of government. One Congressional Regent explained, “We 

represent the government and ensure resources are utilized in the best possible way. 70% of the 

funding comes from the U.S. government, and that is the reason to have us there, to ensure the 

Smithsonian adheres to the highest standards. Our names and U.S. Congress are on there. We 

can’t fail in our duty.” Congressional Regents represent the American public’s interest on the 

Board. As elected officials, they offer a recognized mechanism for the public to raise concerns. 

Congressional Regents also serve as conduits for communication between Congress and the 

Smithsonian. For Congress, they help facilitate oversight, alongside the Authorizing and 

Appropriations Committees. As one senior Congressional staff member said, “We expect them to 

educate the rest of the members. If something needs to be done, we expect the Congressional 

Regents to tell us.”
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 17

Their peer-to-peer relationship with colleagues is an important channel for communicating 

institutional opportunities and challenges to Congress. One senior Smithsonian staff member 

said, “We have six members of Congress and, with one exception...all are engaged. They’re not 

only showing up, but they’re very engaged. Leahy and Matsui – you can’t ask for more. They 

bring the Smithsonian point of view to the discussions on the Hill.” 

For the Smithsonian, they bring Congressional perspectives and concerns into the boardroom and 

the institution’s management. Likewise, as a senior Smithsonian staff member added, “Because 

so much of the money is from the Hill, the Congressional Regents try to protect us from ourselves 

in not making missteps – for example, they give us advice and suggest better ways to approach 

issues.” 

Most interviewees agreed that the number of Congressional Regents has to be balanced between 

the Senate and the House and the majority and minority parties. One senior Smithsonian staff 

member explained why the current number works: “It’s difficult because you can’t have just one 

from each side; you have to have at least two from each, so that’s already four, and it’s better to 

have six [for attendance issues].”

A Regent Liaison explained, “I think a 3:3 House:Senate ratio is a nice mix. When the majority 

changes over, I think it’s good to have the majority party have more say because they have more 

influence with their people in charge. I like that dynamic. It’s very helpful.” 

Chief Justice 

The Chief Justice is an ex officio member of the Board and represents the judiciary branch of 

government. Traditionally, he has served as Chancellor of the Board of Regents and as a member 

of the three-person Executive Committee. In June 2007, on the recommendation of the 

Governance and Nominating Committee, the roles of Chancellor and Board Chair were separated 

and clarified.20 This structure was in place at the time of our interviews. Since then, the 

Chancellor has stepped off the Executive Committee, and the duties of the Chancellor are being 

further revised. 

 

Most interviewees advocated keeping the Chief Justice as a Regent because of his skills at 

facilitating deliberations and the stature he brings to the Board. 

The Chief Justice brings considerable value to the Board of Regents, as well as some inherent 

limitations. One Regent summarized his contribution: “There are three benefits of the Chief 

Justice. First, he has a long view of what is needed for the institution by the nature of his job. 

Second, he leads well and has a fantastic ability to get to the heart of the matter. That comes 

with what he does all day. Third, the Chief Justice improves the standing of the institution and 

 

20 In the Report of the Governance Committee to the Board of Regents (June 14, 2007), Recommendation 3 

indicated, “To enhance Board leadership, the Regents adopt the following specific duties and responsibilities for the 

positions of Chancellor and Chair of the Board and will initiate a change to the Bylaws to separate these positions.” 

The Board of Regents adopted this recommendation on June 18, 2007 and the Bylaws of the Board of Regents were 

updated to reflect this in September 2007. See Appendices 3 and 4. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 18

the Regents. His presence underscores that the Smithsonian is uniquely American and draws 

better people to the table. If the Chief Justice can make the meeting, then I certainly can show 

up.”

Many respondents appreciated the Chief Justice’s skill at running meetings. As one Regent 

explained, “Regarding the Chief Justice, I view the judicial representation as providing a kind of 

discipline of thought relative to the process – how one considers and weighs the different 

perspectives and how one comes out in the decision-making process.” 

The Chief Justice carries considerable ballast that raises the stature of the Smithsonian Board and 

can be beneficial during contentious Board discussions. One Regent observed, “Absolutely he 

travels with the gavel. This is true of both [the past and current Chief Justice]....That chair, that 

gavel, is given great regard and abided by.”

Because the Chief Justice is appointed for life, he is immune to political pressures, unlike 

Congressional Regents and the Vice President. As one Regent remarked, “Nobody else is 

appointed for life but he is, which frees him up not to worry. He has the longevity and freedom to 

think for the American people. He thinks on how we deliver on the promise, the rightness, and 

wrongness [of our actions]. Congressional members and even Citizen Regents can’t do this. He 

can set himself aside.” 

At the same time, this ex officio assignment carries some risk to the Smithsonian because of the 

lifetime appointment, authority of the position, and the additional roles played by the Chief 

Justice. As one interviewee noted, “The dynamics in the board meeting and during the 

discussion change when the Chief Justice is present. On the one hand, his participation is limited 

in some respects on many matters because of concerns with the potential for conflicts of interest. 

On the other hand, by virtue of his stature and position, he is not a peer on the board or at 

meetings. When he does opine, his words carry more weight and force than those of other 

Regents, and they are not inclined to debate or challenge his views or engage in the kind of frank 

and thorough discussions that are so necessary on a well functioning board.”

A few interviewees expressed concerns about the Chief Justice’s role as Chancellor, noting the 

importance of retaining his prestige and parliamentary skills, but questioning the breadth of the 

Chancellor’s responsibilities as they existed at the time of the interviews. As noted in this report, 

further modifications to those responsibilities are underway. 

Vice President 

Almost all interviewees noted that the Vice President did not contribute to the Board in a 

meaningful way on a regular basis. 

Like the Chief Justice, the Vice President serves as an ex officio member of the Board of 

Regents. His value is as a representative of the executive branch of government. In practice, the 

last few Vice Presidents have not often participated directly in Board meetings (with a single 

exception), and participation from their designated Liaison has been inconsistent. As one senior 

Smithsonian staff member explained the role of the Vice President and his Regent Liaison, 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 19

“They are monitoring, but not contributing....The idea of having the executive branch 

represented is interesting but not helping in any way.”

Many interviewees did not see much value-added from the Vice President’s office and even 

suggested eliminating the Vice President from the Board. As one senior Congressional staff 

member observed, “The Vice President...poses a problem. In a normal board, inactive members 

would be asked to leave.”

However, a few respondents noted that this affiliation may be important to keep in reserve 

for special circumstances. 

Most Regents, however, were reluctant to change this ex officio position and were uneasy about 

severing the relationship. As one Regent explained, “He has a representative in the room, and 

the representative does weigh in from time to time. The Vice President’s slot hasn’t been a plus 

or minus. It’s a statement of the multiple and unique structure. If you were under threat, you’d 

want the person at the table.”

In fact, the relationship with the Vice President has served the Smithsonian well on occasion, 

providing critical access to assistance when needed, such as in budget disputes. 

The Vice President’s office has signaled its openness to reconsidering the role of the Vice 

President by letter from David Addington to the IRC raising questions about the Smithsonian’s 

governance structure.21

Citizen Regents 

Interviewees unanimously cited the immense contributions of Citizen Regents in terms of 

bringing diversity, relevant expertise, and outside perspectives into the boardroom. 

The nine Citizen Regents play several invaluable roles on the Board. Structurally, they are the 

private, nongovernmental counterpart in this public/private partnership. As one Congressional 

Regent explained, the “value of Citizen Regents is to connect to the private sector and what’s 

going on in the field, to bring in people who can help with mission.”

Another said that they “represent different sectors and that is important – the art world, science 

world, financial world. We need it. They represent the rest of the country. They bring their 

expertise, their background, their love of the Smithsonian. What Citizen Regents will bring, as 

we move forward, will be involvement in fundraising.”

 

21 In a letter to the Honorable Charles A. Bowsher, Chairman, Independent Review Committee, David Addington, 

chief of staff to the Vice President, raised the questions about the structure: “Does the presence of eight senior 

Federal officials on the Board of Regents [Vice President, Chief Justice, three Senators, and three Representatives] 

benefit or burden the Institution?...What if any changes should the Institution seek with respect to the existence, 

composition, selection or functions of the Board of Regents?” Exhibit 1: Letter from David Addington, Chief of 

Staff to the Vice President, to the Honorable Charles A. Bowsher Chairman, Independent Review Committee (dated 

May 18, 2007), Independent Review Committee, A Report to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, 

June 18, 2007. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 20

While recognizing that all Regents bring diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, Citizen 

Regents in particular ensure that the Board has relevant and specific experience (e.g., 

management, real estate, legal) and needed skills (e.g., financial, investment, programmatic). 

They offer access to the corporate and philanthropic sectors. And, because they are private 

citizens, they may have greater flexibility in their personal schedules and freedom to express 

their points of view. 

Citizen Regents also bring a voice and viewpoint from outside of government and political 

circles. As one senior Smithsonian staff member said, “They bring perspective, skills. We’re 

quasi-federal. We are more cocooned, and Citizen Regents bring us into the real world. They 

bring a non-government face to the Smithsonian.” Another pointed out that, when 

communicating externally, “Citizen Regents can do things that Congressional Regents can’t, 

such as speak more freely, defend a controversial exhibit, go to other stakeholders, and apply 

pressure.”

However, interviewees expressed differing assumptions and opinions about fundraising 

expectations of Citizen Regents. 

Respondents articulated conflicting perspectives about what is and should be expected of Citizen 

Regents in terms of fundraising, both giving and getting. One Citizen Regent observed that there 

“has been a tendency to put people on the Board with at least a large eye on financial capacity. I 

don’t think it’s necessary because the Smithsonian has enough gravitas so that people will be 

generous. I don’t think being a Regent will be why you give. This complicates who you put on.” 

As one senior Smithsonian staff member said, “[Former Secretary] Small’s priority was 

stacking it with millionaires, but I don’t see it as a fundraising board. We have other boards for 

that.”

Many interviewees observed that Citizen Regents carry a disproportionate amount of 

Board work, especially through committee leadership and other committee assignments.

Many respondents at all levels commented on the amount of time and effort that Citizen Regents 

have invested in Board work over the last year. While the Citizen Regents have more autonomy 

and flexibility in their schedules, they are being asked to do more than they signed up for and 

with no special support. One Citizen Regent said board service “wasn’t supposed to be so [time] 

consuming, and it wasn’t until recently. If it does take this much time, it should be on matters of 

more interest.”

Another Citizen Regent observed, “Congressional Regents have staff who pay attention and 

work with them. I don’t have that, someone who listens to everything. The time demand is a big 

issue for the Regents going forward. Hopefully, it won’t be as intense as it was this year.”

In practice, Citizen Regents are also essential to Board success because they shoulder a greater 

burden for board leadership. Currently, all committees are chaired by Citizen Regents. Given 

this, some noted the importance of all Citizen Regents understanding the expectations associated 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 21

with their position. As one Citizen Regent commented, “There is lots of weight on the Regents. 

Nine is a lot [of Citizen Regents]. If all came in thinking it’s not just one day per quarter but 

some time every week, then nine would be enough. As it stands, nine is too light.”

3. Common set of fiduciary responsibilities

Most respondents believed that all Regents share the same set of fiduciary responsibilities. 

Recent developments and, in turn, our interviews have surfaced the issue of fiduciary 

responsibilities of Smithsonian Regents and, in particular, government Regents.22 This legal 

issue is outside the scope of our engagement. However, we raise it in this report as a unique 

challenge for the Smithsonian Board given its composition. 

In its report, the IRC noted that the Smithsonian Board had basic fiduciary responsibilities: “The 

IRC recognizes the historical value of having the three branches of government represented on 

the Board. Fiduciary constraints, however, require that the Smithsonian be run by a governing 

board whose members act as true fiduciaries and who have both the time and the experience to 

assume the responsibilities of setting strategy and providing oversight.”23

In practice, the Board operates with the understanding that all Regents share the same duties. As 

one Citizen Regent commented, “I think they should [have the same fiduciary responsibilities], 

and they act like they do.” A Congressional Regent echoed that sentiment, saying “I don’t think 

anyone makes a distinction. All Regents are just appointed in different ways.” 

The Governance and Nominating Committee recently articulated a common set of “Duties and 

Responsibilities of Regents” that makes no distinction between Citizen and government 

Regents.24 One Regent expressed the basic understanding shared by most Regents, 

Congressional and Citizen alike: “Our job is to be the literal fiduciaries of this place as an 

institution. I hope we all agree that we have a duty of care and loyalty to the institution, not to 

Congress or to donors....I do expect all Regents to have the same responsibilities, except for the 

ex officio members. The Vice President doesn’t come. He sends a representative sometimes. The 

Chief Justice has a major role. He might not be able to accept full fiduciary responsibility of a 

full Board member.”

 

22 All nonprofit board members are subject to fiduciary duties by state law of the state of incorporation, as well as 

common law. In addition, where the entity in question is a trust, directors act as trustees and are expected to adhere 

to the fiduciary standards of trust law. Questions have arisen, in part, because while the Smithsonian is registered 

with the IRS and tax exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3), its origins lie in Congressional action and federal law. 23 “Recommendation 5: The Smithsonian Should Have an Active Governing Board with a Chairman Who Can 

Provide the Time and Proper Oversight,” Independent Review Committee, A Report to the Board of Regents of the 

Smithsonian Institution, June 18, 2007. 24 “Recommendation 2: To establish clear governance expectations, the Regents adopt the following description of 

duties and responsibilities of all Regents,” Governance Committee, Report of the Governance Committee to the 

Board of Regents, June 14, 2007. See Appendix 5. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 22

Several interviewees also raised questions about whether government Regents have 

conflicts of interests with regard to Board service. 

Most interviewees acknowledged that the ex officio Regents – the Chief Justice and the Vice 

President – are somehow different than the other Regents. As one senior Smithsonian staff 

member said, “The issue of fiduciary responsibility has come up in relation to the Chief Justice 

and the Vice President. The Vice President has a lot to do, and he has to balance his duties. He 

is not in violation of his fiduciary role if he doesn’t come, and the same for the Chief Justice. 

They’d come if they had to.”

On more than one occasion, interviewees raised questions about whether conflicts of interests 

existed as a result of the unique structure of the Smithsonian. With respect to Congressional 

Regents, some wondered whether such conflicts existed, particularly when Congressional 

Regents spoke on behalf of the Smithsonian in budget discussions. As noted by the IRC,25 this 

issue may be more complicated when a Congressional Regent serves as a member or chair of the 

Authorization or Appropriations Committees.

Others have suggested a different way of understanding the relationship between the 

Smithsonian and Congress. As a Congressional Regent explained, this kind of duality of interests 

is built into their jobs, “People say you have a conflict of interest. For me, I fight on behalf of my 

district to get the resources we need. Does that mean I have a conflict of interest?” 

Several interviewees noted that the Chief Justice might also have a potential conflict of interest if 

a case involving the Smithsonian were to appear before the Supreme Court. The current Chief 

Justice does not vote in Board meetings, nor did he in Executive Committee meetings when he 

was a member. 

As noted by the Smithsonian itself, the unique nature of the organization establishes a fiduciary 

duty to the United States as the beneficiary of the Trust established by Congress to receive and 

administer the gift from James Smithson.26 With this in mind, interviewees commented that 

Congressional Regents could be said to be acting in a manner consistent with both their fiduciary 

obligations to the institution and their duties as members of Congress when they take actions on 

behalf of the Smithsonian. 

 

25 “Recommendation 7: Congressional Regents Should Accept Fiduciary Responsibilities,” Independent Review 

Committee, A Report to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, June 18, 2007. 26 According to Smithsonian Directive 150, “The Board of Regents bears the responsibility of the United States as 

trustee for carrying out the Smithson bequest and the public trust for which it provided....The responsibilities 

imposed on a trustee have their roots in English common law. A trust is a fiduciary relationship whereby a trustee 

holds and administers property for stated purposed on behalf of a named beneficiary.” SMITHSONIAN DIRECTIVE 

150, Smithsonian Institution Origins, Governance, and Relationship to the Federal Government, April 16, 1996. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 23

4. Unequal distribution of work among types of Regents

A majority of interviewees observed that the expectations of government and Citizen 

Regents are different. 

While the duties and responsibilities of Regents are generally shared by all (with the exception of 

two ex officio Regents), the way the work is divided is not. There are notable differences in the 

expectations of and assignments made to Regents. All bring important and unique contributions 

to the Board. Congressional Regents provide access to the Hill, and Citizen Regents provide 

access to the corporate and philanthropic communities. Board work takes place both at and 

between Board meetings, with all Regents contributing, albeit in different ways. 

One Regent captured the sentiment expressed by many: “There is a difference in expectations, 

yes. Congressional Regents carry the leadership and burden of getting support on the Hill. The 

Citizen Regents do as much as possible in working with the institution on projects and 

fundraising. It is a tricky point.”

A Regent Liaison also observed the imbalance, “Congressional Regents are in a beneficial 

position because they have a staff member to help. I brief my boss, read, and highlight what he 

should read. With my briefing notes and his reading, he asks questions. Do Citizen Regents have 

the luxury and time to review the materials? They need to be a dedicated bunch.”

Many interviewees assumed that Citizen Regents would have greater flexibility and devote 

more time to the Smithsonian. 

Citizen Regents are expected to have and devote more time to the Smithsonian. As one senior 

Smithsonian staff member commented, “There’s an expectation that the Citizen Regents will be 

more engaged. The Congressional Regents vary. It’s tricky as Congressional members because 

their first job is to be a member of Congress.” 

Another Citizen Regent acknowledged this expectation: “We have an understanding that there is 

more of a time requirement needed for both the Citizen and government Regents, but [this does] 

not mean that they need to be the same. If I as a Citizen Regent have more time and am willing to 

spend more time, then I don’t need the same time commitment from the Congressional Regents. 

We just need a serious commitment that they will be there when they are needed.”

Citizen Regents also shoulder a greater workload in terms of Board and committee leadership 

(See Part 2, Section 2). As one senior Smithsonian staff member commented, “Citizen Regents 

do a lot of the work. Most of the groundwork is done by the Citizen Regents; they chair the 

committees.” Another staff member said, “Time commitment is a big one. Citizen Regents will 

chair committees, but Congressional Regents might not have the time.” 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 24

Several interviewees also spoke about the importance of all Regents attending meetings. 

Several respondents pointed out that meeting attendance should be required of all Regents. As 

one Citizen Regent commented, “Whoever is on the Board should be required to attend a certain 

number of meetings.”

5. Ability to shape Regent nominations and optimize Board composition

Many interviewees expressed concern that the Board of Regents does not have the diversity of 

skills and expertise it needs to govern an institution as large and complex as the Smithsonian. 

This is driven, in part, by the unique Board composition that includes three branches of 

government and private citizens and by the Board nomination and approval processes for 

Congressional and Citizen Regents. 

Ex Officio Regents 

Some interviewees acknowledged that the contributions of the Chief Justice depend on the 

personality of the individual. 

By definition, the Board of Regents has no control over the ex officio Regents who serve by 

virtue of their positions. The inclusion of the Chief Justice presents considerable rewards and 

risk to the Board of Regents precisely because the position is such a powerful one – in the 

country and on the Board – and a lifetime appointment. As one Advisory Board member said, 

“The Chief Justice’s [contributions], from my secondary knowledge, depend on the person. 

Rehnquist moved through meetings in an authoritarian way and short-changed the attention that 

the Board should have given to issues. Roberts is different, but the Board shouldn’t be dependent 

on who’s wearing the black robe at the time.”

Most interviewees were less concerned about the impact of the Vice President because he 

has not historically participated on the Board. 

The role of the Vice President appears to present somewhat less risk, in part because it is limited 

to a maximum of eight years and in part because past Vice Presidents have not been noticeably 

involved in the Board. But, their failure to attend, or reliably to send a delegate, was perceived as 

somewhat problematic. As a senior Smithsonian staff member said, “Maybe the Vice President 

doesn’t need to be a Regent because he’s never going to be engaged. Having some kind of 

executive branch representative is a good thing, but we haven’t had it in practice.”

Acknowledging that the Vice President serves as the designated representative of the executive 

branch, one Regent suggested, “The Vice President [position] doesn’t have to be the Vice 

President. We do want to keep both [ex officio positions] on the Board.”

As a senior Congressional staff member pointed out, the position for the Vice President was 

“built for a gentler time and day....Honorific board members dilute the import and substance of 

a board....We don’t want to signal to other boards that it’s acceptable.”
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 25

Congressional Regents 

Most interviewees felt that Congressional Regents took their Board service seriously. 

The inclusion of Congressional Regents, like the ex officio Regents, presents some risk because 

the Board has no say in their selection and no assurances of their commitment. In practice, 

however, they have generally been engaged and supportive; this appears to be more by personal 

commitment than intentional design. As one interviewee described it, “There’s some sense that a 

Smithsonian Regent spot was a plum assignment. It has a certain cachet in these circles.”

Furthermore, respondents have described a collegiality among Congressional Regents that 

transcends party lines. One interviewee said, “I got a sense that this is a place where party 

doesn’t make a difference. [The Congressional Regents] care about the Smithsonian for the good 

of the American people.”

Some interviewees suggested that expectations for Congressional Regents’ service should 

be explicitly communicated in advance. 

Some interviewees suggested that the current leadership could be more proactive in establishing 

expectations for Congressional Regents. One interviewee pointed to an example where a board 

chair laid out what was expected of appointed board members: “When [James] Wolfensohn was 

chair of the Kennedy Center board, he went to Clinton to say, ‘Don’t put people on who won’t 

raise money for the Center’....If they have a good relationship with the Speaker, they can ask to 

not have people who will just occupy the seat but for those who will play a part. The Speaker 

then needs to go to the [potential Regent] and say ‘You’ve really got to get engaged.’ Many will 

be truthful. It’s an honor because the stuff that goes on at the Smithsonian is wonderful. It’s a 

terrific honor.”

A Citizen Regent observed, “I asked...a former Regent about this and there is usually one 

[Congressional Regent] who isn’t as engaged....He shouldn’t have accepted the role, but we 

didn’t have a Regent’s job description or performance standards. If we had clear standards of 

performance and duties when the House and Senate selected members, it might be different.” 

However, some believe that trying to influence the appointment process may be futile. As one 

senior Smithsonian staff member said, “We start out with the presumption that the commitment 

[of Congressional members] is there. There has been every indication that it’s a plum 

assignment. We can’t tell the Speaker of the House, ‘This is what you should look for.’ The 

process has worked. Appointments are a risk but generally come due to commitment to the 

Smithsonian.”

Likewise, an Advisory Board member commented, “There’s not much you can do about 

Congress. Some are good enough and have staff who help. Some have real commitment to the 

institution. The cost of getting rid of the Congressional part of the Board is greater. If they selfselect for the role, they usually have an interest in the Smithsonian or in the fields it covers.”
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 26

Citizen Regents 

Several interviewees criticized the strong influence that the previous Secretary exerted over 

nominating Citizen Regents. 

The Citizen Regents are looked to for their diversity of skills and expertise, as well as their 

private sector connections and fundraising potential. Criticism from the media and from 

Congress focused on most having been handpicked by the former Secretary, Lawrence Small, 

with approval from the Nominating Committee. 

The Independent Review Committee also identified this issue of the Secretary having too much 

control over Regent nominations. It noted: “Contributions to the Smithsonian should not be the 

determining factor for service on the Board, but only one of many factors considered in the 

selection of Regents. Care should be taken to avoid appointing Regents who have clear personal 

and professional ties to the Secretary that may compromise the Board’s independence.”27

Many interviewees pointed to changes in the current nomination and appointment process 

that make it more inclusive and thorough. 

The recruitment and nomination process has changed considerably over the past year, and the 

Governance and Nominating Committee has taken the lead. It has recently articulated criteria for 

recruiting Citizen Regents that include personal characteristics; geographic and cultural 

diversity; museum, educational, and research experience; nonprofit administrative or governance 

experience; academic or scholarly background; business, financial, and/or investment 

experience; and government-related experience.28

One senior Smithsonian staff member described the current process: The “nomination [for the 

last Regent] came through the [Governance and Nominating] Committee. In the past, there had 

been significant input from the Secretary, and the Nominating Committee was not a strong 

player. The Secretary identified candidates and presented them to the Nominating Committee for 

approval. Now the Regents are more in charge. The Secretary’s nominations go into the pool.”29

These efforts for more intentional recruitment are important, but the Board’s power in selecting 

Regents is circumscribed by the requirement that they be appointed by Congress. As one senior 

 

27 “Recommendation 8: The Board Should be Expanded or Reorganized to Allow for the Addition of Regents with 

Needed Expertise,” Independent Review Committee, A Report to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 

Institution, June 18, 2007. 28 “General Criteria for Identifying Candidates for the Smithsonian Board of Regents” adopted by the Board of 

Regents on September 17, 2007. See Appendix 6. 

29 The Nominating Committee and the Governance Committee merged in 2007. “Recommendation 9: To strengthen 

board development and integrate the nominating and governance process, the Governance Committee will assume 

the responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and be renamed the Governance and Nominating Committee. The 

Committee will develop criteria for the nomination of new Citizen Regents to ensure that the skill sets and diversity 

necessary for a dynamic Board are identified. It also will review existing processes for appointing Board committee 

members and chairs and will recommend improvements,” Governance Committee, Report of the Governance 

Committee to the Board of Regents, June 14, 2007. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 27

Smithsonian staff member acknowledged, “The Regents don’t make appointments. They can 

only make recommendations to the Hill. But, if we can show that we did it properly, it helps the 

process.”

Another senior Smithsonian staff member hinted at how this affects the relationship between 

Congressional and Citizen Regents, saying “...they [Congressional Regents] act as if they have 

control over Citizen Regents....The Regents nominate, then Congressional Regents introduce 

legislation. They are our advocates and view that as their responsibility.”

Not surprisingly, Congress has become more involved in current nominations and renominations 

this year. As one senior Congressional staff member said, “The former Secretary played a major 

role and was able to preserve himself and [his] idea of how the Smithsonian should be run. 

[Congress] can reject any nominee, but it rarely happens. Things are now being looked at much 

more carefully.”

Likewise, the House Committee on House Administration has become more active in vetting 

Regent recommendations. Starting in October 2007, they invited candidates for Citizen Regent 

positions to meet with members of the Committee. And, they are considering maintaining this 

process going forward. As one Congressional staff member said, “I think this should be a 

permanent change. It forces us to focus on the Smithsonian. My expectation is that this practice 

will continue with new Regents and renominations.”
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 28

Section 2. Committee Structure 

Current Committee Structure 

Stemming from the recommendations made in the Governance Committee Report, a number of 

changes were made to the committee structure in 2007. The Committee on Facilities 

Revitalization, previously an ad hoc committee, was made a standing committee. In addition, the 

Governance Committee assumed the responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and the two 

committees merged under the name of Governance and Nominating Committee.30

The Smithsonian Board of Regents currently has six Standing Committees to carry out its 

responsibilities: Executive, Finance and Investment (which has an Investment Subcommittee), 

Audit and Review, Governance and Nominating, Compensation and Human Resources, and 

Facilities Revitalization.31 In addition, the Board has convened an ad hoc Search Committee to 

search for the new Secretary of the Smithsonian. 

The Governance and Nominating Committee holds responsibility for recommending committee 

members for appointment. In 2007, the Governance and Nominating Committee adopted the 

following to guide the committee:32

• Number of Committees: In general, all Regents are expected to serve on at least one but no 

more than three standing committees. 

• Committee Chairs: At an appropriate point in their tenure, all Citizen Regents are expected to 

chair one standing committee. 

• Number of Members: In general, all committees should have no fewer than three and no 

more than six Regent members, except the Executive Committee, which, by the charter, is 

limited to three members. 

• Non-Regent Members: For those committees requiring expertise from the Regents that is 

either lacking or would greatly benefit from supplementation, the Committee will actively 

 

30 “Recommendation 8: “To provide a mechanism for immediate and continuing Board attention to the 

Smithsonian’s facilities needs and to underscore the Regents’ commitment to resolving the facilities backlog, the ad 

hoc Committee on Facilities Revitalization will become a standing committee of the Board,” and “Recommendation 

9: To strengthen board development and integrate the nominating and governance process, the Governance 

Committee will assume the responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and be renamed the Governance and 

Nominating Committee. The Committee will develop criteria for the nomination of new Citizen Regents to ensure 

that the skill sets and diversity necessary for a dynamic Board are identified. It also will review existing processes 

for appointing Board committee members and chairs and will recommend improvements,” Governance Committee, 

Report of the Governance Committee to the Board of Regents, June 14, 2007. 31 See Appendix 7. 

32 “General Guidelines for Appointment to Standing Committees of the Board of Regents,” Presented to the Board 

of Regents on September 17, 2007. According to the Board of Regents Governance Scorecard, these will be applied 

in January 2008. See Appendix 8. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 29

consider candidates from outside the Board. The Committee will particularly rely on 

members from the museum Advisory Boards and Regent Emeriti. 

A review of the various committees of the Smithsonian revealed an interesting pattern of 

leadership assignments. All Chairs of Smithsonian Board of Regent committees are current 

Citizen Regents (with the exception of a single non-Regent who serves as head of the Investment 

Subcommittee). 

According to the bylaws, the following committees must contain at least three Regents: Audit 

and Review, Governance and Nominating, and Facilities Revitalization. The Finance and 

Investment Committee must contain no fewer than four Regents.33 In general, Regents serve on 

two to four committees, with a notable exception reflecting the extensive participation of the 

Chair of the Executive Committee.34 The Vice President does not participate on any committees. 

Most committees include both Regents and non-Regents. The Search Committee is the most 

inclusive of individuals who are not currently Regents (though they may have served before as 

such), with the Investment Subcommittee following as a close second, reflecting the need for 

experienced and savvy investment advice. The only two committees that do not include any nonRegents are the Executive Committee and the Compensation and Human Resources 

Committee.35

The following exhibit illustrates the number of Committee members and the number of Citizen 

Regents, Congressional Regents, and non-Regent members that comprise each committee. 

Exhibit 1: Committee Assignments 

 Committee 

Members 

Citizen 

Regents 

Congressional 

Regents 

NonRegents 

Executive 3 2 0 0 

Finance and Investments 8 4 2 2 

Investment Subcommittee 7 3 0 4 

Audit and Review 5 4 0 1 

Governance and Nominating 5 3 1 1 

Compensation and Human Resources 4 3 1 0 

Facilities Revitalization 7 2 4 1 

Ad Hoc Search 11 2 2 6 

 

33 At present, both of these committees can only be comprised of Regents by virtue of the Bylaws of the Board of 

Regents of the Smithsonian Institution §§4, updated September 2007. See Appendix 4. 34 See Appendix 7. 

35 Membership of the Executive Committee is specified in the U.S. Code. Membership for the Compensation and 

Human Resources Committee is outlined in the Committee’s charter. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 30

Issues Raised with Current Committee Structure 

1. Sufficiency of committee structure to handle board responsibilities

Given the breadth of the Smithsonian Institution, with 19 museums and nine research centers, 

and its extensive mission and need for financial support as “an establishment for the increase and 

diffusion of knowledge,” the first question that arose was whether there were enough committees 

to get the work of the Board done. 

Noting the important role that committees of the Board are playing in bringing matters to the 

attention of the Board, one staff member said, “The full Board relies on committees to vet 

issues...for staff and the Regents...and to act as the champion of the issues that go to the Board.” 

Most Regents initially thought there were enough committees to get the board’s work done. 

Most Regents initially expressed the view that there were enough committees to handle the work 

of the Board and were cautious about adding committees due to concerns about (1) removing 

matters from the full Board’s consideration, (2) building bureaucracy within the Board, and (3) 

adding to Regent workload. All Regents were clear that it would be too high a price to pay if 

adding more committees required opening the charter. 

However, some interviewees recognized that Regent workload is substantial and proposed 

several new committees.

Regent workload was a serious consideration. More than one Regent expressed this concern: 

“Look, these people are volunteers; they are not getting paid for this, and we need to recognize 

that they have many other obligations.” 

When pressed about the needs of the Smithsonian for additional funding, financial knowledge, 

and programmatic expertise, many Regents and staff mentioned the possibility of other 

committees, such as program and development committees, as well as the need for strategic 

planning by the Board. Referring to the many recent Board agenda items that have focused on 

facilities, special exhibits, and major gifts, one staff member said that “40% of the current 

agenda [for Board meetings] is not vetted by committee. We need a development committee and 

a program committee in addition to all of the current committees.”

Strategic Planning and Program Committee 

A number of Regents spoke of their interest in exploring ways to ensure full realization of the 

mission of the Smithsonian Institution. Several expressed strong views about the importance of 

considering strategy and priority setting for the three focal areas of activity: science, history and 

culture, and arts. For some Regents and staff, this activity could be accomplished through a 

program committee or through a strategic planning exercise. For others, it was important that 

such activities be the responsibility of the Secretary and the Board as a whole. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 31

As one Regent put it: “We don’t need too many committees – maybe one for strategy and longterm planning. Program issues get into the Secretary’s domain...and we don’t want to step into 

the Secretary’s purview. It could be part of strategic planning. We do need to discuss it. There 

are many smart people among the Regents who can offer their own experiences. We haven’t 

tapped it as much as we should.” 

A number of Regents spoke to the importance of focusing on strategic planning and 

strategic issues. 

Another Regent highlighted the importance of strategic planning with the involvement of the 

whole Board with this comment: “The Smithsonian needs a true strategic plan and a strategic 

planning process that steps back and asks what is our mission? What’s laid out in the law? What 

is our mission in the modern context and with the constituencies to whom we have to answer 

today [Congressional, larger arts and sciences, and public interests]? Strategic planning should 

be done with involvement from advisory groups, staff, board members, etc. This is not something 

that the Board needs to do by itself through a committee or otherwise.”

Another noted the importance of having all the Board’s work take on a more strategic focus: “I 

hope we can...have existing committees take on more of strategy and program. Facilities is the 

wrong focus; it’s really strategy.” 

Others addressed the need for focus on programs, not just buildings. 

There was some interest, among some staff and some Regents, in a program committee of the 

Board of Regents. As a senior Smithsonian staff member put it: “They need a program review 

and assessment committee. This could have a director or two, particularly from the arts and 

sciences, as well as an Advisory Board member of the history museum, and two or three Regents. 

It would give us an opportunity to look at what we are doing, look at content, oversight, strategy, 

all of it. To me, that is the guts of the place....There is a feeling that the Regents are so concerned 

with audit, review, and finance that it removes them from the guts of what the institution is 

doing.” 

Another staff member said, “Cristián is articulate on an issue everyone feels strongly about. 

Larry Small was so focused on buildings. He had no idea what the program needs were. He 

thought we turned the lights on and off and that was it. If the Regents have a Facilities 

Revitalization Committee, they need a Program Committee.” 

A Regent offered this view: “There might need to be a committee around the programs of the 

place – the substantive pursuits of the place. I don’t want to make the Regents the curators, but 

we do need to talk about high-level monitoring and assistance, inspiration for the research that’s 

done, the education conducted, as well as the priorities and agenda over many years 

ahead....These committees could be magnets for Regents because they are more interesting than 

Audit or Finance or Facilities.” 

On the other hand, other Regents thought the Board would cover the programs through its other 

work. As one Regent put it: “I think the program side is covered by the work we do through the 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 32

other various committees. Quite honestly, I don’t want a Board member trying to figure out what 

the arts or the Natural History museums should be doing next month. I trust the people at the 

museums. I’m not looking for Regents who are experts in that.” 

Similarly, another Regent commented: “You know, the place is so diverse that I’m not certain 

that the Regents – Congressional or Citizen – ought to do anything other than listen to 

programs....Our role is just to monitor and comment on the programming.” 

Resource Development or Fundraising Committee 

In November 2007, the Board of Regents announced a $2.5 billion campaign to raise needed 

funds for facilities maintenance and improvements. Given this, a number of Regents spoke to the 

importance of considering some form of development committee. 

Regents had mixed thoughts regarding the need for a development committee. 

As one Regent put it: “You could make the case that we will need a development committee. 

We’ve never had that before. If we go to campaign mode, someone will need to take on the job. 

Congressional Regents are limited somewhat, and the Chief Justice can’t do it at all.” 

Another Regent questioned the need, noting “Before you do that, you ought to go back and 

define the roles of the Regents. If it is an expectation that the Board will be actively involved in 

development, then yes. There was some discussion of a development committee to oversee 

policies and to define parameters for philanthropic solicitation, but that’s not what I’m used to 

when they [board members] take the lead.”

And another noted the overlap between the possible campaign and the current Facilities 

Revitalization Committee: “Facilities is the wrong name for the Committee. Development is the 

right one, I think. Maybe strategy and development go together – can they be put together?” 

This was echoed by a senior Smithsonian staff member who said: “I would change the Facilities 

Committee to a development committee because we need money for different things, and it is 

really about raising money.” 

Others, however, noted a concern about overemphasizing development: “Any time you have 

anything like this, you need a development committee. It could be a subset of strategic planning. 

The fear is that development takes precedence over everything else. There’s potential for 

criticism in the development area with naming rights, for example. I’d rather it be under 

strategy, or it will drive everything.” 

At least one Regent spoke to the issue of Congressional responsibility: “Yes, you could have a 

development committee, but that’s really acknowledging that Congress doesn’t have ultimate 

responsibility, which I prefer not to do.” 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 33

2. Sufficiency of capacity and expertise on committees

Committees have neither sufficient expertise nor sufficient numbers of Regents to get the 

work done. 

Through the course of interviewing, two issues arose about whether committees had sufficient 

expertise and sufficient numbers of Regents to conduct their business. The issue of expertise had 

been flagged by the IRC and by Charles Bowsher’s testimony at the June 26, 2007, hearing 

before the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration: 

“...in the financial management area, we think the Audit Committee should be staffed by 

people that have financial management background. We think in the compensation area and 

some of the museum expertise and building expertise, this is what is needed. And we think it 

can be done with several options being recommended....We do believe that a certain amount 

of expertise that is not there now has to be brought onto the Board of Regents.”36

The Board has added non-Regents to fill in where needed. 

The Board has added capacity to existing committee membership, including both specific 

experiences and skills, particularly in the area of audit, finance, and investment. The Governance 

Committee Report also acknowledged the important work of non-Regents on Board 

committees.37

Comments from interviewees indicated widespread support for the practice of adding expertise 

to committees through the inclusion of non-Regents. Many comments referred to the possibility 

of continuing and expanding the use of Advisory Board members and outside experts on 

committees as a way of expanding board capacity without having to add Regents. 

As one Regent said, “We’d like to have more Regents but we can’t do it due to the risk [of 

opening the charter]. One way to handle it is to reapportion Regents so they have fewer 

committees and each has a chairmanship. Committee assignments could be made so that maybe 

committees could have a Regent Chair and two other Regents, and we could populate the 

committees with folks from Advisory Boards, etc.”

Another Regent said, “We could supplement committees with non-Regents so as to have the 

benefit of real expertise on committees – especially audit and compensation. We would love to 

have someone who was a compensation consultant on that committee.”38

 

36 Statement of Charles Bowsher, Hearing on Governance Reform and a Report but the Smithsonian’s Independent 

Review Committee, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, June 26, 2007. 

37 In the ‘Rationale’ for Recommendation 9, it is noted that “The Bylaws also do not address appointment of nonRegents to committees, even though this is permitted by committee charters and established practices. Non-Regents 

contribute significantly to the work of Board committees, and the Governance Committee will consider appropriate 

Bylaw amendments and/or suggested committee charter revisions that address and encourage such appointments.” 

Governance Committee, Report of the Governance Committee to the Board of Regents, June 14, 2007. 38 At present, membership on the Compensation and Human Resources Committee is limited to Regents, per the 

charter for this Committee. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 34

Staff members were also interested in continuing to add capacity to committees through nonRegent participation: “It might be better to have larger committees – maybe add people from the 

National Board and museums. Does this help get work done? I don’t see any drawbacks of nonRegents. The other thing it [involving non-Regents] does is it’s a training ground for future 

Regents.”

3. Committee membership for Advisory Board members

Including Advisory Board members on Board committees provides the Board with a unique 

opportunity to experience the collegiality of Advisory Board members, as well as to test the 

relevance of their experiences and skills. 

As one Regent noted: “They [Advisory Board members] care a lot and we should tap into it. If 

we don’t, we will miss an opportunity. The Regents came together because of crisis. We need to 

engage the Advisory Boards because they want to know what is going on....They want to be part 

of the solution. Some might make great Regents. Some come up and are impressive.” 

It also offers the opportunity to address dissatisfaction among members of the various Advisory 

Boards. A survey conducted by the Office of Policy and Analysis in 2007 found that Advisory 

Board members think the Regents are out of touch with the real issues and concerns facing the 

units and the Smithsonian as a whole.39 Tension between the Acting Secretary and Advisory 

Board of the National Museum of the American Indian over the selection of a new director were 

also well publicized in 2007.40

Interviewees expressed some dissatisfaction with service on Advisory Boards. 

Respondents acknowledged a gap between the expectations of Advisory Board members and the 

realities of their responsibilities. While they clearly understand their role as a fundraising and 

advisory arm to the associated unit, they were frustrated with the level of engagement and clearly 

recognized their second-tier position.41 Several referred to the discrepancy between assurances of 

their importance provided at the time of recruitment and the limited roles they encountered once 

they joined an Advisory Board. 

 

39 Office of Policy and Analysis, Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Advisory Boards as an Instrument of 

Governance, September 2007. 40 Jacqueline Trescott, “Director's Selection Rankles Trustees At Indian Museum,” The Washington Post, September 

19, 2007. 

41 Some directors have addressed this issue by including other responsibilities for their Advisory Boards. As one 

director of a museum put it: “I went out and recruited these people...who would say, ‘So what am I on, the board?’ 

I’d have to say, ‘No, you’re an Advisory Board member, but then there’s the Regents.’ People would say, ‘If you 

want me to be engaged, I’m interested. But, if you just want me to raise money, I’m not interested.’ So I tell my 

Advisory Board, ‘You are only advisory from a legal perspective, and you don’t have fiduciary responsibilities, but I 

will treat you like a true board of directors. I will give you access to all information and provide complete 

transparency and promise that I will not make any substantive decisions without first consulting with the board.’ 

That was my choice to run it that way, and it has allowed me to get some heavy-hitter people on my board.”
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 35

As one respondent put it when referring to the Smithsonian National Board: “These Boards 

started as a development arm and a way to engage people who would support the Smithsonian. 

The attractive part of job was that you got to do neat stuff....The last few years has led to 

frustrations on that board. The more they get members to join the board by telling them they’re 

doing important work, the more they will sit back and say, ‘We’re not doing that much; why are 

we not doing more? Well...we’re waiting to hear from the Regents.’”

These ideas and others42 might be considered in the review already underway under the aegis of 

the Governance and Nominating Committee. The Chair of the National Board and Virginia Clark 

of the Smithsonian, among others, are studying the relationship between the Regents and 

Advisory Boards. This group will report to the Regents in 2008. 

 

42 As the Governance and Nominating Committee continues its review of Advisory Boards, it might wish to 

consider specific ideas from interviewees, including (1) having Advisory Board members interact with Regents at an 

annual meeting; (2) developing a Council of Chairs of Advisory Boards to deal with pan-institutional issues and to 

meet directly with the Board of Regents, rather than the Secretary to prevent “thinning” of the agenda; and (3) 

having someone from the Advisory Boards report to the Board at every Board meeting or have the Regents attend 

the Advisory Board meetings. In addition, the Committee may also wish to consider the following questions: 

1. Could Advisory Boards serve as arms of the Board of Regents in governing the institution as a whole? Should 

they be responsible for governance-type responsibilities – like budget review, strategic planning, accession/deaccession decisions, and fundraising – at the unit level? 

2. How should Advisory Boards fit within the governance and management structures of the Smithsonian? Should 

a direct line relationship exist between the Advisory Boards and their units or the Board of Regents? 

3. Could Advisory Boards be involved with an institution-wide strategic planning process? In doing so, could 

leaders of those institutions be involved with a Regent-led Board committee to engage the entire institution in a 

cohesive strategic planning process that rolls out mutually supportive fundraising initiatives at the unit and the 

pan-institutional level? 

4. Should the roles and responsibilities of the Advisory Boards be connected directly to a new, shared governance 

model that might be instituted by the new Secretary? Should the leaders of Advisory Boards be grouped, not 

around a Regent-led committee, but around areas of common interests like arts, culture, and science, and 

integrated with management teams that are similarly focused? 

5. Should the role of the National Board be expanded or clarified, particularly given the commitment of the Board 

to a $2.5 billion campaign and the possibility that the Board might constitute a new development committee? 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 36

Section 3. Executive Committee 

Current Function and Structure of the Executive Committee 

According to the bylaws of the Board of Regents, “The Executive Committee shall have and may 

exercise all powers of the Board of Regents when the Board of Regents is not in session, except 

those expressly reserved to itself by the Board of Regents, provided that all such proceedings 

shall be reported to the Board of Regents when next the Board meets.”43 The charter of the 

Executive Committee further details the role of this committee, and indicates that the Executive 

Committee will serve the Board of Regents by:44

• Setting the agendas for meetings of the Board of Regent. 

• Ensuring that the Secretary’s draft minutes of Regents’ meetings properly record the 

Regents’ views and actions before the minutes are proposed for adoption by the Board. 

• Following up on Regents’ meetings action items assigned or delegated to the Committee or, 

in some cases, to its Chair (for example, to authorize certain actions by the Secretary). 

• Monitoring the institution’s progress between meetings of the Board in typically informal 

sessions with the Secretary. 

• Acting on behalf of the Board whenever the Board is not in session, mindful that the 

Committee represents the interests of all of the Regents when considering measures that are 

normally brought before them. 

• Serving as the Secretary’s consultants, giving their opinion on such matters as institutional 

policies, senior executive recruitments, and such other matters that are not within the specific 

purview of other committees of the Board. 

The size of the Executive Committee is set by statute at three members45 and any change to its 

size would require a statutory amendment. By the bylaws, the Governance and Nominating 

Committee (formerly the Nominating Committee) is responsible for recommending candidates as 

members of the Executive Committee.46 Members of the Executive Committee are elected by the 

Board of Regents. Two members constitute a quorum. 

The bylaws of the Board of Regents require that two members of the Executive Committee are 

Citizen Regents. Traditionally, the Chancellor has been the third member of the Executive 

Committee. He recently described his role on the Executive Committee this way: “As 

Chancellor, I review the agenda and discussion topics, but I do not vote on substantive 

 

43 Bylaws of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution §§3.01, updated September 2007. See Appendix 4. 

44 Executive Committee Charter, Board of Regents, Smithsonian Institution. 

45 20 U.S.C. §§ 44. See Appendix 2. 

46 Bylaws of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution §§4.03, updated September 2007. See Appendix 4. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 37

matters.”47 As noted previously, the Chief Justice has recently stepped down from the Executive 

Committee, and the Board will elect a third member to the Executive Committee at the upcoming 

Board meeting. 

According to many reports and respondents, the Board – particularly the Executive Committee – 

often deferred responsibility for setting meeting agendas to the previous Secretary. It has since 

changed this process. At present, while setting the Board meeting agenda is the Executive 

Committee’s responsibility, the Board uses a rigorous review process that solicits feedback from 

multiple sources before the agenda is finalized by the Executive Committee. The Office of the 

Regents issues a call for topics to staff, and staff works with committees to determine agenda 

items. Based on this information, the Office of the Regents drafts a mock agenda, which is then 

presented to the Acting Secretary and his direct reports for discussion; during the discussion, 

potential agenda items are prioritized. The Office of the Regents then revises the agenda and 

presents it to the Chair of the Executive Committee.48 The Office of the Regents then takes the 

revised agenda to the Regent Liaisons for their input. At the conclusion of this discussion, the 

Office of the Regents revises the agenda again and sends it to all members of the Executive 

Committee. The Executive Committee then meets, provides feedback, and finalizes the agenda.49

The final agenda and materials are sent to all Regents, Regent Liaisons, and senior staff. 

Issues Raised by Executive Committee Function and Structure 

1. Size and composition of the Executive Committee

There were differing opinions on the appropriate size of the Executive Committee. Several 

Regents thought it was the right size, but others thought it should be larger. One Regent 

suggested adding a fourth person to the Committee; another suggested having five to seven 

members. There was support for a larger Executive Committee among many others we 

interviewed, including Regent Liaisons and senior Congressional staff members. 

Many respondents thought the Executive Committee should be larger. 

As one interviewee noted, “The Executive Committee could be bigger – maybe two more. Now it 

is the Chair, the Chief Justice, and one other, and that’s too small. Sometimes the decisions at 

the Executive Committee are not representative of the full body. We could have other committee 

chairs be part of it. If they were to deliberate about what goes on agenda,...that would force 

committee chairs to be responsible and get materials ready, and [Board] binders prepared.” 

 

47 Letter from Chief Justice John Roberts to Mr. David M. Walker, Comptroller General, U.S. Government 

Accountability Office dated December 10, 2007. 48 After the January 28, 2007, Board meeting, the new Chair of the Board will be elected. 49 We have been advised that, with the Chancellor stepping off of the Executive Committee, he will meet with the 

Executive Committee for purposes of finalizing the agenda and preparing for meetings. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 38

The IRC voiced a similar view, recommending “that the Executive Committee be enlarged to 

five members and its activity limited in practice to handling routine affairs of the Board between 

meetings and when special meetings, either in person or telephonically, cannot be arranged.”50

Some interviewees, though, worried about making the Executive Committee too large. 

Others spoke to the concern about making the Executive Committee too large. As one Regent 

noted, “I worry about the challenge of getting members together regularly who are highly 

engaged in the Smithsonian and in another part of their life. [The Executive Committee] gets 

together many times and talks via e-mail. Once an e-mail has more than four people, it can slow 

things down. I worry...that a big Executive Committee will become passive. A small committee 

means that the members need to be ready to engage.” 

The Acting Secretary indicated that it would be preferable to keep the Executive Committee 

small so as to make it easy to convene when decisions are needed quickly. 

Several interviewees mentioned the importance of including only Regents on the Executive 

Committee, regardless of size.

2. Purpose of the Executive Committee

Respondents expressed support for and concerns about how the Executive Committee is 

used. 

Several interviewees elaborated on the value of having an Executive Committee. A member of 

an Advisory Board put it this way, “You like to have a place where the CEO can expect 

confidentiality and really have good ‘give and take.’ Sometimes it can be the Executive 

Committee but it could also be the Finance Committee. A committee like this really becomes the 

board. This is especially true in nonprofits which have funders on the board. So often, the 

executive committee becomes a normal coping mechanism of how the work gets done.” 

The Acting Secretary indicated that he wished to use the Executive Committee increasingly for 

consultation and advisory purposes on particular kinds of issues, such as notable real estate 

transactions, certain contracts, and other issues of strategic importance. 

But more than one Regent noted that the frequent use of the Executive Committee by the Acting 

Secretary was a function of his interim status: “Cristián is acting and so is doing a lot of 

checking. I don’t think the permanent Secretary will do as much checking.”

 

50 “Recommendation 5: The Smithsonian Should Have an Active Governing Board with a Chairman Who Can 

Provide the Time and Proper Oversight,” Independent Review Committee, A Report to the Board of Regents of the 

Smithsonian Institution, June 18, 2007. The IRC also recommended that “All actions of the Executive Committee 

should be presented to the full Governing Board for review.”
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 39

Some expressed concern about whether the broad scope of the Executive Committee should be 

changed. As one interviewee put it, “Some Regents will chafe at it and say that the Executive 

Committee has too much power.”

Some interviewees viewed new agenda-setting procedures as a check-and-balance on the 

Secretary. 

What gets on the Board agenda plays a major role in how effective the Board will be in 

providing oversight and leadership. Previously, the Secretary appeared to have had undue 

influence over the agenda. The new process for setting the agenda affords all Regents – not just 

the Executive Committee and the Secretary – an opportunity to manage what comes before the 

Board. 

Regarding the role of the Secretary, as one Regent explained, “We ask him [the Acting 

Secretary] to give us his best shot at what he thinks ought to be on the agenda. We review it and 

make it our own. There needs to be some independence so the Board can put anything on the 

agenda that we need to. If we try to meddle in things that belong to the CEO, he would be 

justified. But, we’re not trying to get to that point. This [Acting] Secretary pushes back and we 

push back. We have an open conversation to get on the same page.” 

Regents described a healthier process whereby issues now come to the Board at earlier stages in 

the decision-making process and with better context, which enables the Board to weigh in 

appropriately. As one Regent captured the new approach, “Now we put items on the agenda at 

least twice – once before they’re baked and again after they’re baked. This changes the level of 

engagement and discussion. If something is already complete, then Regents can hold back.”

3. Communications between the Executive Committee and the full Board

Several interviewees expressed concern about whether the Executive Committee 

communicates appropriately with the full Board. 

Doubt and concerns about communication between the Executive Committee and the full Board 

relate to the period when Lawrence Small was Secretary: “There was some chagrin at decisions 

made by the [current] Executive Committee and the prior Executive Committee regarding 

interaction with Larry Small. Regents were frustrated that they were not told information by the 

Executive Committee.” 

Some of these problems seem to persist even now: “There’s no communication from the 

Executive Committee, except when they report in at the Board meeting. Then they don’t provide 

much detail about what was discussed. We do sign off on certain things, but there is not much 

communication.” 

Others, however, thought the current level of communication was appropriate. As one Regent put 

it, “I think clearly, in the last year, they’ve communicated to the entire Board and have done a 

good job in those communications.”
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 40

Part 3: Principles of Good Governance in Nonprofit Boards 

Decisions about the appropriate size, structure, and composition of the Board of Regents, as well 

as its committee structure, are best made in reference to a set of principles of good governance. 

The six principles we offer highlight key responsibilities of nonprofit board members that drive 

board size and structure decisions and establish the foundation for a strong, collaborative 

leadership team focused on mission success.51 As such, they form a context within which to 

consider difficult, and sometimes contradictory, views, beliefs, and values. They also can serve 

as a touchstone for difficult decisions, as well as a framework against which to judge the 

commitments, actions, and performances of Regents in the future. 

Principle I. Governance structures and practices should empower the board to 

execute its oversight responsibilities and ensure mission success 

The beginning of any discussion about governance structure starts with a clear understanding of, 

and commitment to, the responsibilities of a board. While there are many, for purposes of this 

review and analysis, we call your attention to five general, overarching ones: 

• Drive Mission Success. At the heart of every nonprofit lies its mission, its raison d’etre. The 

governing board is fundamentally responsible for ensuring the success of the mission of the 

institution. All the work of the board comes back to this fundamental charge. All board 

responsibilities are in furtherance of this goal, and all decisions should be made in ways that 

support the mission. The board ensures success in this area through the strategic planning and 

priority setting process and by measuring progress against specified goals. 

• Provide Critical Oversight. As the organization’s governing body, the board is uniquely 

situated and qualified to oversee the organization’s programs, its financial practices and 

health, and its adherence to legal and ethical conduct. 

• Oversee the Chief Executive’s Performance and Compensation. The board is responsible for 

hiring and overseeing the performance of the chief executive through whom it implements its 

policies and operates the institution, and for setting his or her compensation. The quality of 

the relationship between the board and the chief executive, and their mutual commitment to 

the success of the mission, is key to effective leadership of an institution. 

• Ensure Appropriate Resources. No mission, and no organization, can be successful without 

adequate resources. The board’s responsibility is to ensure adequate resources from available 

sources to drive the mission of the organization forward. 

 

51 More can be found in numerous publications on nonprofit governance, including BoardSource, The Source: 

Twelve Principles of Governance That Power Exceptional Boards, 2005. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 41

• Protect and Enhance Organizational Reputation. As the governing body, the board is 

responsible for steering the organization’s values and conduct in ways to promote the 

mission of the institution and its reputation among stakeholders. 

It is important to note that governance responsibilities of nonprofit organizations extend beyond 

programmatic and financial oversight. This is not to diminish the importance of oversight 

responsibilities; they are fundamental to board purpose and the starting point, as it were, of board 

responsibilities. 

However, they are not the only responsibilities of a nonprofit board. Nonprofit organizations are 

created to ensure the success of their missions, as well as to address the opportunities and 

challenges inherent in their missions. Whether they be arts or cultural institutions, science or 

educational institutions, philanthropic funding or social needs organizations, all nonprofits exist 

to serve their communities, constituents, patrons, donors, supporters, and clients. Mission 

success is the holy grail, and oversight activities play an important role in ensuring progress 

towards that goal. 

For this reason, best practice in nonprofit governance calls for governance structures that best 

facilitate the execution of these, and other, responsibilities. 

Principle II. Board size and composition should reflect the unique nature of the 

organization 

No two nonprofit organizations are exactly alike. Their histories, communities, size, focus, 

resources, programs, and leaders are different – reflecting the particular type of organization, its 

mission, and organizational life cycle stage at a given point in time. For that reason, boards 

usually reflect the past and present successes and challenges and the future aspirations of their 

organizations. 

While there are practices that are commonly believed to be good for any organization of almost 

any size, both the size of a board and its composition should reflect, among other things, the 

organization’s unique mission, corporate structure, programmatic interests and reach, and 

funding needs. So, while recent research by BoardSource52 indicated that of the approximately 

1100 nonprofit organizations responding to the survey, the average board size was 16 persons, 

there is no magic in that specific number. 

Good governance practices lead organizations to set the size and composition of the board, not 

arbitrarily but thoughtfully and intentionally. In doing so, they take into account the 

organization’s current and future opportunities and challenges, and they balance the need for 

inclusion of desired skills, experience, and access with a recognition of the impact of additional 

directors on the quality of board discussions and the commitment of individual board members. 

The risk of too few board members is that the board does not have the capacity to execute its 

work. It may be missing skills and experiences that it needs, or it may be missing horsepower 

and time. The risk of too many board members is that individual directors feel less personal 

 

52 BoardSource, Nonprofit Governance Index 2007.
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 42

accountability, and the exchange of views within the board and the decisions made by the board 

suffer from that withdrawal of commitment. 

Organizations can benefit significantly from having views of key communities, key 

constituencies, and key funders/donors on their boards. These board members bring important 

views and often unique perspectives to board discussions. They can offer critical access to others 

who provide programmatic or financial support. And they can offer credibility by reputation and 

association, and strengthen relationships with critical partners and affiliates. 

When it comes to board size and composition, good governance demands a hard look at 

institutional needs, individual commitment and experience, and interpersonal dynamics. 

Principle III. Committee structures should enable the board to fulfill its 

governance responsibilities 

Boards establish committees to support and carry out the work of the board between board 

meetings. With the board’s roles and responsibilities as the parameters for committee structure, 

the decision to establish committees is grounded in the maxim, “form follows function,” – i.e., 

the type, role, composition, and charge of committees are defined by the responsibilities and 

functions of the board itself. Commonly, nonprofit boards have committees to facilitate the 

board’s oversight responsibilities – such as finance, investment, and audit committees – and 

committees to facilitate the board’s obligation to secure resources for an organization – such as 

development or campaign committees. They also may have standing or ad hoc committees to 

address strategic issues or strategic planning and discreet, topical issues, such as a new chief 

executive search. 

Committees often are used as a convenient mechanism for board members and staff to execute 

board oversight functions, to identify issues for board consideration, as well as to discuss and vet 

issues prior to formal consideration by the full board. The critical point here is that committees 

work to serve the board, not to replace it. When it comes to executive committees, the risk is 

omnipresent that they will, by virtue of their expansive charters, act for the board in 

inappropriate ways. So, good governance practice ensures that executive committees, if they 

exist, serve to handle board-level issues when decisions are needed between board meetings, not 

to supplant full board engagement, and that executive committee decisions are raised with, and 

ratified by, the full board at a later date. 

Principle IV. Nonprofit boards are most effective when their members are driven 

by a passion for the mission of the organization and are accountable for the 

health and performance of the organization 

Unlike their for profit counterparts, nonprofit organizations are mission-driven institutions. Their 

boards reflect this purpose in composition and in individual member interest and commitment. 

Purely voluntary in nature, nonprofit boards are best made up of individuals who have a 

commonality of commitment to, and interest in, the mission of the institution. This commitment 

is manifested through individual attendance, participation, knowledge, support, and outreach. It 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 43

depends on the board being engaged in meaningful work and given adequate and appropriate 

information from staff on the issues that matter most to the organization. 

Effective nonprofit governing boards recognize that while each individual board member brings 

different skills, experiences, and assets to the organization, each acts in a fiduciary capacity, 

unless otherwise specified by law. As such, regardless of board size, all governing board 

members are equally accountable for the ultimate and overall performance and success of the 

institution. For this reason, board members should be subject to similar expectations and judged 

by similar criteria of performance. 

Principle V. Good governance depends upon a constructive partnership between 

the board and chief executive built on trust and mutual respect 

“Exceptional boards govern in constructive partnership with the chief executive, recognizing that 

the effectiveness of the board and chief executive are interdependent.”53 While nonprofit boards 

have the primary legal responsibility for governance of their organizations, they execute their 

policies through, and delegate the day-to-day operations to, the chief executive. Together, boards 

and chief executives form a leadership team that is responsible for ensuring mission success. 

Good governance is highly dependent on the quality of the relationship between the board and 

the chief executive. While it is clear that the board holds the paramount authority in the 

relationship, neither can be successful without the other, and each is positioned to thwart each 

other. 

A relationship characterized by mutual trust and forthrightness is one in which both parties are 

secure in their ability to speak openly and in their willingness to hold each other accountable. 

When chief executives do not bring the right matters to the board at the right time, boards are 

unable to steer the organization in the right direction; when boards do not raise concerns at the 

right time, do not maintain confidentiality in the boardroom, or do not address performance 

issues, chief executives are not able to call on the board’s wisdom when needed. 

Principle VI. Success requires continued leadership, continued openness, and 

constant outreach 

Boards that exhibit good governance practices demonstrate leadership on a continuing basis. In 

tune with the organization’s needs and their own capacity to address those needs, these boards 

are constantly engaged in the process of self-examination and self-improvement. For them, good 

governance is intentional, not incidental or accidental. 

Such boards find ways to provide public access to appropriate and accurate information, operate 

non-defensively, and value transparency. They understand that nonprofit organizations are 

different from for-profit companies, they value and institute models of shared governance, and 

they make continuous efforts to reach out to key communities, constituents, and stakeholders. 

 

53 BoardSource, The Source: Twelve Principles of Governance That Power Exceptional Boards, 2005. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 44

The commitment to transparency is grounded in the special tax-exempt status created by the 

Internal Revenue Code for nonprofit organizations. Where organizations act in the public 

interest, boards play an important role in actively demonstrating their commitment to 

transparency – both internally within the board and between the board and the staff, and 

externally between the board and the organization and the public to which it owes a special 

obligation. And, for an organization like the Smithsonian Institution, the obligation to operate in 

the public interest is heightened because of its statutory origins and its constant support from 

public funds. 

Application to the Smithsonian Institution 

We noted at the outset that the Governance and Nominating Committee54 has already taken many 

of these and other good governance principles into account in formulating its recommendations. 

In particular, the articulation by the Governance and Nominating Committee of the importance 

of a constructive partnership between the Secretary and the Board of Regents is critical, 

especially given recent history at the Smithsonian. The Committee’s recommendations have 

helped to strengthen governance structures and practices at the Smithsonian. 

Taken one by one, the principles speak to critical elements of good governance in nonprofit 

boards. Read together, the principles form a complete and integrated context for governance 

decisions and practices. Individually and as a whole, the principles provide a context within 

which to consider the options and recommendations of this report. 

Four of these principles – I, II, III, and IV – are especially applicable to the issues of this 

engagement and the request of the Governance and Nominating Committee for assistance in 

implementing Recommendation 1 of its Report. 

Principles I, II, and IV, in particular, provide guidance in determining the appropriate size and 

composition of the Board of Regents. They speak to the importance of structuring the Board to 

facilitate and empower it to execute its responsibilities for oversight and mission while 

recognizing and honoring the unique nature of the institution. They also speak to the need to 

ensure accountability on the part of all members of the Board and the Board as a whole. 

Principle III provides a critical context for understanding the role and responsibilities of the 

various committees of the Board, as well as the Executive Committee. Principle IV also speaks 

to the issue of appropriate composition of the Executive Committee by noting the importance of 

accountability and parity among Board members. 

Principle V speaks directly to the quality of the relationship between the Board and the 

Secretary, and the importance of establishing a relationship based on mutual trust, open and 

honest communication, and common goals. While the relationship between the Board and the 

Secretary is not the subject of this report, it is noteworthy given recent history at the 

Smithsonian. 

 

54 At the time of its report, it was called the Governance Committee. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 45

Lastly, Principle VI speaks to the leadership role of the Board as a nonprofit institution, 

reinforcing the importance of continued transparency and self-reflection contained in many of 

the recommendations of the Governance and Nominating Committee to date. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 46

PART 4: ANALYSIS AND ALTERNATIVES 

Section 1. Alternative Approaches to Current Committee Structure 

(Other Than the Executive Committee) 

While examining issues related to Board size and composition, it is also important to understand 

what areas of oversight and leadership might need more attention from the Board and, in turn, 

what committees might be helpful. Given the extraordinary amount of work confronting the 

Regents, particularly at this time, it is understandable that many Regents did not volunteer the 

need for additional committees. As noted in Part 2 though, when pressed about the Board’s need 

to find ways to address outstanding issues, many of them acknowledged the importance of 

supporting capital campaign activities and focusing significant time on institutional strategic 

issues and programmatic considerations. This section of the report first addresses the need for 

additional committees of the Board and then turns to how to manage additional work with 

already strained resources. 

Additional Committees 

The six standing committees of the Board are similar to those seen at many large nonprofit 

organizations. The decision by the Board, on recommendation of the Governance Committee, to 

change the former Nominating Committee to the Governance and Nominating Committee 

comports with leading practice today, as does the existence of the Audit and Review Committee, 

separate from other financial oversight that resides in the Finance and Investment Committees. 

These Committees are similar to those seen at many large nonprofit organizations, with some 

exceptions. Many boards that have fundraising responsibilities also have development 

committees; some others have strategic planning or program committees. In addition to standing 

committees, boards sometimes establish ad hoc committees to address important issues of the 

moment such as a search committee, as the Smithsonian has, or a capital campaign committee. 

The board’s oversight activities also can be supplemented by a focus on strategic issues through 

specific ad hoc committees established to address such issues. 

In conformance with Principle III – that committee structures should enable the board to fulfill 

its governance responsibilities – the Board of Regents should consider whether its current 

committee structure is sufficient to handle the Board’s responsibilities. In particular, two issues 

stand out from the interviews and our reviews as areas in which the Board might wish to 

consider enhancing its current committee structure – resource development and strategic issues. 

1. Development/Campaign Committee

At the Smithsonian, involvement of the Board of Regents in resource development for the 

institution has taken two paths – personal contributions and assistance in securing federal 

appropriations. While the personal generosity of individual Regents is both laudatory and 

exemplary, and the support Regents provide in securing adequate federal funding is critical 

and vital, the needs of the organization appear so extensive that the Board will need to take 

on a more significant role in securing appropriate resources. For that reason, the Board 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 47

should consider whether to establish a standing development committee of the Board that is 

charged with leading the Board’s efforts to ensure appropriate resources. 

We recognize the particular challenges in having a development committee of the Board, 

when at least eight of the Regents might be reluctant, or even unwilling, to engage in such 

activities because of their governmental affiliations. We also recognize that many of Regents 

are already working very hard. However, given the Board’s public commitment to raise 

significant funds over the next years, we believe the Board should consider a formal Boardlevel structure, like a committee, to drive a successful campaign of that magnitude. 

Establishing such a Board-level committee would demonstrate to the entire organization, the 

public, the media, and Congress that the Board recognizes and accepts responsibility for 

ensuring appropriate resources beyond the efforts of Congressional Regents with federal 

allocations and beyond the private philanthropy of individual Regents. In addition, it would 

support visibly and formally staff efforts to raise funds and provide a structure within which 

to set and review fundraising policies as well as to vet potentially controversial gifts. 

Accepting responsibility for securing additional resources does not mean that the Board alone 

would be responsible for raising the funds. A development committee could, and perhaps 

should, include non-Regents members from the National Board and from various Advisory 

Boards. The decision to create a Board-level committee of this sort offers a much needed 

opportunity for the Board of Regents to work closely with the National Board and various 

Advisory Boards on a common effort. 

2. Strategic Issues/Planning or Program Committee

There was significant interest both within the Board and the staff in increasing the Board’s 

involvement with both the programmatic issues and strategic concerns of the organization. 

While several interviewees urged consideration of a program committee, others framed their 

interest in terms of strategic planning. 

Program committees are sometimes established by boards to provide the opportunity for a 

closer review and consideration of program work and priorities. They can be popular 

committees with board members because they offer the chance to directly engage with staff 

around the activities and issues in which board members are most interested. Staff sometimes 

sees program committees as a way to engage the board around individual programs and 

program priorities. 

Program committees have real drawbacks, though. Perhaps most importantly, they place 

board activity at the wrong level; instead of focusing on pan-institutional issues, they tend to 

devolve to details and specific programs. In doing so, they reduce governance from its 

oversight, steering, and policy-setting role to a managerial and operational one. They also can 

provide an unhealthy way for individual board members to engage the organization around 

their own individual interests and preferences. While these committees may offer the illusion 

of program “oversight,” they actually bring the board to management’s level. For these 

reasons, they are not generally favored as a best practice. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 48

The better approach, especially for an organization as large as the Smithsonian, is for the 

Board to lift its sights to strategic issues and strategic considerations to a pan-institutional 

level. There are at least two ways this can be achieved: 

• Engage in pan-institutional strategic planning

The selection of a new Secretary offers an opportunity for the organization to engage in a 

new strategic planning process. Several Regents spoke eloquently about the importance 

of engaging in a full process. This would naturally offer the opportunity for the Board to 

engage around program priorities and would establish a concrete process within which to 

assess funding needs. Such work could be led by a strategic planning committee of the 

Board on which non-Regents from the National Board and/or from Advisory Boards 

could serve or some other pan-institutional committee that could include Regents, 

members of Advisory Boards, and key Smithsonian staff. 

• Create a Strategic Issues Committee

To the extent that the Board wants to set up a formal mechanism within which to consider 

strategic issues, it could establish a strategic issues committee that could consider issues 

such as the following (provided only as examples) at a level deeper than that which may 

be possible at Board meetings: 

a. Program priorities – In times of constrained resource, what will we continue to do and 

what will we no longer do? 

b. Out-of-the-ordinary commitments – What are the short- and long-term implications of 

major contracts, such as the Showtime deal or the American Petroleum Institute gift? 

c. Fee generation – Can we find ways to generate fees for museum attendance or gifts to 

museums in ways that work for Congress and the public? 

Both of these suggestions offer three salutary benefits. First, they permit Board members to 

engage more deeply around areas of importance and concern. Second, they facilitate more 

Board engagement with staff, particularly around program areas. In doing so, they address 

the perceived need for Board recognition of the importance of, and involvement in, program 

priorities. Third, they open the possibility for yet another way for the Regents to work with 

Advisory Board members. 

Committee Workload 

As noted above, several Regents spoke about the heavy workload. At least two Regents raised 

workload as an issue in assessing their ability to continue as Regents. While it is likely that the 

current workload is being driven by the leadership crisis within the institution, it is also likely 

that the workload will stay high due to renewed commitment, fundraising activities, more active 

governance processes, enhanced oversight interest, and a new chief executive. For these reasons, 

it will be important for all Regents to continue identifying ways to work as efficiently as 

possible. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 49

From a committee perspective, this can be achieved by spreading the leadership of the Board 

across the numerous committees and by adding capacity to committees through additional 

external resources: 

1. Spread committee leadership responsibilities beyond the current Citizen Regents

Currently, all Board committees are chaired by Citizen Regents. We understand the time 

demands on Congressional Regents and believe their work on the Hill to be crucial to the 

Smithsonian’s success, but we wonder whether they could share responsibilities for 

committee leadership. Obviously, this would have to be clear before Congressional Regents 

committed to serving on this Board.55

2. Spread committee leadership responsibilities among Citizen Regents

If it is not feasible for Congressional Regents to serve as committee chairs, then committee 

chairmanships could continue to be staffed by Citizen Regents with the understanding that 

their other committee assignments would be reduced. This option would require an additional 

infusion of non-Regents to committees to add capacity and resources, as Citizen Regents 

could only be expected to chair one committee and serve on one to two other committees. 

3. Continue to add resources to committees by including non-Regents with special skills and 

experience

Regardless of whether Congressional Regents chair committees, we encourage the ongoing 

practice of adding capacity to existing committees by including non-Regents with two 

caveats. First, we suggest that the Board use the opportunity to include individuals other than 

former Regents (though they are also good candidates). In particular, we see this as an 

opportunity to involve members of the Advisory Boards. Doing so will help to build 

relationships and extend the Regents’ access and reach to the larger Smithsonian community. 

Second, we do not advise having Board committees chaired by non-Regents because doing 

so moves accountability and responsibility for Board leadership and work to external 

individuals and effectively reduces Board control over options, decisions, and results. 

Of course, these suggestions assume that the Board does not increase in size. Were that to be the 

case, the Board would have additional Regents to allocate to committee work. (See Part 5: 

Options for Board Size, Composition, and Executive Committee.) 

 

55 The time commitment for serving on this Board should be made clear to potential Congressional Regents. This is 

not an honorary position, but one in which individual Regents – with the possible exception of the ex officio

members – are expected to participate fully. The time commitment could be included in the “job description” for 

Congressional Regents, as more fully described above. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 50

Section 2. Alternative Approaches to the Executive Committee 

In many of our interviews, Regents and stakeholders alike spoke of the need to expand the size 

of the Executive Committee. At the time of our interviews, the Executive Committee was 

comprised of two Citizen Regents and the Chief Justice as Chancellor. Since the Chief Justice 

did not vote as a matter of practice, that composition put the power to decide matters between 

board meetings in the hands of two individuals. Were there to be a disagreement between the two 

Citizen Regents, the Executive Committee could have found itself in a stalemate and the 

organization unable to move forward. 

Recently, the Chancellor has stepped off the Executive Committee and the Board is expected to 

elect a third, voting member of the Committee on January 28. This will ensure that a vote of two 

out of three members of the Executive Committee would be sufficient to approve action in the 

event of disagreement. 

Size of the Executive Committee 

With so few Regents on the Executive Committee, the risk is greater that a strong Secretary can 

exercise undue influence over the discussions and decisions of the Executive Committee. 

Looking back at the relationship between the former Secretary and the Executive Committee, we 

questioned whether the Executive Committee would have been better positioned to ask questions 

of the former Secretary if it had been larger. Going forward, if the Executive Committee is to 

serve as an advisory group for the Secretary, would the quality of that advice be improved if 

more voices are at the table? 

Determining the correct size of the Executive Committee is a matter of judgment for the Board. 

Boards take different positions on this – some include officers of the board and others include 

committee chairs, among other options. As the Governance and Nominating Committee moves 

forward to decide its recommendations on this issue, it should keep in mind two points. On the 

one hand, it is important to have enough Regents on the Executive Committee so that a board 

does not delegate decision-making power to too small a group to be representative of the whole 

board. On the other hand, it is equally important not to have so many Regents on the Executive 

Committee that it is difficult to schedule meetings when needed (of necessity, Executive 

Committee meetings are often scheduled with limited notice). 

As noted above, any change in the number of full voting members of the Executive Committee 

would necessitate a statutory change. Were the Board to consider opening the charter, it also 

could change the number of members required for a quorum. 

In the absence of opening the charter, it may be possible for the Board to increase the number of 

individuals assigned to participate in Executive Committee deliberations (without changing the 

actual voting membership of the Executive Committee), assuming review by legal counsel 

confirms the propriety of such actions. If the Board believes it wise to expand participation in the 

deliberations of the Executive Committee by including non-voting Regents, it also could 

consider adding two such Regents to address the concerns of many of the individuals with whom 

we spoke, bringing the number of Executive Committee meeting attendees to five. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 51

Role of the Chief Justice as Chancellor 

We recognize that the Chief Justice’s role was examined by the Governance and Nominating 

Committee and that its recommendations regarding a separation of duties between the Chancellor 

and the Chair of the Board already have been adopted by the Board of Regents in bylaw changes 

and related job descriptions.56 The recent decision by the Chief Justice to step down from the 

Executive Committee will permit the Board to elect an Executive Committee of three voting 

members and will further balance the Board’s leadership. 

With the Chancellor no longer a member of the Executive Committee, we have been advised that 

the duties of the Chief Justice as Chancellor will now be: (1) to preside over board meetings; (2) 

to appoint members and chairs of board committees; (3) to appoint an Acting Secretary when 

necessary; and (4) to preside over official ceremonies of the organization. The Chancellor’s 

appointment of members of committees and committee chairs (other than members of the 

Executive Committee, who are elected by the Board in conformance with statutory requirements) 

is based on recommendations of the Governance and Nominating Committee and made with the 

approval of the Board. We understand that these responsibilities will be reflected in an updated 

description of the duties of the Chancellor. 

These revised responsibilities will permit the Chief Justice to continue presiding over Board 

meetings, a role which was highly valued and appreciated by virtually all Regents. Regents 

recognized that the Chief Justice is particularly astute in identifying issues that others may not 

appreciate and noted his parliamentary skills, openness to debate, inclusion of multiple voices, 

and welcoming demeanor. Additionally, Regents noted that his life-long tenure is an asset to the 

institution because it permits him to take the long view when providing advice. 

We have also been advised that the Executive Committee will meet with the Chancellor for 

purposes of finalizing board meeting agendas.57 This will provide the Executive Committee with 

the benefit of his advice and assistance, as well as ensure that he is prepared to facilitate and 

moderate discussions at the board table. 

Role of the Executive Committee 

Lastly, the role of the Executive Committee should be a restrained one so as not to replace the 

full functioning of the Board of Regents. The IRC referred to this issue in its recommendation 

that the Executive Committee’s role be restricted to handling necessary matters between Board 

 

56 “Recommendation 3: To enhance Board leadership, the Regents adopt the following specific duties and 

responsibilities for the positions of Chancellor and Chair of the Board and will initiate a change to the Bylaws to 

separate these positions,” Governance Committee, Report of the Governance Committee to the Board of Regents, 

June 14, 2007. This recommendation – along with all recommendations in this Report – was adopted by the Board 

of Regents on June 18, 2007, and the bylaws of the Board of Regents were updated to reflect this in September 

2007. See Appendices 3 and 4. 

57 We understand that this is the only expected regular meeting between the Chancellor and the Executive 

Committee. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 52

meetings.58 The current charter of the Executive Committee is quite broad and not inappropriate 

in its assigned duties. However, the work of the Executive Committee should be carefully 

managed to ensure that important conversations and critical decisions are considered and made 

by the full Board. Here, where the Executive Committee has been delegated the setting of the 

agenda as well as the right to make decisions for the Board between meetings and the role of 

advisor to the Secretary, there is a real risk that the Executive Committee could become a boardwithin-a-board, which could reduce the commitment and accountability of the Board of Regents 

itself. 

Finally, while responsibility for setting the Board meeting agenda incorporates full Board, staff, 

and Secretary input, the final agenda still rests with the Executive Committee. Particularly as the 

new Secretary is appointed, it is essential that the Secretary have an appropriate say in what 

comes before the Board. This is also an opportunity for the Secretary and Executive Committee 

to ensure that meeting agendas address the need for and desire of the Board to handle more 

strategic (versus operational) issues. 

 

58 Independent Review Committee, A Report to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, June 18, 2007, 

page 102. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 53

Section 3. Alternative Approaches to Board Size and Composition 

A board of 17 members is neither good nor bad in and of itself. What matters is whether the 

Board has the manpower to carry out the work that needs to be done. Stakeholders voiced 

concerns about the Board’s capacity to carry out its oversight and direction setting 

responsibilities given the complexity of the institution, that eight of the 17 Regents have 

significant commitment and time constraints because of their government jobs, and that the 

burden of committee leadership and a large portion of the committee work falls on the remaining 

nine Citizen Regents, many of whom also hold significant responsibilities and external 

commitments. 

In practice, the 17 Regents may not be equally and completely engaged. According to our 

findings, the Vice President does not come, the Chief Justice does not vote, and the six 

Congressional Regents participate primarily in Board and committee meetings and as advocates 

on the Hill. This leaves nine Citizen Regents to handle most of Board committee leadership 

responsibilities. To fill in needed capacity and expertise, the Board has added non-Regents to all 

but two of its committees. 

To the extent that the current structure may not give the Smithsonian the Board capacity it needs, 

solutions lie either in changing the size and/or the composition of the Board, which is discussed 

below, or in supplementing Board work with support from other sources, which is discussed in 

Part 4, Sections 1 and 2. 

Alternatives for Changing Board Size and Composition 

We appreciate that a decision to change the Board size or composition would require opening the 

charter and that doing so is not a decision to be made lightly. We are not in a position to evaluate 

the legal issues or political risks related to this option. But, we do feel it is important for the 

Board to look at all of the alternatives, consider the implications of each, and then make a 

decision based on what is best for the institution in the long-term. 

The Board can gain more active, engaged, and diverse Regents through one of the following 

three alternatives: 

1. Maintain a Board of 17 Regents, but adjust the numbers and/or responsibilities of 

government Regents

These alternatives acknowledge the current limitations of the ex officio and Congressional 

Regents, but still honor their historical relationship to the institution. They can be taken 

together or singularly, but with some caution for the balance between the three branches of 

government: 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 54

• Make the Chief Justice a non-voting, ex officio member of the Board but retain his 

recently modified responsibilities as Chancellor, including presiding over full Board 

meetings 

This addresses his current practice of not voting but retains his valuable historic 

connection and commitment to the institution.59

• Make the Vice President a non-voting, ex officio member of the Board

This addresses the current reality that the Vice President has not been involved. In 

addition, his seat could be filled by either a Citizen Regent or another appointment from 

the executive branch, with the understanding that active participation is required. 

• Reduce the number of Congressional Regents to four 

This takes into account the role of the Federal government in funding the Smithsonian, as 

well as the limited availability of members of Congress. This would create two additional 

positions for Citizen Regents, thereby affording the Board more Regents with greater 

diversity and control over their schedules. 

2. Increase the size of the Board by adding Citizen Regents, but retain the current numbers and 

responsibilities of government Regents

This would give the Board more Regents to carry out the work of the Board and committees. 

Citizen Regents offer the greatest potential for diversity of skills and experience. They also 

bring somewhat more flexibility in their schedules and capacity for fundraising. The 

challenge will be determining the right number of total Regents to ensure that meaningful 

participation and genuine engagement of all Regents. By definition, this alternative would 

shift the balance between government Regents and Citizen Regents. 

3. Change the size of the Board, as well as the numbers and responsibilities of government 

Regents

This alternative is a combination of the above alternatives. It allows the Board to address 

problems caused by a limited number of Regents and Regents with special limitations. 

Considerations Related to Changing Board Size and Composition 

In considering these alternatives, several factors come into play. First, in keeping with Principle 

IV (having a board of equally committed and accountable members), the Board needs to have 

enough truly active and engaged individuals to effectively carry out the work of the Board and its 

committees. Not all individuals will be able to dedicate the same amount of time to their Board 

service, but they all need to be equally dedicated to the institution and able to carry out their 

duties. 

 

59 “Recommendation 6: The Role of the Chief Justice and Vice President Should Be Clarified,” Independent Review 

Committee, A Report to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, June 18, 2007. Specifically, it notes, 

“The IRC recommends such a unique structure because it believes the historic role played by the Chief Justice in 

governance of the Smithsonian should not lightly be discarded and because the Chief Justice has made it clear he 

wishes to remain associated with the Institution.” 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 55

Second, in keeping with Principle II (the need for board structure to reflect the organization’s 

unique circumstances), changes need to take into account the value of retaining the three 

branches of government. As noted in the IRC Report, “...the governmental Regents play an 

important substantive, as well as symbolic, role at the Smithsonian.”60 The public/private 

partnership that underlies the Smithsonian’s history and funding sources are part of its strength. 

In practice, this will require finding the right balance between Congressional and Citizen 

Regents. 

Third, once again in keeping with Principle II (to enable a board to govern), the Board has to be 

right-sized. Ultimately, if the Board believes that changing the structure will improve 

performance and that opening the charter is a worthwhile risk, then the Board should not be 

constrained by the current count of 17 Regents. There is no magic in that exact number. In fact, 

BoardSource research shows that “Boards with 15 to 22 members were rated as more effective 

by their chief executives and repeatedly reported better governance practices.”61

Right-sizing the Board means that it needs to be large enough to allow for needed diversity and 

expertise, yet small enough to allow for real oversight and genuine engagement. The boardroom 

needs to allow for robust discussion, and Regents need to be held accountable for their 

participation. In the interest of parity and accountability, most if not all Regents should have the 

same set of expectations, responsibilities, and voting rights. 

Finally, as noted above, these structural changes require opening the charter, which presents a 

unique challenge. One school of thought believes that the current Board structure is flawed and 

that the Smithsonian should seize this opportunity to make changes. At the moment, there seems 

to be some support for a thoughtful, well-reasoned recommendation from the Smithsonian for 

opening the charter and restructuring the Board. Reactions to changes could be explored through 

informal conversations with Congressional staff before making a final decision about whether to 

open the charter. Some interviewees pointed to the American Red Cross as an organization that 

successfully worked with Congress to update its charter in the wake of a scandal. 

Another school of thought believes that opening the charter is like opening Pandora’s box. 

Concerns include questions about the constitutionality of the Board structure, worries about 

additional limitations or requirements placed on the Smithsonian in the process (by those who do 

not truly understand the tradition and rationale behind the structure), and fear of losing the 

institution’s unique status (thus increasing the possibility of greater political pressure and 

budgetary controls, as well as losing the institution’s programmatic independence). There are 

also concerns about timing. The energy and effort required to make changes could distract the 

organization – staff and Board leadership – from completing the changes already underway and 

moving beyond the current crisis.

 

60 “Recommendation 5: The Smithsonian Should Have an Active Governing Board with a Chairman Who Can 

Provide the Time and Proper Oversight, Independent Review Committee,” Independent Review Committee, A 

Report to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, June 18, 2007. 61 BoardSource, Nonprofit Governance Index 2007, page 10. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 56

PART 5: OPTIONS FOR BOARD SIZE, COMPOSITION, AND 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

In order to assist the Board of Regents in its consideration of board size and composition, we 

offer four different board structures below. The options we propose all begin with a common 

platform – that, in keeping with Principle II, the governance structure of the Smithsonian should 

reflect the organization’s founding, its mission, and its unique status. 

The legislative history establishing the Smithsonian clearly reflects Congress’s recognition that 

its acceptance of James Smithson’s gift was a unique situation that called for a correspondingly 

unique governing structure. Because it was established by a law of Congress, the Smithsonian 

derives its existence and authority from federal law, not from state law as do most nonprofit 

organizations. The Smithsonian’s unique status has been recognized by federal courts over the 

years, resulting in decisions that variously hold the Smithsonian to be an establishment, an 

agency, or an authority of the federal government in some circumstances and not in others.62

Consistent with its intent to establish the Smithsonian outside the executive branch of 

government, Congress established a unique board structure with representatives of all three 

branches of government serving alongside citizens. Its distinct existence – and its unique 

governing structure – was designed to ensure the “wise and faithful use of this discretionary 

power” and to reduce any chance of “misuse or misapplication of funds” by Congress itself.63

That unique structure continues today, after two separate Congressional amendments, one in 

1894 and one in 1970. 

The options outlined below continue the inclusion of representatives of the three branches of 

government on the Board of Regents. While not perfect from a pure governance perspective, this 

composition reflects four critical factors: (1) appropriate deference to Congressional intent and 

its thoughtful and extensive consideration of the special status of the Smithsonian both in 

establishing the organization and in defining its governance structure; (2) the unique nature and 

function of the Smithsonian; (3) the particular benefits accrued to the Smithsonian from this 

composition, as highlighted in the interviews we conducted and the materials we reviewed; and 

(4) the fact that approximately 70% of the Smithsonian’s budget comes from federal 

appropriations.64

 

62 Independent Review Committee, A Report to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, June 18, 2007, 

page 28. 

63 “Special Report of the General Counsel,” Proceedings of the Board of Regents, September 18, 2006. 64 For this reason, we did not include an option similar to that selected by the American Red Cross in its recent 

governance review (for more information, see http://www.redcross.org/static/file_cont5765_lang0_2202.pdf). That 

option would have moved the two ex officio members and the six Congressional members to a governmental 

advisory council. While it would have addressed some of the concerns highlighted in our interviews, including 

potential conflicts of interest and time and commitment constraints on government officials, it would have distanced 

Congressional Regents from Board matters and institutional funding, deprived the organization of the wisdom of the 

Chief Justice and access to Vice President, and reduced the attractiveness of the Board to donors and other 

stakeholders. We explored this option with numerous interviewees and found virtually no support for it. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 57

More specifically, the significant benefits that accrued to the Smithsonian from the full 

participation of Congressional Regents were highlighted by numerous interviewees. Their 

capacity to articulate the needs and activities of the Smithsonian to Congressional members and 

committees, as well as their ability to bring the public’s perspective to the Smithsonian, has 

resulted in strong support in Congress and improved Board governance and leadership 

throughout this crisis. The Chief Justice’s skills in managing Board meetings, in encouraging 

open dialog, and in balancing voices at the table were also cited by Regents as a significant 

benefit of the current governance structure. And, the ability of the Smithsonian Board to access 

the Vice President when needed was also a positive element of the current structure. 

Lastly, the current composition of the Board reinforces the unique nature of the Smithsonian 

Institution as a national organization, a national trust, and a national treasure. From the 

perspective of the public, it seems fitting that this national treasure be governed by a group of 

individuals who represent the nation itself. 

Options for Governance Structures 

The options represent several different combinations of individual components for Board size, 

Board composition, Executive Committee size, and Executive Committee composition. Any one 

of the options outlined below is a viable solution given the Smithsonian’s unique governance 

structure. However, they are not equal; from a governance perspective, some are better than 

others. To assist the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board in assessing the 

merits of each option, we have included as Exhibit 2 a matrix that lists the benefits and 

challenges for each option. 

Selections were made based on our experience and judgment, as well as the broad governance 

principles and practices discussed above. As such they are not interchangeable. For example, one 

option offers a small Board with a small Executive Committee while another offers a larger 

Board with a larger Executive Committee. It would not be appropriate to consider a large Board 

with a small Executive Committee. 

The decision as to which to pursue is a complex one, especially where there are so many political 

and legal implications to those that require changes to the statutory charter. BoardSource offers 

these options to highlight the different benefits, to build the basis for a robust discussion, and to 

ensure that the Governance and Nominating Committee, and ultimately the Board, have a full 

understanding of the trade-offs involved with each option. As noted above, full consideration of 

these options, however, necessitates a clear understanding of the legal and political risks 

involved with some of the options. For these reasons, BoardSource urges the Board to obtain 

advice from qualified experts and to consider that advice fully in the decision-making process. 

In deciding which to select, we recommend that the Board gauge each option against the 

principles outlined in this report, recognizing that the Smithsonian is a unique institution and that 

its governance structures should reflect its history, its mission, its programmatic and funding 

needs, and its stakeholders. The Board and its own structures should reflect its responsibilities 

for oversight – both of the institution and the Secretary – and for the success of the mission. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 58

Option 1: Modified Current Structure (17 Members) 

This first option maintains a Board of 17 Regents, including representatives of all three branches 

of government, as currently constituted. It includes an Executive Committee of three Regents 

with two additional non-voting participants and a quorum of two. Its only change is increasing 

the number of participants/advisors of Executive Committee deliberations. 

This change can be effected within the current governance structure and requires only limited 

modification to current practices. It perpetuates a Board that, in practice, may not have the 

capacity to execute its responsibilities and a correspondingly small Executive Committee. The 

Board’s current practice of including non-Regents on committees is one mechanism to help 

alleviate the problem of limited capacity. 

Option 2: Governing Board within a Statutory Board (17 to 19 Members) 

This second option, drawn from the IRC Report,65 maintains a Board of 17 to 19 Regents, 

including representatives of all three branches of government but in a slightly different 

configuration – two ex officio Regents (Chief Justice and Vice President) to serve without voting 

authority or fiduciary duties, 11 Citizen Regents (two more than the current nine), and four to six 

Congressional Regents (depending on whether the Board stays at 17 or expands to 19). This 

option includes an Executive Committee of five Regents. The most distinguishing feature of this 

option is the creation of a “governing board” comprised of Citizen and Congressional Regents. 

While this option keeps the Board at or near its current size, it would require statutory change. It 

adds, at most, four Citizen Regents, which addresses only some of the need for greater diversity 

of skills and expanded capacity for committee leadership and work. The “governing board” 

structure acknowledges the practical limitations of the ex officio Regents – one does not vote and 

the other almost never attends meetings. However, it also creates a problematic board-within-aboard structure that formalizes different expectations for different types of Regents. 

Option 3: Slightly Larger Board (21 to 23 Members) 

This option expands the Board to 21 to 23 Regents, including representatives of all three 

branches of government, as currently constituted, and 13 to 15 Citizen Regents. It includes an 

Executive Committee with five Regents and a quorum of three. This option is distinguished by 

the addition four to six more Citizen Regents, in addition to the current nine, and the slightly 

larger Executive Committee. 

This option addresses the Board’s need for greater capacity to carry out board work through 

committees and for greater diversity of skills and experience by adding Citizen Regents. It 

 

65 “Recommendation 5: The Smithsonian Should Have an Active Governing Board with a Chairman Who Can 

Provide the Time and Proper Oversight,” “Recommendation 6: The Role of the Chief Justice and Vice President 

Should Be Clarified,” and “Recommendation 8: The Board Should be Expanded or Reorganized to Allow for the 

Addition of Regents with Needed Expertise,” Independent Review Committee, A Report to the Board of Regents of 

the Smithsonian Institution, June 18, 2007. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 59

preserves the current connection to all three branches of government, as well as the drawbacks of 

different expectations of different types of Regents. It, too, would require statutory change. 

Option 4: Large Board (30 to 40 Members) 

This option expands the Board to 30 to 40 Regents, including representatives of all three 

branches of government, as currently constituted, and 22 to 32 Citizen Regents. It establishes an 

Executive Committee of 10 – including Chairs of all committees, the Chair of the Board, and 

some Congressional Regents – and a quorum of six. This option is distinguished by its 

considerably larger size and expanded Executive Committee. 

This option responds to the Board’s need for greater diversity of skills and experience and 

greater capacity to carry out board work through committees. It adds considerably more Citizen 

Regents and creates the possibility for adding significant donors to the Board. It risks, however, 

the dangers of larger boards, whereby individuals may be less inclined to participate and, in turn, 

may feel less personally accountable. Out of necessity, it may rely more heavily on the Executive 

Committee to function on behalf of the Board. While the expanded Executive Committee enables 

better coordination and communication between committees, it also can create a board-within-aboard problem that can disengage the rest of the Board. This option also would require statutory 

change. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 60

Exhibit 2: Options for Board and Executive Committee Size and Composition 

Option 1

Modified 

Current 

Structure 

Option 2

Governing 

Board within a 

Statutory Board 

Option 3

Slightly 

Larger 

Board 

Option 4

Large 

Board 

Board Size 

Number of Regents 17 17 – 19 21 – 23 30 – 40 

Board Composition 

Ex Officio 2 2 (non-voting) 2 2 

Congressional Regents 6 4 or 6 6 6 

Citizen Regents 9 11 13 – 15 22 – 32 

Executive Committee

Voting Members 3 5 5 10 

Non-Voting Participants/Advisors 2 did not discuss 0 0 

Quorum 2 did not discuss 3 6 

Benefits

Preserves unique history and relationship to Congress 9 9 9 9

Preserves the benefits of Chief Justice’s participation 9 9 9 9

Simplifies fiduciary structure/reduces potential for 

conflicts of interest for Chief Justice and Vice President 

9 

Preserves capacity of Vice President’s office to provide 

assistance 

9 9 9 9

Preserves commitment of Congressional Regents and roles 

as liaisons between Congress and Smithsonian 

9 9 9 9

Small enough to ensure active oversight and leadership by 

full Board 

9 9 9

Adds capacity to Board for committee leadership and work 9 9 9

Creates a “governing board” whose members are all able 

and willing to participate fully 

9 

Opens new Board positions to add skills 9 9 9

Spreads representation of Board on Executive Committee 9 9 9

Establishes workable quorum/voting mechanism on 

Executive Committee 9 9

Does not require change in statutory charter 9 

Challenges 

Requires change in statutory charter 9 9 9

Continues a Board that is effectively smaller than 17 9 

Maintains a structure with different expectations for 

different Regents 

9 9 9 9

May not give Board enough capacity for committee 

leadership and work 

9 9 

Creates two formal tiers of trustees within one board 9 

Establishes large Board that diffuses perceptions of 

accountability 9

Discourages full participation and robust deliberations in 

boardroom 9

Risks confusing donor recognition with governing 

responsibilities 9

Continues small Executive Committee 9 

Continues an Executive Committee that operates with a 

quorum of two 

9 

Does not discuss membership or quorum of Executive 

Committee 

9 

Risks Executive Committee acting as the “board” 9
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 61

PART 6: SUMMARY OF OTHER MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION 

Regardless of which option the Board selects, the Governance and Nominating Committee might 

wish to consider a number of changes to current practice that are mentioned earlier in this report. 

For the Committee’s convenience, these are summarized below. Some of these are based on what 

are considered good governance practices today and our experiences with other nonprofit 

organizations. Some echo or support recommendations of the IRC and Governance Committee 

Reports. 

In making these suggestions, we recognize that the Board is actively engaged in implementing a 

significant number of recommendations from the Governance and Nominating Committee, and 

that these activities are the culmination of a very active year of work on improving governance 

structures and practices. A number of changes are already in process and the Board has not yet 

had the time to experience their impact. In addition, the organization is operating with an acting 

leader as the search continues for a permanent Secretary. For these reasons, we offer these 

suggestions for the Committee’s consideration at the appropriate time. 

1. Broaden Board capacity by adding non-Regents to committees

The Board has already added a number of non-Regents to various Board committees to help 

ensure that those committees have access to appropriate skills and experiences. We 

encourage the Board to continue to add additional capacity this way and to look for 

opportunities to access the larger Smithsonian community, including members and leaders of 

Advisory Boards. 

2. Communicate expectations for Congressional Regents

To ensure that the Congressional leadership understands the needs of the Smithsonian when 

appointing Congressional (and other) Regents, we suggest that designated members of the 

Board of Regents meet with appropriate individuals to discuss the skills, interest needed at 

the board level, and time commitment. The Board may also want to provide a written 

description of the expectations of all Regents, including Congressional Regents. 

3. Add a development committee

To ensure that the Board of Regents is ready to support a major capital campaign and to 

demonstrate leadership to various affected stakeholders, we suggest that the Board consider 

adding a development/fundraising committee. Alternatively, this could be an ad hoc

campaign committee. Either way, the committee could include Advisory Board members, 

which would bring added resources to the committee and provide another mechanism for 

linking the Board of Regents with the Advisory Boards. 

4. Reevaluate the need for the Facilities Revitalization Committee at the appropriate time

This committee began with a set of responsibilities that focused on the identification of 

current facilities needs and a $2.5 billion campaign. We now understand that the Facilities 

Revitalization Committee has been given (or is being given) a broader set of responsibilities 

and that it will serve much like the Building and Grounds Committee of a university. Since 

this kind of committee can run the risk of becoming too operational in nature, mimicking 

management responsibilities for facilities renovation and prioritization of projects, we 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 62

suggest that the Governance and Nominating Committee evaluate the need for its continued 

existence once the current work is complete and the capital campaign is underway. 

5. Closely monitor the use of the Executive Committee

 While the charter of the Executive Committee enumerates a set of responsibilities that are 

common to such committees, we suggest that the Governance and Nominating Committee 

closely monitor the activities of the Executive Committee to ensure that it does not begin to 

act in lieu of the full Board when it should and could be engaged. Given the breadth of its 

charter, and the general tendency of powerful Executive Committees to be used by chief 

executives in lieu of full Board participation, it will be important to ensure that the Executive 

Committee find ways to communicate its discussions and reviews at and in between board 

meetings and to seek ratification of actions when possible. 

6. Once the new Secretary is retained, consider recommending that the Board undertake a 

vision-setting and strategic-planning process

As part of its review, the Governance and Nominating Committee set forth a set of guiding 

principles which it adopted to reinforce a “foundation of integrity and responsibility.” With 

the advent of a new Secretary, the Board may wish to expand this effort by working closely 

with the new Secretary in reviewing and refining the current vision of how the Smithsonian 

will realize its mission through a pan-institutional strategic-planning process that would 

identify programmatic and fundraising goals. At the appropriate time, the Governance and 

Nominating Committee may wish to suggest that the Board establish a Strategic Planning 

Committee or a pan-institutional committee to lead the institution through the process. 

Setting a vision and planning for the future will offer a unique opportunity to engage the 

entire Smithsonian community and stakeholders in a common process that will unite key 

parties. It will also offer the chance to leverage extended resources across the institution in a 

common effort, including the opportunity to utilize the various Advisory Boards in a united 

effort with management and with the Board of Regents to engage in a strategic planning 

process or in a similar strategic review process. Such a process could include unit-by-unit 

planning, or it could be groups of “families” of study – like arts, culture, and science. 

7. Continue efforts to build commonality of purpose, knowledge, and commitment among 

Regents

The Governance and Nominating Committee has already made a number of 

recommendations that will reinforce commonality of purpose and commitment among 

Regents, including (1) designing and maintaining an up-to-date job description for Regents 

and charters for committees and (2) providing and improving orientation and ongoing 

education for Regents about their responsibilities and the institution. At the appropriate time, 

we suggest that the Governance and Nominating consider recommending that the Board hold 

an annual retreat at which the Board and senior staff can focus on long-term strategic issues. 

A board retreat also can build rapport between and among board and senior staff members, 

increasing board members’ knowledge and understanding of the institution, and focusing 

attention on big picture, long-term issues related to strategy and mission. This might be 

combined with the June Board meeting, which we understand from interviews is traditionally 

devoted to strategic planning. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 63

8. Consider a policy to address attendance by Regents

The Governance and Nominating Committee has already recommended to the Board that it 

develop a mechanism for regular assessments of the Board, committees, and individual 

Regents. This is a best practice today and should help to ensure parity of performance among 

board members. At the appropriate time, the Committee may also wish to recommend that 

the Board establish a policy for Board meeting attendance that includes a mechanism for 

handling Regents who, repeatedly, do not attend meetings. Such a policy would apply to all 

Regents, except ex officio ones. This would help ensure that all board seats are filled with 

individuals who are ready to apply themselves to the work at hand. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 64

PART 7: CONCLUSION 

Good governance practices are essential to the health and well-being of a board. Board size and 

composition affect the sense of accountability within the boardroom, the quality of discussions 

and decision-making, and the capacity of the organization to achieve its mission. While every 

nonprofit organization should consider its size and composition within the framework of its 

mission, its needs, its opportunities, and its challenges, an organization as unique as the 

Smithsonian faces special challenges. 

The decisions this Board makes about its governance structures will drive the Smithsonian’s 

future success. While the governance crisis of this year is, no doubt, a searing experience, it has 

opened the way for the Board to demonstrate true leadership. Already, the extraordinary work of 

the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Review Committee, coupled 

with the actions of the Board of Regents, has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to selfreflection, accountability, and transparency. We hope that this report helps illuminate the path 

forward to success. 
BoardSource Report to the Governance and Nominating Committee (January 26, 2008) 65

APPENDICES 

1. Board Roster 

2. Charter 

Source: Exhibit 28, Independent Review Committee, A Report to the Board of Regents of the 

Smithsonian Institution, June 18, 2007. 

3. Duties of the Chancellor and Chair of the Board 

Source: Appendix A, Recommendation 3, Governance Committee, Report of the Governance 

Committee to the Board of Regents, June 14, 2007. 

4. Bylaws 

Source: Office of the Regents, Updated September 2007. 

5. Duties and Responsibilities of Regents 

Source: Appendix A, Recommendation 2, Governance Committee, Report of the Governance 

Committee to the Board of Regents, June 14, 2007. 

6. General Criteria for Identifying Candidates for the Smithsonian Board of Regents 

Source: Office of the Regents, September 2007. 

7. Committee Assignments 

Source: Office of the Regents, November 28, 2007. 

8. General Guidelines for the Appointment to Standing Committees of the Board of 

Regents 

Source: Office of the Regents, September 2007. 
Appendix 1 
Board of Regents, Smithsonian Institution 

Members – January 2008 

A list of the members of the Board of Regents as of January 2008 follows: 

Ex Officio 

• The Chief Justice of the United States 

• The Vice President of the United States 

Three Senators Appointed by President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate 

• Thad Cochran 

• Chris (Christopher J.) Dodd 

• Patrick J. Leahy 

Three Representatives Appointed by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives 

• Xavier Becerra 

• Sam Johnson 

• Doris Matsui 

Nine Citizens Approved by the Board of Regents 

• Eli Broad (California) 

• Phillip Frost (Florida) 

• Shirley Ann Jackson (New York) 

• Robert P. Kogod (Washington, D.C.) 

• Roger W. Sant (Washington, D.C.) 

• Alan G. Spoon (Massachusetts) 

• Patricia Q. Stonesifer (Washington) 

• 2 Vacancies 
Appendix 2 
SMITHSONIAN INSTITU'fiCN 

Charter Provisions 

(Title 20, United States Code, Sections 41-70) 

------~--~-- 

Chapter 3. Smithsonian Institution, 

N~a tional Museums and A rt Galleries 

Subchapter I- Charter Provisions 

~ 41. Incorporation of Institution 

The President, the Vice President, the Chief~ustice, and the heads of executive departments are cqnstituted an establishment by the name of the Smithsonian Institution for the increase and 

diffusion of knowledge among men, and by that name shall be known and have perpetual succession with the 

powers, limitations, and restrictions hereinafter contained, and no other. 

(R.S. ~ 5579; Feb. 27. 1877. ch. 69, 19 Stat. 253; Mar. 12, L894, ch. 36, 28 Stat. 41.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. 8 5579 derived ~om Acts Aug. 1-0, 1846, ch. 178 ~ 1,9 Stat. 102; Mar. 20, 1871,ch. i, 17 Stat. i. 

R.S. ~8 5579 to 5594 (codified as sections 41 to 46, 48, 50, 51 to 53, 54 to 57, and 67 of this title) constituted Title 73 of the Revised S tatutes, entitled "The Smithsonian Institution." A preamble to these sections was as follows: "James 

Smithson, esquire, of London, in the kingdom of Great Britain, having by his last will and testament given the whole of his property to the United States ofAmerica, to found, at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution' 

an establishment for the increase and diffUsion of I(nowledge among men; and the United States having, by an act of Congress, received said property and accepted said trust; therefore, for the faithful executionf said trust according tothe will of the liberal and enlightened do nor.'' 

R.S. 8 5579, as originally enacted, constituted the Presiaent, the Vice-President,he Secretaries of State, the Treasury, War, and the Navy, the Postmaster-General, the Attorney-General, the ChiefJustice, the Commissioner of the Patent Office, and the Go 

vernor of the District ofColumbia, and such persons athey m ight elect honorary members, 

an establishment by the name of the "SmitfisonianInstitution," for the purposes and with the powers specified in the section as set forth here. 

AMENDMENTS 

1894--Act Mar. 12, 1894,~substiti~ted ~"thb ChiefJustice, and heads of executive.departments'. for "the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary ofVi~ar, the Secretary ofthe Navy, the Postmaster-General, the Attorney General the Chief Justice,the Commissioner of Patents, the governqr ofthe District of Columbia, and other such persons as they may elect honorary members". 

1877--Act Feb. 2'7, 1877, substituted ~Patents" for "Patent Office". 

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this title. 

g 42. Board of Regents; members 

(a) The business of the Institution shall be conducted atthe city of Washington by a Board of 

Regents, named the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, to be composed of the Vice President, the ChiefJustice ofthe United States, three Members of the Senate, three Members of the House of 

Representatives, and nine other persons, other than Members of Congress, two of whom shall be 

IRC0784 
resident inhe city of Washington, and seven of whom shall be inhabitants of same State, but no two 

of them of the same State. 

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 

Institution may modify the number ofmembers, manner ofappointment of members, or tenure of 

members, of the boards or OI me ooaras orcommissions commissions~~pers, under thejurisdiction of theSmithsonian Institution, other 

(I) the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution; and 

(2) the boards or commissions of the National Gallery of Art, the John F. Kennedy Center 

for the Performing Arts, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. 

(R.S. g 5580; Mar. 12, 1894, ch. 36, 28 Stat. 41;Dec. 15, 1970, Pub. L. 91 -551, 8 I(a), 84 Stat. 143 9, as amended O ct. 

21, 1998,Pub. L. 105-277, Div. A., ~ IOl(e) [Title III, Q 355], 112 Stat. 2681-303.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. 8 5580 derived from Acts Aug. 10, 1846, ch. 178, g 3, 9 Stat. 103; Jan. 10, 1865, ch. ii, 13 Stat. 420; Mar. 20, 1871,ch. I, 17 Stat. 1. 

AMENDMENTS 

1998- Act Oct. 21, 1998, designated the existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsection (b). 

1970--Pub. L91-55 1 authorized three additional persons on the Board of Regents. 

1 894--Act Mar. 12, 1894, struck out "The Governor of the District oPColumbia," after "the Chief Justice of the 

United States,". 

CROSS REFERENCES 

National Zoological Part, administration by Regents of Smithsonian Institution, see section 81 of this title. 

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred -to in sections 57, 67 of this title. 

~ 43; Appointment of regents; terms of office; vacancies 

The regents to be selected shall be appointed as follows: The Members of the Senate by the President thereof; the Members of the House bythe Speaker thereof and the nine other persons by joint resolutionf the Congress. TheMembers of the House so appointed shall serve for the term 

of~o years; and on every alternate fourth Wednesdayof December a like numbershall beappointed in the same manner to serve until the fourth Wednesday in December in the second year succeeding their appointment. The Senators so appointed shall serve during the term for which tey shall hold, 

without reelection, their office as Senators. Vacancies, occasioned by death, resignation, or 

otherwise, shall be filled as vacancies in committees arefilled. The regular term of service for the 

other nine membershall be six years; and new elections thereof shall be made byjoint resolutions 

of Congress. Vacancies occasioned by death, resignation,r otherwise may be filled in like manner 

by joint resolution of Congress. 

(R.S. ~ 5581; Dec. 1Z, 1970, Pub. L. 91-551, 8 I(b), (c), 84 Stat. 1440.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. B 5581 derived from Act Aug. 10, 1846, ch. 178, 8 3, 9 Stat. 103. 

AMENDMENTS 

1970--Pub. L. 91-551 authorized the appointments of three additional members of the Board byjoint resolution of the Congress. 

IRC0785 
SECTION REFERRED TO M OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this title. 

8 44. Organization of board; expenses; gratuitous services 

The Board of Regents shall meet in the city of Washington and elect one of their number as chancellor, who shall be the presiding officer of the Board ofRegents, and called the chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution, and a suitable 

person as Secretary of the institution, who shall also be the secretary of the Board of Regents. The board shall also elect three of their own body as an executive committee, and shall fix the time for the regular meetings of the board; and, on application of any three of the regents to the Secretary ofthe institution, it shall be his duty to appoint a special meeting of the Board of Regents, of which he shall give notice, by letter, to each of the members; and, at any meeting of the board, eight shall constitute a quorum to do business. Each member of the board shall ~e paid his 

necessary taveling and other actual expenses in attending meetings of the board, which shall be audited by the executive committee, and recorded by the Secretary ofthe board; but his service as Regent shall be gratuitous. 

(R.S. ~ 5582; Dec. 15, 1970, Pub. L. 91-551. B I(d), 84 Stat. 1440.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. 8 5582 derived from Act Aug. 10, 1846, ch. 178, ~ 3, 9 Stat. 103. 

AMENDMENTS 

1970--Pub. L. 91-551 increased the number of members required to constitute a quorum from five to eight. 

SECTION REFERRED TO M OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 5 7, 67 of this title. 

~ 45, Special meetings of members 

The members of the institution may hold stated and special meetings, for·the supervision of the affairs of the institution and the advice and instruction of the Board of Regents, tobe called in the 

manner provided for inthe bylaws ofthe institution, at which the President, and in his absence the Vice President, shall preside. 

(R.S. 8 5585.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. ~ 5585 derived from Act Aug. 10, 1 846, ch. 178, 8 8, 9 Stat. 103. 

SECTION REFERRED TO M OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this title. 

~ 46, Duties of Secretary 

The Secretary of the Board of Regentshall take charge of the building and property of the institution, and shall, under their direction, make a fair and accurate record ofall their proceedings, to be preserved in the institution until 

no longerneeded in conducting current business; and shall also discharge the duties of librarian and of keeper of the museum, and may, with the consent of the Board ofRegents, employ assistants. 

(R.S. 85583; Oct 25. 195 i,ch. 562. ~ 2(4), 65 Stat. 639.) 

IRC0786 
CODIFICATION 

R.S. g 5583 derived from Act Aug. 10, 1846, ch. 178, 8 7, 9 Stat 105. 

AMENDMENTS 

1951--Act Oct. 25, 1951, inserted "until no longer needed in conducting current business". 

CROSS REFERENCES 

Management and d isposition of records, see sections 2 101 et 

seq., 2301 et seq., 2501 ct seq., 2901 et seq.. 3101 et 

seq., and 3 301 ct seq. of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents. 

Statement of expenditures, see section 49 of this title. 

SECTION REFERRED TO LN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this title. 

~ 46a. Employment of aliens by Secretary 

The Secretary ofthe SmithsonianInstitution, subjectto adequate scurityand other investigations 

as he may determine to be appropriate, and subject furtherto a prior determination by him that no 

qualified United States citizen is available for the particular position involved, is authorized to 

employ and compensate aliens in a scientific or technical capacity at authorized rates of 

compensation without regard tostatutory provisions prohibiting payment ofcompensation to aliens. 

(Pub. L. 88-549, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 754.) 

g 47. Acting Secretary 

The chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution·may~ by an instrument in writing-filed in the office of the Secretary thereof, designate and appoint a suitable person to act as Secretary of the Institution 

when there shall be a vacancy in said office, and whenever the Secretary shall be unable from illness, 

absence, or other cause to perform the duties of his office; and in such case the person so appointed 

may perform all the duties imposed on the Secretary by law until the vacancy shall be filled or such 

inability shall cease. The said chancellor may change such designation and appointment from time 

to time as the interests of the institution may in his judgment require. 

(May 13, 1884, oh. 44, 23 Stat. 21.) 

PRIOR PROVISIONS 

Act May 13, 1884, is derived from Act Jan. 24, 1879, ch. 21, 20 Stat 264. 

~ 48, Salary and removal of Secretary and assistants 

The Secretary and his assistants shall, respectively, receive for their servicesuch sum as may be allowed bythe Board ofRegents; and shall be removable by the Board ofRegents whenever, in 

their judgment, the interests of the institution require such removal. 

(R.S. B 5584.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. 8 5584 derived from Act Aug. ill, 1846, ch. 178, g 7, 9 Stat 105. 

Provisions which related to semi-annual payments on the first day of January and July have been omitted. 

SECTION REFERRED TO n\r OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this title. 

LRC0787 
~ 49, Statement of expenditures 

The Secretary shall submit to Congress annually at the beginning of each regular session thereof 

a detailed statement of the expenditures of the preceding fiscal year, under appropriations for "International Exchanges, ~~T~orth American Ethnology," and the "National Museum." 

(Oct. 2, 1888, ch. 1069,25 Stat 529.) 

CROSS REFERENCES 

Annual report of salaries, see section 58 of this title. 

DocuP~kO~~ aRd distribution of reports of Smithsonian Institution, see section 1341 ofTitle 44. Public Printing ad

~ 50. Reception and arrangement of specimens and objects of art 

Whenever suitable arrangements can be made from time to time for their reception, all objects of art and of foreign and curious research, and all objects of natural history, plants, and geological and mineralogical specimens-tielbriging to the United States, which may be in the city of Washington, in whosesoevercustody they may be, shall be delivered tosuch persons as may be authorized by the Board of Regents toreceive them, and shall be so arranged and classified in the 

building erected for the Institution as best to facilitate the examination and study of them; and whenever new specimens in natural history, geology, or rnineralogy are obtained for the museum of the Institution, by exchanges of duplicate specimens, which the Regents may in their discretion 

make, or by donation, which they may receive, or otherwise, the Regents shall cause such new 

specimens to be appropriately classed and arranged. The minerals, books, manuscripts, and other 

property of James Smithson, which have been received by the Government ofthe United States, shall be preserved separate and apart from other property o fthe Institution. 

(R. S. 8 55 86.) 

HISTORICAL AND STATUTO RY NOTES 

COD~FICATION 

R.S. 8 5586 derived from Act Aug. in, 1846, ch. 178, ~ 6, 9 Stat 105. 

PRESERVATION OF SEPTEMBER Il'hARTIFACTS IN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY 

Pub.L. 107-1 17, Div. B, Ch. 7, ~ 701, Jan. 10, 2002, 115 Stat. 23 i 1, provided that: 

"(aj In general.-The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution shall collect and preserve in the National Museum of American History artifacts relating to the September 11" attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. 

"(b) Typ es of a rtifa cts.-In carrying out subsection (a) Cof this note], the Secretary o f the Sm ithsonian Institution shall consider collecting and preserving- 

"(1) pieces of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. 

"(2) still and video images made by private individuals and the media; 

"(3) personal narratives ofsurvivors,escuers, and government officials; and 

"(4) other arti~cts, recordings, and testimonials that the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution determines have lasting historical significance. 

"(e) Auth o rizatio a o f an prop riatioos.- There is authorized to be appropriated to the Smithsonian lnstitufion$5,000,000 to carry out this section [this note]." 

THE SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY SUBMILLIMETER ARAY 

Pub. L. 106-383, ~4 1 to 2, Oct. 27, 2000, 114 Stat. 1459, provided that: 

IRC0788 
"Sec. 1. Facility authorized. 

"The B oard of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution is authorized to plan, design, construct, and equip laboratory, 

administrative,and support space tohouse base operations for tbe Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Submillimeter 

Array located on Mauna Kea at Hilo, Hawaii. 

"Sec. 2. Authorization of appropriations. 

"There are autho rized to be apprdpriatedo the B oard of Regents ofthe Smithsoniannstitution to carry outhis Act, 

%2.000,000 for fiscal year 2001, and $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2002, which shall remain available until expended." 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM 

Pub. L. 105-17 8, Title I, 8 12 14(b), June 9, 1998, 1 12 Stat. 204, provided that: 

"(1) In general.-The Secretary of Transportation shall allocate amounts made available by this subsection for 

obligation at the discretionf the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in consultation with the Secretary of 

Transportation, to carry out projects and activities described in paragraph (2). 

"(2) Eligible uses.-Amouhts allocated under paragraph (1) may be obligated only- 

"(A) for transportation-related exhibitions, exhibits, and educational outreach programs; 

"(B) to enhance the care and pro tection of the Nation's collection of transportation-relatedrtifacts; 

"(C) to acquire historically significant transportation-related artifacts; and 

"(D) to supportesearch programs within the Smithsonian Institution that document the history and evolution of

transportation, in cooperation with other museums in the United States. 

"(3) Authorization of appropriations.-There is authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund 

(other than the Mass Transit Account) %1,000,000 for each o f fiscal years 1998 through 2003 to carry out this subsection. 

"(4) Applicability of Title 23.-Funds authorized by this subsection shall be available for obligation ithe same 

manner as if such funds were apportioned under chapter I of title 23, United States Code [section 10 1 ct seq. of Title 

23 i, exce pt thathe Fed eral share of the cost o f any project or activity under this subsection shall be 100 percent and such 

funds shall remain available until expended." 

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HEALTH AND MEDICINE 

NOTE: Pub. L: 105-78, Title VII, 18 701, 703 to 708,Nov. 13, 1997, 11 1 Stat. 1524, the National Health Museum 

D evelopm ent Act, which authorized co nstruction o fthe N ational Health Museum and provided for the establishment and 

.termination of the National Health Museum Commission, was repealed by Pub. L. 107-303, Title II1, 8 303; Nov. 27, 

2002, 116 Stat. 2361. 

[The National Health Museum had no affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, other than being a"National" 

museum.] 

WEST COURT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY BUILDTNG 

Pub. L. 103-151, Nov. 24, 1993? 107 Stat: 1515, provided that: 

"SECTION 1. PLANNING DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTIONF WEST COURT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM 

OF NATURAL HISTORY BUILDING. 

"The Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Istitution isauthorized toplan, design, and construct the West Court 

of the National Museum of Natural History building. 

"SECTION 2. FUNDING. 

"No appropriated funds may be used to pay any expense of the planning, design, and construction .authorized by 

section i." 

EAST COURT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 

Pub. L. 101_455, Oct. 24, 1990, 104 Stat. 1067, as amended by Pub. L. 103-98, ~ I(a), Oct. 6, 1993, 107 Stat. 1015, 

provided that: 

"SECTION I. ADDITIONAL SPACE IN NATIONGL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. 

IRC0789 
"The Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution is authorized toplan, design, construct, and equip approximately 80,000 square feet of space in the East Court of the National Museum o f Natural History building. 

"SECTION 2. AUTHO RIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

"There is authorized to be appropriated to the Smithsonian Institution for fiscal year 1991 and succeeding fiscal 

years not to exceed $30,000,000 to carry out this Act." 

[Sec~onl(b)ofPub.L.I03-ggprovided that: "fhe amendment made by subsection (a) [amending section 2of Pub. L. 101-455, set out above] shall take effect as of October 24, 1990."] 

CONSTRUCTIONF CHARLES McC. MATHIAS, JR· LABORATORY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH Pub. L. 99-617, 8 1, Nov. 6, 198ti, 100 Stat. 3488, provided that: 

"(a) Construction authorizetion.--The Board o f Regents of the Smithsonian Institution isauthorized toconstruct the Charles McC. Mathias, Jr. Laboratory far Environmental Research. 

"(b) Location.--The Charles McC. Mathias, Jr. Laboratory for Environmental Research shall be located at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, a bureau ofthe Smithsonian Institution,located Edgewater, Maryland. "(c) Authorization of appropriations.-Effective October 1, i 986, there is authorized to be appropriated tothe Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution S1~000,000 tocarry out the purposes of this section. 

"(d)Transfer of Cunds.--Any porti~on of the sums appropriated to carry out the purposes of thisection may be transferred to the GeneralServices Administration which, in consultation withthe Smithsonian Institution, is authorized 

to enter into contracts and take such other action, to the extent of the 

carry out such purposes." sumso transferred to it, as may be necessary to 

SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY AND SMITHSONIAN TROPICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE; AUTHORIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION AND APPROPRIATIONS 

Pub. L. 99-423, Sept. 30, 1986, 100 Stat 963,provided: 

"That the Board of Regents ofthe Smithsonian Institltion is aumorized to plan and construct facilities for the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatoiy and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. 

Insti~St~hj~. Effectise October I , 1 986, there is authorized to he appropriated to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 

"(a) %4,500,000 for the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory; and 

"(b) $11,100,000 for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. 

"Sec. 3. Any portion of the sums appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act may be trans ferred to the General Services Administration which, in consultation withthe Smithsonian Institution, is authorized to enter into contracts and take such other action, to the extent of the 

sums so transferred to it, as may be necessary to carry out such purpo ses." 

FRED LAWRENCE WHIPPLE OBSERVATORY; PURCHASE OF LAND 

Pub. L. 98-73, Aug. 11, 1983, 97· Stat. 406, provided: 

"That the Smithsonian Institution is authorized to purchase land in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, for the permanent headquarters of the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory. 

"Sec. 2Effective October 1, 1 984; there isauthorized to he appropriated $ 15 0,00 Oto carry out the purposes of this Act." 

CONSTRUCTION OF NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART, CENTER FOR EASTERN ART, AND STRUCTURES FOR RELATEDEDUCATIONAL FACILITIES 

Pub. L. 97-203, 8~ 1 to 3, June 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 129, provided: 

"That the Board of Regents ofthe Smithsonian Institntion is authorized to construct a building for the National Museum of African Art and a center foi Eastern art together with structures for related educational activities in the area south of the original Smithsonian Institution Building adjacent to Independence Avenue at Tenth Street Southwest, inthe city of Washington. 

"Sec. 2. EffectiveOctober I~lgg2~there is authorizedtobeappropriated toheBoard of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution $36.500,000 to 

carry out the purposes of this ~ct. Except for funds obligated or expended for planning, administration, and management expenses, and architectural 

or other consulting services, no funds appropriated pursuant to this section shall be obligated or expended until such time 

as there is available to such Board, from private donations 

or from other non-Federal sources, a sum which, when combined with the funds so appropriated, is sufficient to carry out the purposes of this Act. 

IRC0790 
"Sec. 3. Any portion of the sums appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act may be transferred to the General Services Administration which, in consultation with the Smithsonian Institution, is authorized to enter into contracts and take such other action, to the extent of the 

sums so transferred toit, as may be necessary to carry out such purposes." 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION; DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTY ADJACENT TO ORIGINAL BUILDING Pub. L. 96-36, July 20, 1979, 93 Stat. 94, provided: 

"That the Board of Regen$ of the Smithsonian Institutions authorized to plan for the development of the area south ~f t~es~;ll~gnl~:~lnSmimsoninn Institution Building adjacentto Independence Avenue at Tnth Street, Southwest, in the city 

"Sec. 2. Effective October i, 1979, there is authorized tobe appropriated to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution $ 500.000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. 

"Sec. 3. Any portion of the sums appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act may be transferred to the General S ervices Adm inistration which, in consu Itation with the Smithsonian Institution, is authorized to enter into contracts and take such other action, to the extent of the 

sums so transferred toit, as may be necessary to carry out such purposes." 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION PLANS FOR AND CONSTRUCTION OF MUSEUM SUPPORT FACILITIES; APPROVAL, OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS; SITUS; TRANSFER OF LAND; APPROPRIATIONS; CONTRACTS By GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 

Pub. L. 94-98, Sept 19, 1975, 89 Stat. 480, as amended by Pub. L. 95-569, Nov. 2, 1978, 92 Stat. 2444, provided: "The Regents of the Smithsonian Istitution are authorized to prepare plans for, and to construct, museum support facilities to be used for(l) the care, curation, conservation, deposit, preparation, and study of the national collections ofscienti6c, historic, and artistic objects, specimens, and artifacts; (2) the related documentationf such collections of the Smithsonian Institution; and (3) the training of museum conservators. No appropriation shall be made to construct the facilities authorized by this Act until the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, by resolution approve the final plans and specifications of such facilities. 

"Sec. 2. The museum support facilities referred to in section 1 shallbe located on federally owned land within the metropolitan area of Washington, District of Columbia. Any Federal agency is authorized to transfer land under its jurisdiction to the Smithsonian Institution for such purpo ses witho ut reimb ursement. 

"Sec. 3. There is authorized ~o be approp riated to the Smithsonian Institution IEZ1.500,000 to carry outhe purpo ses of this Act. Any portion of the sums appropriated for such purposes may be transferred to the General Services Administration which, in consultation with the S mithsonian Istitution, is authorized toenter into contracts and take such other action, to the extent of the sums ·so transferred to it, as may be necessary to carry out such p urpo ses." [Amendment of section 3 of this Act effective Oct. i, 1979.i 

rAny reference in any provision of law enacted before Jan. 4, 1995, to the Committee on Public Works and Transp ortation of the House of Representatives treated 

as referring to the Committee on Transpo rtatio n and In frastructure ~t~~HnOg~essqf Reprssenta~ives, see section l(a)(9) of Pub.L. 1()4-14. set out as a note lireceding section 2 1 ofTitle 2, 

NATIONAL MUSEUM 

The National Museum was not created'by any express statutbry provision for that purpose. It was first mentioned in an appropriation for postage for "the National Museum in the Smithsonian Institution," contained inAct June 20, 1874, oh. 328, ~ i, 18 Stat. 103. An appropriation for a building for the use of the National Museum was made by Act ~:~~~~c'h"b7~ilcd~;l:82,8 1.20Staf.397, and annualppropriations have continuouslybeen made for expenses of heating, 

NATIONAL MUSEUM EXHIBIT 

Res. Feb. 28, 1922, cb 86, 42 Stat 399, authorized theSecretary of State to transfer tothe custody ofthe Secretary of the Institution for safekeeping and exhibition in the National Museum the sword ofGeorge Washington andthe staff of Benjamin Franklin, presented by Samuel T. Washington, andthe sword of Andrew Jackson, presented by the family of General Robert Armstrong. 

TRANSPORTATION OF PROPERTY 

The QuartermasterGeneral and his officers were required to receive and transport property fo r the Natio nal Museum by a provision of Act July 5, 1884, ch. 217, 23 Stat. 107. 

IRC079 I 
SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this title. 

NOTES OF DECISIONS 

Placement of natural history objects in Institution 

i. Placement of natural history objects in Institution 

9 OpT~~PCieeCnTS460.f natural history belonging to the government are to be placed in the Smithsonian Instiiution. 1857, 

~ 50a. Geilatly art collection; estimates of sums needed for preservation and maintenance 

The Smithsonian Institution is authorized to include in its estimates ofappropriations such sums 

as may be needful for the preservation and mamtenance of the John Gellatly art collection. 

(June 5, 1929, ch. 9, 46 Stat. 5) 

NOTES OF DECISIONS 

Validity of transfer 1 

i. Validity oftransfer 

Where owner of valuable art collection offered it to the Smithsonian Institution upon certain conditions, and offer was accepted and transfer was completed, and Institution made payments of rent on gallery then under lease in New York, made payments of salary to the curator and expended sums for maintenance and upkeep, payments did not constitute aconsideration so as to invalidate the transfer as 

a gift. G~y_v~l~n~ C.A.D.C. 1949, 177 F.2d 73, 85 U.S.App.D.C. 227, certiorari denied 70 S.Ct 513, 339 U.S. 905, 94 L.Ed. 1334. 

Where owner of valuable art collection signed a formal document of transfer of art collection to the Smithsonian Institution, and Congress by acts approved, and appropriated funds necessary to meet conditions of the transfer and thereafter the owner of the collection married a woman who was ignorant ofthe transfer, which was never repudiated by the owner but was expressly confirmed prior to his death, the transfer was binding, and there was no basis in law or in equity to set aside the transfer or to allow 

F:Supp. arecovery in behalf of the owner's estate. G_ellatly v. U.S. Ct.CI. 1947, 7 1 357, 108 CtCI. 650. 

~ 51. Library 

The Regents shall make, from the interest ofthe fund, an appropriation, notexceeding anaverage of$25,000 annually, for the gradual formation of a library composed ofvaluable works pertaining to all departments of human knowledge. 

(R.S. ~55 87.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. 8 5587 derived from act Aug. 10, 1846, ch. 178, ~ 8, 9 Stat. 105. 

PUBLIC USE OF RESEARCH AND STUDY FACILITIES OF CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS 

Under provisions ofR.S. ~ 94 and act Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 179, 18 Stat 512, the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress was authorized to extend the use of the Library tothe Regents ofthe Smithsonian Institution. These provisions 

were not classified to the Code, being rendered superfluous by a general dec laration ofpub lic policy by Congress, by 

a joint resolution adopted Apr. 12, 1892, 27 Stat. 395, to the effect that facilities for study and research in the Library of Congress, the National Museum, and similar institutions shah be afforded investigators, students, etc., in the several 

states and territories as well as in the District of Columbia. 

IRC0792 
CROSS REFERENCES 

Appropriation of interest moneys, see section 54 of this title. 

Regulations governing Smithsonian Institution; see sections 151 and 152 of Title 2, The Congress. 

SECTION REFERRED TO ZN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this. title. 

8 52, Evidence of title to site and buildings 

The, site and lands selected for buildings for the Smithsonian Institution shall be deemed appropriated to the institution, and the record of the description of such site and lands, or a copy thereof, certified by the chancellor and Secretary of the Board of Regents, shall be received as evidence in all courts of the extent and boundaries of the lands appropriated to the institution. 

(R.S. g 5588.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. 8 5588 derived ~om Act Aug. 10; 1846, ch. 178, ~ 4, 9 Stat 104. 

FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 

and Judicial Procedure.~uf~:c~ta~'fp~:,lrep4fl ~(j~ fhis Secson. seenote of Advisory Committee set outunderrule 44, Title 28, Appendix, Judiciary 

Proof of official record, see rule 44. 

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in s 57, 67 of this title. 

~ 53, Protection of property 

All laws for the protection of publicproperty in the city of Washington shall apply to, and be in force for, the protection of the lands, buildings, and other property of the Smithsonian institution. 

All ·moneys recovered by or accruing to the Institution shall be paid into the Treasury of the United States, to the credit of the Smithsonian bequest, and separately accounted for. 

(R. S. 8 5589.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. g 5589 derived from Act Aug. 10, 1846, ch. 178, 8 5, 9 Stat. 104. 

SECTION REFERRED TO-IN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this title. 

~ 530. Authorization of appropriations 

Appropriations are authorized for the maintenance of the Astrophysical Observatory and the making of solar observations at high altitudes; for repairs and alterations of buildings and grounds occupied by the Smithsonian Institution in the District of Columbiand elsewhere; and for 

preparation of manuscripts, drawings, and illustrations forpublications. 

(Aug. 22, 1949, ch. 494, ~ 2, 63 Stat. 623.) 

~ 54, Appropriation of interest 

So much of the property of James Smithson ·as has been ~received in money, and paid into the Treasury of the United States, being the sum of $541,979.63, shall be lento the United States 

IRC0793 
Treasury and invested in public debt securities with maturities requested by the Smithsonian Institution hearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. based upon current market yields on outstanding marketableobligations of the United States of comparable maturities, and this interest is hereby appropriatedforthe perpetual maintenance andsupport of the Smithsonian Institution; and all expenditures andappropriations to be made, from time to time, to the purposes of the Institution shall be exclusivelY from the accruing interesf and not ~om the principal of the fund. All the moneys and stocks which have been, or may hereafter b, received into the Treasury of the United States, on account of the fund bequeathed by James Smithson, areherebypledged to refund to the Treasury of the United States the sums hereby appropriated. 

(R. S. ~ 5590; Pub. L, 97-199, 8 1, June 22, 1982, 96 Stat. 121.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. ~ 5590 derived ~am Acts Aug. 10, 1846, cb. 178, g 2, 9 Stat. 142; Feb. 5,1867, cb~ 34,~ 2, 14 Stat. 391. 

AMENDMENTS 

1982--Pub. L. 97-199substituted "and invest~d 

Smithsonian in public debt securities with maturities requested bythe Institution bearing interest at rates determ ined by the Secretary of the Treasury, based upon current market yields on outstanding marketable obligations ofthe United S tates of comparable maturities, and this interest i hereby" for ", at 6 per centum per annum interest; and 6 per centum interest on the trust-fund and residuary legacy received into the United States Treasury, payable in half-yearly payments, on the first of January and July in each year, is", substituted "purposes of the Institution" for "purposes of the institution", and substituted "are hereby pledged" for "are pledged". 

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1982 AMENDMENT 

Sec tion 2 o f pub. L. 97-199 provided that: 

"The amendment made by the first 

after September 30, 1982. " section[amending thisection] shall apply with respect to fiscal years beginning 

CROSS REFERENCES 

Expenses ofSmithsonian Institution Trust Fund, see section 1321 of Title 3 i, Money and Finance. Permanent indefinite appropriation for Smithsonian Istitution, see section 1305 of Title 3 i. 

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS 

Thisection is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this title; title 3l.sedtion 1305. 

~ 55. Acceptance of other sums 

The Secretary of the Treasury is a~ithorized and directed to receive into the Treasury, on the same terms as the original bequeslt of JamesSmithson, such sums as the Regents may, from time to time, see fit to deposit, not exceeding, witki the original bequest, the sumof$1,000,000. This shall not 

operate as a limitation on the power of the Smithsonian Institution t receive money orother Ph~eqPeeo~Y by gift, bequest, or devise, andto hold and dispose ofthe same in promotion of the purposes 

(R.S. 4 5591; Mar. 12, 1894, ch. 36, 28 Stat. 41.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. 8 559 1 derived ~om Act Feb. 5, 1867, cb. 34, 8 1, 14 Stat 391. 

AMENDMENTS 

1894--Act Mar. 12, 1894, made the limitation on 

and devises depositsnto the treasu ry inapp licable toreceipt ofgifts, bequests and dispo sitions of money or other property. 

IRC0794 
SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this title. 

NOTES OF DECISIONS 

i. Fund raising 

The Board of Regents ofSmithsonian Institution may employ a firm of experts toassist in increasing the endowment of 

the Institution, said firm being paid out of contributions to be donated for that purpose. 1924, 34 Op.Atty.Gen. 338 

2. Limitations on interest payments 

This section does not place alimitation the amount which the Smithsonian Institution may receive but only limits the 

amount upon which the Treasury of the United S tates is authorized topay interest at the rate of 6% per annum. 1 924, 

34 Op.Atty.Gen.338. 

~ 56. Disposal of unappropriated money 

The Regents are authorized to make such disposal of any other moneys which have accrued, or 

shall hereafter accrue, asinterest upon the Smithsonian fud,not herein appropriated, or not required 

for the purposes herein provided, as they shall deem best suited for the promotion of the purpose of 

the testator. 

(R. S. ~5592.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. 8 5592 derived from Act Aug. 10, 1846, ch. 178, 8 9, 9 Stat 105. 

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in sections 57, 67 of this title. 

NOTES OF DECISIONS 

1. Disposal of accumulated interest 

While the principal ofthe endowment fund of the Smithsonian Institution may not be appropriated by the Board of 

Regents, the accumulated interest thereon may be used by the Board in promotion of the purpose of the endowment. 

1924, 34 Op.Atty.Gen. 338. 

~ 57. Disbursements 

Whenever money is required for the payment of the debts or performance ofthe contracts of the 

institution, icurred orentered into in coriformity with the provisions of sections 41 to 46, 48, 50, 

51 to 53, 54 to 57, and 67 of this title, or for making the purchases and executing the objects 

authorized by said sections, the Board of Regents, orthe executive committee thereo~ may certify 

to the chancellor and secretary of the board that such sum of mo neyis required, whereupon they shall 

examine the same, and, if they shall approve thereof, shall certify the same to the proper officer of 

the Treasury for payment. The board shall submit to Congress, at each session thereof, a report of 

the operations, expenditures, and condition of the institution. 

(R.S. 8 5593.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. 8 5593 derived from Act Aug. Id, 1846, ch. 178, 8 3, 9 Stat 103. 

IRC0795 
SECTION REFERRED TO ~ OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in section 67 of this title. 

~ 58. Omitted 

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES 

CODIFICATION 

section, Act Mar. 3, 1 899, c. 424, B 1, 30 Stat 1085, which required that the salaries of all officers and emp loyees paid from appropriations under the SmithsonianInstitution be reported to Congress annually, terminated, effective May IS, 2000, pursuanto section 3003 of Pub. L. 104-66, as amended, set out as a note under 31 U.S.C.A. 8 1 1 13. See, also, 

page 192 oftIouse Document No. 103-7. 

~ 59. Collections of National Ocean Survey, Geological Survey, and others deposited in 

National Museum 

All collections of rocks, minerals, sells; fossils,and objects ofnatural history, archaeology, and 

ethnology, made by the National Ocean Survey, the United States Geological Survey, or by any other parties for the Government of the United State~, when no longer needed for investigations in 

progress shall be deposited in the National Museum. 

(Mar. 3, 1879! ch. 182, ~ 1,20 Stat. 394; 1965 Reorg. Plan No. 2, eff. July 13, 1965, 30 F. R. 8819, 79 Stat 1318; 1970 

Reorg. Plan No. 4, eff. Oct: 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090; Nov. 13, 1991, Pub. L. 102-154, Title I, 105 Stat. 

1000; May is, 1992, Pub. L. 102-285, 8 10(a), 106 Stat. 171.) 

CODIFICATION 

Words "Coast and Interior Survey" appearing in Act Mar. 3, 1879, were in prior editions ofthe Code changed to 

"Coast and Geodetic Survey." Congress never created a Coast and Interior Survey. In a communication dated Nov. 6, 

1940, the Director of the Geological Survey explainedthat the words "Coast and Interior Survey" were inadvertently 

incorporated upon authority of report contained in Senate Misc. Doe. No. 9, 45th Congress, 3dSession, which 

recommended the"Coast and Geodetic Survey" be changed to "United States Coast and Interior Survey" and an 

organization be created in the Interior Department to be known as the "United States Geological Survey." Congress adopted only the latter suggestion. 

The Coast and Geodetic Survey was consolidated with the National Weather Bureau·in 1965 to form the 

Environmental Science Services Adminis ration by Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1965, eff. July 13, 1965, 30 F.R. 8 8 19, 79 S tat. 

1318. The Environmental Science Services Administration was abolished in 1970 and its personnel, property, reco rds, 

etc., were transferred to the National-Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by Reorg. Plan No. 4 of 1970, eff. Oct. 

3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat 2090. By order of the Acting Associate Administrator of the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, 35 F;R. 19249, Dec. 19, 1970, the Cdast and Geodetic Survey was redesignated the 

National Ocean Survey. See notes under section 3i 1 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. 

CHANGEOFNAME 

Pub. L. 102-285, 8 10(a), May 18, 1992, 106 Stat 171, redesignated the Geological Survey and provided that on 

and after May 18, 1992, it shatl be Imown as the United States Geological Survey. An earlier statute CPub. L. 102-154, Title I,Nov. 13, 1991,05 Stat IqbO] bad provided for the identical change Ofname effective on and after Nov. 13, 

199 1. See note under section 31 of Title 43, Public Lands, 

NATIONAL MUSEUM 

Establishment of the National Museum, see note set out under section 50 of this title. 

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY 

Pub. L. 96-441, 8 2, Oct. 13, 1980, 94 Stat. 1884,provided that: "The bureau of the Smithsonian Institution known 

as the Museum of History and Technology and so referred to in the Act entitled 'An Act to authorize the construction 

o f a building fora Museum of History and Technology for the Smithsonian Institution,ncluding thepreparation of plans 

IRC0796 
and specifications, and all other work incidental thereto', approved June 28, 1955 (20 U.S.C. 59 note), shall be known 

as the 'National Museum of American History'." 

For provision deeming references to the Museum ofHistory and Technology in laws and regulationsto be references 

:~e~e National Museum of American H istory, see section 3of Pub. L. 96-441, set out as a note under section 71 of this 

MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGy FOR THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 

Act June 28, 1955, ch. 201, 69 Stat. 189, authorized construction of a building for a Museum of History and Technology, which was redesignated the National Museum of American History, for the use of the Smithsonian Institution, at a cost not to exceed 336,000.000. 

~ 60. Army articles furnished to National· Museum 

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to furnish to the National Museum, for exhibition, upon request therefor by the administrative head thereof, such articles of arms, materiel, equipment, or clothing as have been issued ~om time to time to the United States Army, or which have been or 

may hereafter be produced for the United States Army, and which are objects of general interest or 

~ of foreign or curious research, provided that such articles can be spared. 

(Mar. 4, 1921, ch. 166, B g~~4k:~SZ:a;.c~~~, i. 41 Stat. 1438; luly 26, 1947, ch. 343. Title II, P 205(a). 61 Stat. 501;Oct 3 1, 19Sl.ch. 654, 

AMENDMENTS 

195 1-- Act Oct. 3 i, 195 i, struck out "are surplus or" after "articles". 

CHANGEOFNAME 

The Department of War was designated the Department of the Army and the title of the Secretary of War was changed to Secretary of the Army by section 205(a) of act July 26, 1947, ch. 343, Title 11, 6 1 Stat. 50 i. Section 205(a) of Act July 26, 1947, was repealed bysection 53 of Act Aug. 10, 1956, ch 1041,70A Stat. 64 i. Section 1of Act Aug. 10, 1956, enacted'Title 10, Armed Forces" which in sections 3010 to 3013 continued the military Department of the Army under the administrative supervision ofa Secretary ofthe Army. 

SECRETARY OF AIR FORCE 

For transfer of certain personal property and personal property functions, insofars they pertain to the Air Force, ~rf~:m~:ha~SleSc,~le~)aq~.~of 'he Army to tbe Secretary of the Air Force, seeSecretary of Defense Transfer Order No. 39 [B 2vv], 

~g 61 to 64. Repealed Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654,. ~1(37)to(40), 65 Stat. 702 

HISTORICAL AND STATUTO Ry NOTES 

Section 61, Act Mar. 3, 1879, ch. 182, 8 I, 20 stat. 397, required archives, records and materials relating to the Indians of North America to be turned over from the Geographical and Geological Survey to the Smithsonian Institution for purposes ofcompletion of collection of information and its publication. 

Section 62, Act Aug. i, 1914, ch. 223, ~ i, 38 Stat. 661, authorized the Secretary of Commerce to transfer instruments of historical value of the Coast and Geodetic Survey [the National Ocean Surveyl to the Smithsonian Institution. See section 483 of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works. 

Section 63, ActJune 5, 1920, oh 235, ~ 

~, 41 Stat. 930, related to transfer, by the Secretary of Commerce, ofCoast and Geodetic Survey [the National Ocean Surveyl instruments of historical value, to educational institutions and 

museums. See sections 483 and 484 of Title 40. 

IRC0797 
Section 64, Act Mar. 3, 1883, ch. 143, 22 Stat. 629, related to distnbutionf specimens of National Museum and Bureau of Fisheries toschools and colleges. See sections 483 and 484 of Title 40. 

~ 65, Repealed. Pub. L. 89-674, ~ 3, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 953 

Section, Act July 7, 1884, ch. 332, 23 Stat 2 14, required the Director of the National Museum to report annually to Congress on the progress of the Museum during the year and its present condition. See section 65a of this title. 

~ 65a. Director of the National Museum 

(9) Duties; programs and studies; annual report to Congress 

Institution shall--~h~'~~nDni~hC~:~_l_of the National Museumnder the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian 

(I) cooperate with museums and their professional organizations in a continuing study of museum problems and opportunities, both in the United States and abroad; (2) prepare and carry out 

programs bygrant, contract, or directly for training career employees in museum practices incooperationwith museums, their professional organizations, and institutions ~f~~~~~~ion ctherat the Smithsonian Institution or athe cooperating museum, organization, 

(3) prepare and distribute significant museum publications; (4) perform research on, and otherwise 

with contribute to~ the development of museum techniques, emphasis on museum conservationconservation; and the development of a national institute formuseum 

(5) cooperate with departments and agencies of the Government of the United States operating, assisting, or otherwise concerned with museums; and 

(6) report annually to the Congress onprogress in these activities. 

(b) Adthorization of appropriations. 

There are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Smithsonian Institution fr the fiscal year 1981, the sum of$803,000, and for the fiscal year 1982, the sum of$1,000,000. 

(Pub. L. 89-674, ~ 2, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat 953; Pub. L. 91-629,~8 1~ 2~ Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1875; Pub. L. 93-349, ~~~jl.luly 12, 1474, 88Stat. 339; Pub. L94-336, July i, 1976, 90Stat. 795; Pub. L96-268,lune 13, 1980, 94 Stat. 

AMENDMENTS 

1980--Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96-268 substituted 

1981 provisions authorizing appropritioosf $803,000 for fiscal year and %1,000,000 for fiscalyear 1982 for for' fiscal provisions which had authorized appropriations of$1,000,000 each year years 1978, 1979.~and 1980. 

1976--Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94-336 substituted prov~slons authorizing the appropriation of$1,000,000 each year for fiscalyears 1978, 1979, and 1980, for provisions under which mere had been authorized to be appropri ated whatever sums as might be necessary to carry out the purposes of the section, with aproviso that no more than 8 1,000,00 could be appropriated annually through fiscal year 

out subsec. (a)(4) of this section. 1977. ofwhich no less than $200,000 was to be allocated and used to carry 

1974--Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 93-34 5, 

ofa a i, inserted "~ with emphasis on museum conservationnd the development national insdtute formuseum conservation" following "museum techniques". Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93-345, ~ 2, substituted provisions limiting to $1,000,000 the amount which may be appropriated annually through fiscal year 1977, with no 

out less than t200,000 annually to he allocated and used to carry the purposes of subsection (a)(4) of this section for provisions limiting to%1,000,000 the amount which could be appropriated annually through fiscal year 1974, ofwhich $300,000 annually bad to be allocated and used according to the formula of 331/3 per centum for purposes of subsec. (a)(2), 33 113 per centum for assistance to museums under section 954(9) of this title, and 33 1/3 per centum for assistance to 

museums under section 956(9) of this title. 

IRC0798 
1970--Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 91-629, 8 2, inserted tbe provisions that programs beprepared and carried out by · 

grant, contract, or directly and which authorized the training of career employees inmuseum practices in cooperation 

with institutions of higher education, and substituted provisions which authorized training programs to be conducted 

either at the Smithsonian Institution, orat the cooperating museum, organization, or institutions, for provisions which 

authorized such programs to be conducted at the best locations. 

Subsec.(b). Pub. L. 91-629, BI,substituted provisions which authorized to be appropriated such sums as necessary 

to carry out the purposes ofthis section, with no more than 8 1.000,000 to be appropriated annually through fiscal year 

1974, of which S300.000, annually, to be allocated in the enumerated manner, for provisions which authorized to be 

appropriatedto carry out this section, not to exceed 5200.000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1968, S250,000 for the 

fiscalyears ending June 30, 1969, and June 30, 1970, and %300,000 for the fiscalyear ending lune 30, 1971.and in each 

subsequent fiscal year, only such sums as the Congress hereafter authorizes by law. 

SHORT TITLE 

Pub. L. 89-674, 8 I, provided: "Thathis Act [enacting this section and repealing section 65 of this title] may be 

cited as the 'National Museum Act of 1966'." 

~ 66, Repealed. June 311, 1949, ch, 288, title VI, ~ 6020)(19), 63 Stat. 400, eff, July 1, 1949, 

renumhered Sept. 5, 1950, ch. 849, ~ 6(9),(11), 64 Stat. 583 

Section, Act Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 75, g 1, 38 Stat. 839, related to exchangi of typewriters and adding machines. See 

section 48 1 of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works. 

~ 67, Right of repeal 

Congress may alter, amend, add to, or repeal any of the provisions of sections 4 1 to 46, 48, 50, 

51 to 53, and 54 to 57, of this title; but no contract or individual right made or acquired under such 

provisions shall be thereby be divested or impaired. 

(R. S. 8 5594.) 

CODIFICATION 

R.S. 8 5594 derived from Act Aug. 10, 1846, ch. 178, ~ 11,9 Stat 106. 

SECTION REFERRE~D TO IN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in section 57 of this title. 

~ 68, Repealed Oct, 10, 19411, ch, 851, ~ 4, 54 Stat, 1111 

Section, Act Feb. 11, 1927, ch. 104, ~ i, 44 Stat. 1081, related to advertisements for proposals for purchases and 

services. See section 5 of.Title 41, Public Contracts. 

~ 69, Anthropological researches; cooperation of Institutioh with States, educational 

institutions, or scientific organizations 

The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution ishereby authorized to cooperate with 

any State, educational institution, or scientific organization in the United States to continue independently or in cooperation anthropological researches among the American Indians and the natives 

of lands under thejurisdiction or protection of the United States and the excavation andpreservation 

of archaeological remains. 

(Apr. 10, 1928, ch. 335, ~ 1,45 Stat. 413;Aug. 22, 1949, ch. 494, 8 1,63 Stat. 623.) 

AMENDM BNTS 

1949--Act Aug. 22, 1949, substituted "to continue independently or in cooperation anthropological" for "for 

continuing ethnological" and inserted "and the natives of lands under thejurisdiction or protection of the United States". 

IRC0799 
SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS 

This section is referred to in section 70 of this title. 

~ 70. Authorization of appropriations; cooperative work 

There is authorized tobe appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of $20,000, which shall be available until expended for the purposes stated in section 69 of this title: Provided, That at such time as the Smithsonian Institution is satisfied that 

any State, educational institutio~ or scientific organization in any of the United States iprepared to contribute to such investigation and when, in its judgment such investigation shall appear meritorious, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution may directhat an amount from this sum equal to that contributed by such State, educational institution, or scientific organization, notto exceed $2,000, to be expended from such sum in any one State during any calendar year, be made available for cooperative investigation: PYovidedSurther. That all such cooperative work and division of the result thereof shall be under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution: Providedfurrher, That where lands are involved which are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs orthe National Park Service, cooperative work thereon shall be under such regulations and conditions as the Secretary of the Interior may provide. 

(Apr. 10, 1928, ch. 335, ~ 2, 45 Stat. 413.) 

IRC0800 
Statutory provisions for individual 

Sections 71-85, Smithsonian Bureaus are set forth in Title 20, United States Code, as follows: 

Subchapter II- National Galle~y ofArt 

Section 71. Designation ofsite. 

CIncluded in the."Historical and Statutory Notes" following this section are notes on: (i) Pub.L. 106-385, Oct. 27, 2060, 114 Stat. 1463, Renaming the National Museum of American Art as the Smithsonian American Art Museum; (ii) Pub.L. 98-523, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2433, General Post Office Building, Transfer to Smithsonian Institution for Use as Art Galleries; Relocation ofUnited States InternationalTrade Commission; (iii) Pub.L. 96- 441, ~~ I, 3, 4, Oct. 13, 1980 94 Stat. 1884, renaming the National Collection of Pine Arts 

as the National Museum of AmericanArt; and the Museum of History and Technology as the National Museum ofAmerican History; and (iv) Act Mar. 24, 1937, c. 50, 50 Stat. 51, 99 1 to 5, designatingthe then-xisting bureau ofthe Smithsonian institution I~nown as the national gallery ofart as the National Collection of Fine Arts.] 

71a. Additions; payment of construction costs from trust funds 

71b. Status of completed addition 

72. BoardofTrustees 

(a) Establishment 

(b) Method of selection; term of office 

73. Acceptance ofgift from ·A. W. Mellon 

74. Maintenance 

(a) Pledge of funds for upkeep; authorization ofappropriations (b) Acceptance of gifts and other property; investment offunds 

(c) Appointment and cornpensation ofofficers and employees (d) Review of actions of board 

74a. Permanent loan qffunds by Board ofT 

to Board rustees to Treasury, semiannual interest payments 

75. Authority and functions of the Board 

(a) Official seal; bylaws, rules, and regulations; quorum 

(b) Quality of works of art 

(c) Powers and obligations 

(d) Annual reports 

Subchopter III'National Portrait Gallery 

75a. Definitions 

75b. Establishment of National Portrait Callety; fUnctions 

75c. Creation of National Portrait 

75d. Gallery Commission; members; functions, powers Acceptance of gifts; title to property 

75e. Powers of Board 

75f. Director; appointment and compensation; officers and employees 75g. Authorization of appropriations 

Subchapler IV- Smithsonian Calleiy ofArr 

76, 76a. Omitted 

76b. Functions of the Regents 

TRC0801 
(a) Solicitation of construction fUnds 

@) Construction ofthe building 

(c) Name of the building; supervision ad control 

76c. Policy to foster appreciation of past and contemporary at 

(a) Solicitation ofprivate donations 

(b) Solicitation of funds to acquire and sell works ofart; employ artists, award scholarships, etc. 

76d. Donations of works of art from Governmentagencies 

76e. Housing or exhibiting objects of art possessed by Smithsonian Institution 76f. Appointrnent, compensation,nduties ofDirector ofCallery; personnel 76g. Authorization ofappropriations 

Subchop~er V- John F. Kennedy Centerfor ~he P,~f,,ing Arfs 

76h. BoardofTrustees 

(a) Establishment 

(1) In general 

(2) Membership 

(b) General trustees 

(c) Advisory Committee on the Arts 

76i. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 

(a) In general 

(b) Parking garage additions and site improvements 

(1) In general 

(Z) Availability 

(3) Limitation on use of appropriated funds 

76j.· Duties of Board 

(a) qrograms, activities, and goals 

(b) Restriction on additional memorials 

76k. Powers ofBoard 

(a) Solicitation ad acceptance of gifts 

(b) Appointment of officers and employees 

(c) Transfer of property 

(d) Transfer of personnel 

(e) Review of Board actions 

(f) Collectitre bargaining 

(g) Pedestrian and vehicular access 

7~61. Official seat, Board vacancies andquorum, trustee powers and obligations, 

reports, support services, and review and audit 

(a) Adoption of seal; Board fUnction notwithstanding vacancies; quorum (b) Powers and obligations of Board in respect of trust fUnds 

(c) Annual report of operations and finances 

(d) Inspector General 

(e) Property and personnel compensation 

76m. Repealed 

76n. Repealed 

76o. Borrowing authority to finance parking facilities 

(a) Revenue bonds 

(b) Interest 

(c) Kennedy Center Revenue Bond Sinking Fund 

IRC0802 
76p. Acceptance and disposition ofgifts to the United States cc~ntributed in honor or memory of the late President John F. Kennedy 

76q. environsSole national memorial to the late John F. Kennedy, within the city of Washington and 

76q-i John F. Kennedy Center Plaza 

(a) Definitions 

(b) Responsibility of the- Secretary 

(c) Responsibilities ofthe Board 

(d) Responsibilities of the District of Columbia 

(e) Ownership 

(f) National highway boundaries 

76r. Authorization ofappropriations 

(a) Maintenance, repair, and security 

(b) Capital projects 

(c) John F. Kennedy Center Plaza 

(d) Limitation on use of fUnds 

76s. Definitions 

Subchapter yl-Joseph H. Hiushhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden 

76aa. Site for museum and sculpture garden 

(a) Appropriation ad availability 

(b) Powers and duties of Board of Regents 

76bb. JosephH. HirshhomMusenm andScu~ptureGarden 

(a) Designation; administration by Board of Regents; cooperation of Board with 

Secretary ofInterior 

(b) Federal fUnds 

(c) Uses 

76cc. BoardofTrustees 

(a) Establishment; powersand duties 

(b) Membership; ·appointment; terms of office; vacancies 

76dd. dD~~pr, adrmnlstralor, curators, and other personnel; appointment, compensation, ad 

76ee. Authorization ofappropriations 

Subchaptep VII- NationaC Air and Space Museum 

77. National Air and Space Museum 

(a) Establishment; board; administration; reimbursement of expenses (b) Appointment and compensation of head of museum 

77a. Functions of museum 

77b. Repealed 

77c. Museum board 

(a) Seal; regulations; vacancies 

(b) Annual report 

77d. Transfer or loan of aeronautical or space flight equipment to museum 

Subchapter VIII- Paleontological Investigations 

78. Cooperation of Smithsonian Institution with State institutions for continuing paleontological investigations 

IRC0803 
78a. Authorization of appropriations; availability of funds; limit on use of funds during fiscal 

year; supervision; rules and regulations 

Subchapter LX- Canal Zone Biological Area 

79. Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake to be setaside 

79a. Preservation of natural features for scientific observation and investigation 

79b. Functions of Smithsonian Institution 

79c. Resident manager; powers and duties; compensation 

79d. Deposit of receipts into Treasury; disbursements 

79e. Authorization of appropriations 

Subchapter X- National Armed Forces Museum Adviso~y Board 

80. National Armed Forces Museum Advisory Board 

(a)Establishment; functions 

(b) Membership 

~c) Term ofoffice; vacancies 

(d) Quorum 

(e) Compensation, travel, and other expenses 

(f) Biennial organizations; rules and regulations 

80a.. Display of contributions of Armed Forces 

(a) Study center; historical collections 

(b) National Air and Space Museum provisions unaffected 

80b. Selectionofsite 

(a) Authorization of Board of Regents; submission of recommendations toCongress 

(b) Public exhibits and study collections; exhibits of military and naval operations 

80c. Transfer or loan ofobjects, equipment and records to Smithsonian Institution. 

80d. Authorization of appropriations 

SubchapterXT- Woodrow Wilson International Centerfor Scholars 

80e. Congressional declaration ofpolicy 

80f. Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Board of Trustees of the Center 

(a) Establishment 

(b) Composition of Board 

(c) Appointment of alternate members by members of Board 

(d) Terms of office; vacancies; reappointment 

(e) Chairman and Vice Chairman of Board 

80g. Powers and duties of Board 

(a) Appointment ofscholars; gifts, bequests, etc.; grants; location of Center; physical 

facilities; compensation ofofficers; plans and specifications for Center 

(b) Relocation assistance and programs 

808-1. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship in Social and Political Thought 

(a) Establishment inCenter 

(b) Selection of Humphrey Fellow; term; compensation 

(c) Functions of Humphrey Fellow; publication and dissemination by Board of Memorial 

Lectures 

(d) Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Trust Fund; establishment, composition, investments, 

etc. 

(e) Payments to Board from investments for implementation of Fellowship purposes 

IRC0804 
(f) Authorization of appropriations 

80h. Administration; quorum 

80i. Authorization of appropriations; limitations 

80j. Auditofaccounh 

Subch~pter XII- Museum of African Art 

80k. Donation and transfer of lands and improvements, works of art, and other assets and 

property of Museum of African Art to Smithsonian Institution 

801. Establishment of Museum of Afiican Art; fUnctions 

80m. PowersofBoard 

(a) Acquisition, retention, and dispositionfproperty; research and education programs 

(b) Recommendations of Commission 

80n. Commission for the Museum of African Art 

(a) Establishment; duties 

(b) Membership 

(c) Terms ofoffice 

(d) Quorum; vacancies 

(e) Travel, subsistence, and other expenses 

(f) Selection of officers; bylaws 

800. Director, officers, and employees; appointment, compensation, and duties 

80p. Funding 

(a) Federal funds for Museum 

(b) Authorization ofappropriations 

Subchapter XCLI- National Museum of the American Indian 

80q. Findings 

80q-1. National Museum of the American Indian 

(a) Establishment 

(b) Purposes 

80q-2. Authority of the Board of Regents to enter into an agreement providing for transfer of 

Heye Foundation assets to the Smithsonian Institution 

80q-3. Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Indian 

(a) In general 

(b) General duties and powers 

(c) Sole authority 

(d) Authority 

(e) Initial appointments to the Board of Trustees 

(f) Subsequent appointments to the Board of Trustees 

(g) Quorum 

(h) Expenses 

80q-4. Director and staff of the National Museum 

(a) In general 

(b) Offer of employment to Heye Foundation employees 

(c) Applicability of certain civil service laws 

80q-5. Museum facilities 

(a) National Museum Mall facility 

(b) National Museum Heye Center facility 

(c) Museum Support Center facility 

(d) Minimum square footage 

IRC0805 
(e) Authority to contract with GSA 

(f) Limitation on obligation of Federal fUnds 

80q-6. Custom House office space and auditorium 

(a) Repairs and alterations 

(b) Authorization ofappropriation 

80q-7. Audubon Terrace 

(a) Ingeneral 

(b) Determination of charges 

(c) Definition 

80q-8. Board oflegents functions with respect to certain agreements and programs 

(a) Priority to be given to Indian organizations with respect to certain agreements 

Cb) Indian programs 

(c) Indian Museum Management Fellowships 

(d) Authorization ofappropriations 

80q-9. Inventory identification, and return of Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects 

in the possession of the Smithsonian Institution 

(a) Inventory and identification 

(b) Notice in case of identification of tribal origin 

~c) Return of Indian human remains and associated Indian Eunerary objects 

fd) Return of Indian funerary objects not associated with Indian human remains 

(e) Interpretation 

(f) Authorization of appropriations 

s0q-9a Summary and Repatriation of Unassociated Funerary Objects, Sacred Objects, and 

Cultural Patrimony 

(a) Summary 

(b) Repatriation 

(c) Standard of Repatriation 

(d) Museum Obligation 

(e) Statutory Construction 

(f) Native Hawaiian Organization. Defined 

80q-10. ·Special committee toreview the inventory, identification, and return of 

Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects 

(a) Establishment; duties 

@) Membership 

(c) Access 

(d) Pay and expenses of members 

'(e) Rules and administrative support 

(f) Report and termination 

(8) Nonapplicability ofthe Federal Advisory Committee Act 

01) Authorization of appropriations 

80q-11. Inventory, identification, and return of Native Hawaiian human remains and Native 

Hawaiian funerary objects in the possession of the Smithsonian Institution 

(a) In general 

(b) Definitions 

80q-12. Grants by the Secretary of the Interior to assist Indian tribes with respect to agreements 

for the return of Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects 

(a) In general 

(b) Authorization ofappropriations 

80q-13. Grants by the Secretary of the Interior to assist Indian organizations with respect to 

renovation and repair of museum facilities and exhibit facilities 

(a) Grants 

IRC0806 
(0) Indian organization contribution 

(6) Tribal Museum Endowment Fund 

(d) Annual report 

80q-14. Definitions 

80q-15. Authorization ofappropriations 

(a) Funding 

(b) Period of availability 

Chapter 4. National Zoological Park 

----~--~-- 

81. Administration by Regents of Smithsonian Institution 

82. Aid in acquisition of collections 

83. Omitted 

84. Plans for buildings and bridges 

85. Concessions 

(a) Authorization; use of proceeds for research and educational work 

(b) Voluntary services 

IRC0807 
Appendix 3
A-6

Appendix A: Detailed Recommendations and Rationales 

 

RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROMOTE A CONSTRUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP 

 

3. To enhance Board leadership, the Regents adopt the following specific duties and 

responsibilities for the positions of Chancellor and Chair of the Board and will initiate a 

change to the Bylaws to separate these positions: 

 

Duties of the Chancellor 

• The Chancellor presides over Board of Regents meetings. The Chancellor leads and 

furthers the Board’s deliberations by providing an opportunity for all Regents to 

participate and sees that the Board follows proper decision-making procedures. 

• The Chancellor serves as a member of the Executive Committee and in that capacity 

participates in developing the agenda for Board meetings. 

• With approval of the Board, the Chancellor appoints members and chairs of Board 

committees, other than the Executive Committee. 

• The Chancellor presides over official ceremonies of the Institution. 

• The Chancellor may, by instrument in writing filed with the office of the Secretary, 

appoint an Acting Secretary when there is a vacancy in the office or whenever the 

Secretary is unable to perform the duties of the office. 

Duties of the Chair of the Board 

• The Chair plays a leadership role in guiding the Board of Regents in its deliberations 

and the exercise of its oversight function. The Chair directs the Board’s attention to the 

immediate and long-term strategic planning needs of the Smithsonian and oversees the 

Board’s, Board committees’, and individual Regents’ evaluation of their effectiveness. 

The Chair also works closely with the Chancellor in developing the agenda for Board 

meetings. 

• The Chair represents the Board in dealing with the Secretary and senior management 

on matters that arise between Board meetings. The Chair works in partnership with the 

Secretary and senior management to communicate and oversee the carrying out of the 

policies adopted or approved by the Board and reports to the Board on the conduct 

and management of the affairs of the Smithsonian. 

• The Chair establishes the process for selecting a new Secretary. Together with the Chair 

of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee, the Chair leads the Board in 

its annual evaluation of the Secretary’s performance and compensation. 

• The Chair is the chief spokesperson and advocate for the Board of Regents. The Chair 

communicates with the Congress, other Smithsonian stakeholders and the media on 

behalf of the Board. The Chair serves as the primary liaison between the Board and the 

Smithsonian National Board and other Advisory Boards. 

• The Chair presides over Board of Regents meetings in the event the Chancellor is 

absent. 

• The Chair serves as Chair of the Executive Committee. 
A-7

Appendix A: Detailed Recommendations and Rationales 

 

Rationale: The Smithsonian Charter provides for a "Presiding Officer," called the “Chancellor,” who is 

elected by the Regents and possesses certain statutory responsibilities. By tradition, the Regents have 

selected the Chief Justice of the United States — who by statute is an ex officio member of the Board — 

as Chancellor. The Bylaws provide that the Chancellor is also the Chair of the Board and that he may 

call on the Executive Committee for assistance. In practice, the Chair of the Executive Committee has 

performed many of the duties and responsibilities of the Chair of the Board. 

The Smithsonian has greatly benefited from each Chief Justice’s willingness to continue this tradition. 

By virtue of a Chief Justice’s life-tenure judicial office, he brings to the role of Chancellor practical 

experience in presiding over deliberative proceedings and a long-range perspective of the 

Smithsonian’s institutional interests. His presence as Chancellor reinforces the distinctive nature of 

the Smithsonian as a public trust of the United States. But by virtue of his judicial office, the Chief 

Justice, as Chancellor, also faces constraints in exercising the full range of responsibilities of the Chair 

of the Board. Accordingly, the current Chief Justice, like his predecessors, has limited his role as Chair 

of the Board in important respects and delegated a broad range of duties to the Chair of the Executive 

Committee. 

To formalize the division of the past and augment the central role of the Chair of the Board, the 

Governance Committee recommends that the Regents amend the Bylaws to separate the positions of 

Chancellor and Chair of the Board. This division of responsibilities is consistent with the concerns 

expressed by the IRC that the Board should structure its organization to bring more resources to bear 

on day-to-day leadership and oversight. The Committee recommends that, prior to approval and 

implementation of a Bylaw change, the Regents recognize this division of responsibilities through 

appropriate means. The roles of the Chancellor and Chair may be further refined as a result of the 

Governance Committee review of Board structure and functions. 
Appendix 4
 

BYLAWS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

OF THE

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

 

CONTENTS

SECTION 1. PROMULGATION

1.01 Charter 

 1.02 Amendment 

SECTION 2. BOARD OF REGENTS

2.01 Powers and Composition 

 2.02 Appointment 

 2.03 Term of Office and Vacancies 

 2.04 Meetings 

 2.05 Notice of Meetings 

 2.06 Action by Ballot Without a Meeting 

 2.07 Emergency Meetings 

 2.08 Method of Communication for Action Without a Meeting 

 2.09 Quorum 

 2.10 Minutes 

 2.11 Regent Emeritus 

 2.12 Indemnification 

 2.13 Ethics and Conflicts of Interest 

SECTION 3. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

3.01 Powers; Composition 

 3.02 Appointment 

 3.03 Meetings 

 3.04 Minutes 

 3.05 Rules 

SECTION 4. OTHER COMMITTEES

4.01 Audit and Review Committee 

 4.02 Finance and Investment Committee 

 4.03 Governance and Nominating Committee 

 4.04 Facilities Revitalization Committee 

 4.05 Other Standing or Special Committees 

 4.06 Quorum 

 4.07 Chair; Rules 

SECTION 5. OFFICERS 

5.01 Chancellor 

5.02 Chair of the Board 

 5.03 Secretary 
2 

 5.04 Deputy Secretary/Chief Operating Officer and Under Secretaries 

 5.05 Chief Financial Officer 

 5.06 General Counsel 

 5.07 Other Senior Officers 

SECTION 6. ADMINISTRATION

 6.01 Authority to Receive and Dispose of Property 

 6.02 Endowment Fund; Other Nonappropriated Funds 

 6.03 Appropriated Funds 

 6.04 Budget 

 6.05 Audit 

 6.06 Execution of Documents 
3 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 

Bylaws of the Board of Regents 

2007 

Section 1. Promulgation 

 

1.01 CHARTER

These bylaws have been adopted by the Board of Regents to govern the 

conduct of the Smithsonian Institution's business pursuant to an Act of 

Congress approved August 10, 1846, as amended (20 U.S.C. § 41, et seq.) 

which act as so amended is hereinafter referred to as the “Charter.” These 

bylaws are in all respects subject to the provisions of the Charter and shall be 

interpreted accordingly. 

1.02 AMENDMENT

These bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the Board of Regents by a 

majority vote of the Regents present, provided that the proposed amendments 

have been mailed to each member of the Board of Regents not later than thirty 

days prior to such meeting. 

Section 2. Board of Regents 

 

2.01 POWERS AND COMPOSITION

The governing body of the Smithsonian Institution is the Board of Regents 

specified in the Charter. (See also 20 U.S.C. § 42.) 

2.02 APPOINTMENT

Members of the Board of Regents are appointed or elected in the manner 

specified by the Charter. When a vacancy arises from death, resignation or 

retirement of a citizen member elected by joint resolution of Congress, the 

Board of Regents shall nominate a proposed successor for consideration by 

the Senate and the House of Representatives. (See also 20 U.S.C. § 43.) 

2.03 TERM OF OFFICE AND VACANCIES

Regents shall serve such terms, and vacancies on the Board of Regents shall 

be filled, as specified in the Charter. In nominating citizen members of the 

class, other than residents of the District of Columbia, for election by joint 

resolution of Congress, the Board of Regents shall give consideration to 

rotation of membership among citizens of the various states. The Board of 

Regents shall not nominate citizen members to succeed themselves after they 

have served two consecutive six-year terms. (See also 20 U.S.C. § 43.) 
4 

2.04 MEETINGS

The Board of Regents shall hold regular and special meetings at such times 

and places as the Board of Regents may from time to time determine, 

provided that one meeting annually shall be held in the District of Columbia, 

and provided further that any meeting at which a Chancellor or a Secretary is 

elected shall be held in the District of Columbia. A special meeting of the 

Board of Regents may be called on request of any three members of the Board 

of Regents. (See also 20 U.S.C. § 44.) 

2.05 NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Notice of regular meetings of the Board of Regents shall be given in writing to 

each Regent at least thirty days prior to such meetings. Notices of special 

meetings shall be given to each Regent at least ten days prior to such 

meetings. Information about matters to be considered shall be furnished to the 

Regents as soon as practicable prior to each meeting. (See also 20 U.S.C. § 

44.) 

2.06 ACTION BY BALLOT WITHOUT A MEETING

When requested by the Executive Committee, any action required or 

permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Regents, except the election 

of a Secretary or the nomination of a member of the Board, may be taken 

without a meeting if a majority of the Board of Regents votes to approve the 

action by responding affirmatively to a written ballot distributed to each 

Regent by the Office of the Secretary. The ballot shall set forth the proposed 

action(s) and provide an opportunity to specify approval or disapproval of 

each proposed action, a place for the Regent’s signature, and a reasonable 

time within which to return the ballot to the Office of the Secretary. Each 

Regent who wishes to vote must mark and sign the ballot and return it to the 

Office of the Secretary within the time specified. The Regents’ approval or 

disapproval of any action by this method shall have the same force and effect 

as a vote by the Board of Regents at a formal meeting of the Board. All 

ballots returned to the Office of the Secretary shall be filed with the records of 

the proceedings of the Board of Regents maintained in the Office of the 

Secretary. 

2.07 EMERGENCY MEETINGS

When requested by the Executive Committee, any six Regents, the 

Chancellor, the Chairman of the Executive Committee, or the Secretary, the 

Office of the Secretary may convene an emergency meeting of the Board of 

Regents by providing 72 hours notice, including notice by telephonic 

communication. The emergency meeting may be conducted in person, 

telephonically, or by such other means as may be determined by the Executive 

Committee. 

2.08 METHOD OF COMMUNICATION FOR ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING

Any and all communications to and from Regents seeking or taking action by 

the Regents without a meeting may be made by hand delivery, by deposit in 
5 

U.S. Mail, by express mail, by electronic facsimile, or by such other means as 

may be determined by the Executive Committee. 

2.09 QUORUM

At any meeting of the Board of Regents, eight members constitute a quorum, 

but in the absence of a quorum a lesser number may adjourn the meeting. (See 

also 20 U.S.C. § 44.) 

2.10 MINUTES

Minutes of meetings of the Board of Regents shall be made available to all 

members of the Board of Regents and to the Congress as soon as practicable 

after each meeting. 

2.11 REGENT EMERITUS

The Board of Regents may, by resolution, confer the title of Regent Emeritus 

on former Regents who accept responsibilities for continuing activities in the 

interests of the Smithsonian Institution. 

2.12 INDEMNIFICATION

Members of the Board of Regents, Regents' Committees and Smithsonian 

advisory bodies, Regents Emeritus, officers, or employees of the Smithsonian 

may be indemnified for any and all liabilities and reasonable expenses 

incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, or proceeding arising from 

present or past service for the Smithsonian Institution, in accordance with 

resolutions adopted by the Board. 

2.13 ETHICS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The Board of Regents shall adopt and members of the Board of Regents shall 

adhere to ethics guidelines setting forth appropriate standards of conduct, 

provisions to avoid potential conflicts of interest, and requirements for 

disclosure of personal interests that may relate to the Smithsonian Institution. 

Section 3. Executive Committee 

3.01 POWERS;COMPOSITION

The Board of Regents shall elect from its members an Executive Committee 

consisting of three members (in accordance with 20 U.S.C. § 44). The 

Executive Committee shall have and may exercise all powers of the Board of 

Regents when the Board of Regents is not in session, except those expressly 

reserved to itself by the Board of Regents, provided that all such proceedings 

shall be reported to the Board of Regents when next the Board meets.

3.02 APPOINTMENT

Elections to the Executive Committee may be made at any regular or special 

meeting of the Board of Regents. The Executive Committee shall include at 
6 

least two citizen members of the Board of Regents who are elected by joint 

resolution of Congress.

3.03 MEETINGS

The Executive Committee shall hold meetings at such times as it shall 

determine. Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held in the District 

of Columbia unless otherwise determined by the Executive Committee. 

Expenses of Regents in attending meetings of the Executive Committee, 

including travel expenses to and from the place of meeting, may be paid by 

the Institution. Two members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a 

quorum.

3.04 MINUTES

Minutes of all meetings of the Executive Committee shall be made available 

to all members of the Board of Regents as soon as practicable.

3.05 RULES

The Executive Committee shall have power to adopt rules for the conduct of 

its business in respect to all matters not provided for in the bylaws or by rules 

adopted by the Board of Regents. 

Section 4. Other Committees 

4.01 AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMITTEE 

With approval of the Board of Regents, the Chancellor shall appoint an audit 

and review committee including no fewer than three members of the Board of 

Regents. The audit and review committee shall do all things necessary to 

assure the Board that the Institution's accounting systems and internal 

financial controls are in good order and to facilitate communication between 

the Board of Regents and the Institution's internal auditors, its independent 

auditors, and those of the General Accounting Office. The audit and review 

committee shall provide a direct channel of communication between the 

Board of Regents and the Institution's independent auditors who shall be 

certified public accountants nominated by the committee and appointed by the 

Board of Regents. The audit and review committee shall review the 

Institution's operations for compliance with approved programs and policies 

and shall perform related functions as directed by the Board of Regents. The 

committee may call upon the Institution's officers or staff for assistance as 

necessary and may employ outside professional assistance in performance of 

its duties if it deems this desirable. The audit and review committee shall 

report its findings directly to the Board of Regents at appropriate intervals but 

not less frequently than annually.
7 

4.02 FINANCE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE 

With approval of the Board of Regents, the Chancellor shall appoint a Finance 

and Investment Committee including no fewer than four members of the 

Board of Regents. The Finance and Investment Committee shall be 

responsible for oversight of the Institution’s annual budgets, long-range 

financial planning, investment program and strategies, and shall perform such 

related functions as may be assigned to it by the Board of Regents. The 

Finance and Investment Committee may call upon the Institution’s officers or 

staff for assistance and may seek outside consultation or professional 

assistance in the performance of its duties if it seems desirable. The Finance 

and Investment Committee shall report its findings, conclusions and 

recommendations to the Board of Regents. 

4.03 GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

With approval of the Board of Regents, the Chancellor shall appoint a 

governance and nominating committee including no fewer than three 

members of the Board of Regents. The governance and nominating 

committee shall be responsible for oversight of the governance policies and 

practices of the Board of Regents and the Smithsonian, for making 

recommendations to the Board to improve governance policies and practices, 

for assessing the effectiveness of the Board and its members and committees, 

for recommending candidates for service as citizen members of the Board, for 

nominating candidates for election as Chancellor, Chair, or members of the 

Executive Committee, and for such other nominations or recommendations as 

may be required by the Board from time to time. The governance and 

nominating committee may call upon the Institution's officers or staff for 

assistance and may seek outside consultation or professional assistance in the 

performance of its duties.

4.04 FACILITIES REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE

With approval of the Board of Regents, the Chancellor shall appoint a 

facilities revitalization committee including no fewer than three members of 

the Board of Regents. The facilities revitalization committee shall be 

responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the revitalization and 

maintenance of the Smithsonian physical plant, working with the Congress to 

address facilities capital needs, and shall perform such related functions as 

may be assigned to it by the Board of Regents. The facilities revitalization 

committee may call upon the Institution's officers or staff for assistance and 

may seek outside consultation or professional assistance in the performance of 

its duties. 

4.05 OTHER STANDING OR SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The Board of Regents shall have power to establish other standing or special 

committees. Any committee so established may call upon the Institution's 

officers or staff for assistance and may seek outside consultation or 

professional assistance in the performance of its assigned functions.
8 

4.06 QUORUM

Unless otherwise specified by the Board of Regents, a majority of the 

members of all standing and special committees as may be established by the 

Board shall constitute a quorum.

4.07 CHAIR; RULES

Each committee established by the Board of Regents shall perform its 

functions under the general direction of a chair appointed by the Chancellor 

with approval of the Board of Regents. Each such committee shall have the 

power to adopt rules for the conduct of its business in respect of all matters 

not provided for in the bylaws or by rules adopted by the Board of Regents. 

Expenses of members in attending meetings of committees established by the 

Board of Regents, including travel expenses to and from the place of meeting, 

may be paid by the Institution. Each committee established by the Board of 

Regents shall keep or cause to be kept minutes of its meetings, which shall be 

filed and maintained in the office of the Secretary of the Institution. 

Section 5. Officers 

5.01 CHANCELLOR

The presiding officer of the Institution shall be the Chancellor elected in 

accordance with the Charter. The Chancellor shall have the duties and 

responsibilities set forth in the Charter and as designated by the Board of 

Regents. The Chancellor may call upon the Chair of the Board, the Executive 

Committee, or any other committee established by the Board of Regents for 

assistance in the performance of the Chancellor's duties. 

5.02 CHAIR OF THE BOARD

The Board of Regents shall elect from its members a Chair of the Board, who 

shall also serve as Chair of the Executive Committee. The Chair shall lead the 

Board of Regents in its deliberations and the exercise of its oversight function. 

The Chair shall be the chief spokesperson for the Board of Regents, shall 

represent the Board in dealings with the Secretary and senior management 

between meetings of the Board, and shall have such other duties and 

responsibilities designated by the Board of Regents. The Chair shall be 

elected for a term of one year and may serve until a successor is duly elected. 

A Regent may be elected to the office of Chair for no more than three 

consecutive terms.

5.03 SECRETARY

The Secretary, who shall be elected in accordance with the Charter, shall serve 

as the chief executive officer of the Institution. The Secretary shall be 

responsible for carrying into effect the policies and programs approved by the 

Board of Regents and those provided for in applicable laws and regulations. 
9 

All employees of the Institution shall perform their duties under the 

Secretary's general direction. The Secretary shall provide for maintaining the 

Institution's official records, including the proceedings of the Board of 

Regents, the Executive Committee, and other standing and select committees 

of the Board. In accordance with applicable statutes and the policies 

established by the Board of Regents, the Secretary may employ assistants and 

shall prescribe and document the Institution's organization structure, operating 

policies and procedures, and delegations of authority. (See also 20 U.S.C. §§ 

44 and 46.)

5.04 DEPUTY SECRETARY/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND UNDER 

SECRETARIES

In consultation with the Board of Regents, the Secretary shall appoint a 

Deputy Secretary/Chief Operating Officer and one or more Under Secretaries 

who shall be the Secretary's principal officer(s) for administering the 

operations of the Institution. Pursuant to the written designation and 

appointment by the Chancellor, the Deputy Secretary/Chief Operating Officer 

or an Under Secretary may exercise all the functions and authorities of the 

Secretary whenever the Secretary shall be unable from illness, absence, or 

other cause to perform the duties of the office. (See also 20 U.S.C. §§ 46, 47, 

and 48.)

5.05 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

In consultation with the Board of Regents, the Secretary shall designate a 

Chief Financial Officer, who shall have charge of all funds of the Institution, 

keep the books of account, designate depositories for funds of the Institution, 

and generally supervise investment of the Institution's funds as limited by 

section 4.02. The Chief Financial Officer shall assist the Board of Regents, its 

committees, and the Secretary in the exercise of their fiduciary 

responsibilities. The Chief Financial Officer or his or her designee shall 

attend all meetings of the Board of Regents and relevant Board committees 

and shall have the right and obligation to bring directly to the Board or its 

committees any information on financial or compliance matters that he or she 

reasonably determines should be brought to their attention. (See also 20 

U.S.C. §§ 46 and 48.) 

5.06 GENERAL COUNSEL

In consultation with the Board of Regents, the Secretary shall appoint a 

counselor who shall serve as general counsel to the Institution and shall advise 

the Secretary and the Board of Regents on such legal matters as may be 

referred to the counselor by the Secretary or the Board of Regents or its 

committees. The General Counsel or his or her designee shall attend all 

meetings of the Board of Regents and its committees and shall have 

responsibility for preparing and keeping Board and committee minutes. The 

General Counsel shall have the obligation to bring directly to the Board or its 

committees any information on legal or compliance matters that are within the 

purview of the Board of Regents by statute, bylaw, or as may be directed by 

the Board of Regents, and shall have the right to bring directly to the Board or 
10 

its committees any such information that he or she reasonably determines 

should be brought to their attention. (See also 20 U.S.C. §§ 46 and 48.) 

5.07 OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS

In consultation with the Board of Regents, the Secretary shall appoint such 

other senior officers and assign them such titles, duties, and responsibilities as 

may be necessary for effective management of the Institution's affairs. In 

accordance with their assigned responsibilities, such other senior officers shall 

provide advice and assistance to the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary/Chief 

Operating Officer, and one or more Under Secretaries, and shall provide 

direction to organization units designated by the Secretary. (See also 20 

U.S.C. §§ 46 and 48.) 

Section 6. Administration 

6.01 AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE AND DISPOSE OF PROPERTY

In accordance with policies established by the Board of Regents, the Secretary 

may accept or receive for the Institution gifts, grants, bequests, and other 

transfers of real and personal property, and may hold and dispose of the same 

in promotion of the purposes of the Institution, and shall administer and 

budget the use of such property for the purposes specified, if any. The 

Secretary may delegate this authority to employees of the Institution. (See also 

20 U.S.C. § 55.)

6.02 ENDOWMENT FUND; OTHER NONAPPROPRIATED FUNDS

Unless otherwise designated by the donor or directed by the Board of Regents, 

all monies derived from gifts made by will, trust, or similar instrument shall 

be received in and held in the Smithsonian Institution endowment fund. The 

Board of Regents may augment the Institution's endowment fund from time to 

time through budgetary transfers of the net income derived from investments, 

donations, or revenues from auxiliary activities. (See also 20 U.S.C. §§ 54 to 

56.)

6.03 APPROPRIATED FUNDS

The Institution shall, in accordance with applicable statutes and administrative 

regulations, request an annual appropriation for the necessary expenses of the 

Smithsonian Institution in executing its statutory responsibilities. The Board 

of Regents shall authorize the expenditure of appropriated funds by the 

Secretary in accordance with law and the policies of the Board of Regents. 

(See also 20 U.S.C. §§ 53a, 54, 65a and 70.) 

6.04 BUDGET

The Secretary shall prepare and recommend an annual budget for 

consideration by the Board of Regents showing the Institution's program 

plans, its estimated income from all sources, and the expenditures proposed 
11

for the ensuing fiscal year. With approval of the Board of Regents, the 

Secretary shall submit the Institution's request for appropriations to the Office 

of Management and Budget for incorporation in the Budget of the United 

States. The Secretary shall provide all supporting data required for 

Congressional review of the Institution's budget. When the annual 

appropriation act has been approved, the Board of Regents shall review the 

Institution's budget with the Secretary and authorize the Secretary to expend 

appropriated and nonappropriated funds in accordance with the approved 

budget. The Secretary may authorize any necessary reprogramming within 

any limitations established by the Board of Regents or the Congress and may 

recommend to the Board of Regents any necessary amendment of the 

Institution's budget. The Institution shall make no expenditures except those 

authorized in a budget so approved or so amended.

6.05 AUDIT

The accounts of the nonappropriated funds of the Institution shall be audited 

annually by a recognized firm of certified public accountants, which shall 

submit its report to the Board of Regents. This audit shall be in addition to 

audits of grant and contract funds conducted by the designated Federal audit 

agency and audits conducted by the General Accounting Office under other 

authority with respect to appropriated funds. The Secretary shall provide for 

an internal audit of the Institution's activities to ensure compliance with 

statutes and budgetary authorizations in the execution of programs.

6.06 EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS

Pursuant to the Secretary's general authority as chief executive officer of the 

Institution, the Secretary may execute in the name and behalf of the Institution 

any documents necessary to the acceptance, transfer, sale or redemption of 

real or personal property (including the sale or redemption of stocks, bonds, 

other investments) acquired or to be acquired, held, or disposed of by the 

Institution through gifts, devises, bequests, or other transfers, and may execute 

loans, mortgages, sureties, contracts, and any other documents necessary to 

the administration of the Institution. Such actions shall be reported to the 

Board of Regents in accordance with policies established by the Board. The 

Secretary may delegate authority for executing such documents to employees 

of the Institution.
Appendix 5
A-4

Appendix A: Detailed Recommendations and Rationales 

 

RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROMOTE A CONSTRUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP 

 

2. To establish clear governance expectations, the Regents adopt the following description of 

duties and responsibilities of all Regents: 

 

Duties and Responsibilities of Regents 

The Board of Regents is entrusted with the governance of the Smithsonian Institution and overseeing its 

mission to increase and diffuse knowledge. Regents are responsible for carrying out their duties in a 

manner that encourages prudent and independent decision-making, places the Smithsonian’s interests 

above personal interests and ensures that decisions are in keeping with the Smithsonian mission. The 

expectations of Regents in carrying out their duties and responsibilities are as follows: 

• Regents operate in a culture of inquiry, regularly attending Board and committee meetings and engaging in 

meaningful and forthright discussion about issues that shape the Smithsonian’s strategic plans and operations. 

The Board values independent thinking and encourages Regents to raise questions, challenge conclusions and 

advocate for solutions that affirm the primacy of the Smithsonian mission. 

• Regents review and approve the Smithsonian’s ongoing and future strategic plans and articulate Smithsonian 

priorities in a manner that continually reinforces and affirms the Smithsonian mission and culture. Regents 

establish major policies for the Institution and oversee implementation by the Secretary. 

• Regents elect the Secretary, set the Secretary’s compensation and annually evaluate the Secretary’s 

performance. With input from the Secretary, Regents evaluate and establish compensation for the senior 

leadership team and plan for management development and succession. Regents hold management 

accountable for performance and regularly assess their own individual, Board and committee effectiveness. 

• Regents work in partnership with the Secretary, who is responsible for implementing the policies and priorities 

articulated by the Board. They maintain open communication with the Secretary regarding information – 

both positive and negative – that impacts the Smithsonian’s mission and operations. Regents request 

information from the Secretary and staff as necessary in order to oversee management in its operation of the 

Smithsonian and its programs. 

• Regents are transparent in their dealings with one another and in their relationships with the Secretary, staff, 

Smithsonian National Board and Advisory Board Members, donors, the Congress and other stakeholders, and 

act as ambassadors for the Institution. Regents are accessible to the Secretary and senior staff and encourage 

them to bring important issues to the attention of the Regents. Regents establish and oversee processes to 

engage Smithsonian National Board and other Advisory Board members in promoting the Institution’s 

mission and activities. 

• Regents review and approve Smithsonian budgets and work in collaboration with the Secretary and the 

Congress to address the Institution’s financial and human resource needs for the accomplishment of its 

mission and strategic priorities. Regents oversee and assist the Smithsonian’s efforts to generate resources 

through private fundraising and revenue-generating activities. 

• Regents oversee the Smithsonian’s legal and ethical compliance obligations, the integrity and reliability of 

financial reporting and audit processes, and management’s procedures for identifying and managing risks. 

Regents are mindful of their own ethical obligations to the Institution and follow the Regents Ethics 

Guidelines. 

• Regents demonstrate their commitment to ongoing Board development by identifying potential candidates for 

Citizen Regents for consideration by the Congress. All new Regents participate in Board orientations. 
A-5

Appendix A: Detailed Recommendations and Rationales 

 

Rationale: The Charter and Bylaws establish the Board as the Smithsonian’s governing authority, but 

the specific duties and responsibilities of individual Regents are not explicitly stated. Without a formal 

job description, the role of a Regent was subject to individual interpretation. The best practices of 

nonprofit boards strongly encourage members to have a basic shared understanding of their roles and 

expectations. The Governance Committee believes that adopting a clear statement of Regent duties and 

responsibilities will reaffirm that the Board is the Smithsonian’s ultimate governing authority and that 

the Regents will act accordingly. 

This job description establishes expectations for all Regents, including ex officio and Congressional 

members, who act collectively as a governing body. The Governance Committee notes that the review 

of Board structure and functions described in Recommendation 1 will address the appropriate role and 

obligations of ex officio, Congressional, and Citizen Regents. Following that review, the Committee may

suggest revisions to this job description. 

Each current and prospective Regent should take into consideration whether he or she has sufficient 

time and ability to fulfill the requirements of the position as defined. 
Appendix 6
GENERAL CRITERIA FOR IDENTIFYING CANDIDATES FOR THE 

SMITHSONIAN BOARD OF REGENTS

The Governance and Nominating Committee acknowledges that one of its most critical 

functions is recommending candidates for membership to the Board of Regents. In that 

regard, the Committee regularly assesses the skills and talents of the entire Board to 

identify both its strengths and weaknesses and to ensure that nomination process is 

targeted to improve the Board's effectiveness not only as the Smithsonian's governing 

body, but also as a constructive partner with management and staff to address the 

challenges of the 21st Century. 

1. Personal Characteristics for all Regents: The Committee supports the nomination 

of distinguished Americans who (1) are or will become passionate about the Smithsonian 

and its varied activities, (2) can devote considerable time to the Institution and the 

execution of the duties associated with being a Regent, (3) have the capacity to contribute 

to constructive institutional change in significant ways, (4) maintain high personal 

standards of honesty and integrity, and (5) are committed to transparency and 

accountability in governance. The Committee notes that special consideration should be 

given to candidates who have demonstrated their dedication to the Smithsonian through 

service on advisory boards, on Board committees as non-Regent members, or in other 

ways that have benefited the Institution over a period of time. 

2. Geographic and Cultural Diversity: The Committee recognizes the importance of 

diversity on the Board of Regents and the contributions members from various and 

disparate backgrounds can contribute to the Smithsonian. Although the Charter requires 

that Citizen Regents come from seven different states and the District of Columbia, the 

Committee believes that a commitment to diversity also requires seeking candidates from 

historically underrepresented regions of the country. Similarly, the Committee 

acknowledges the importance of seeking candidates from different fields of personal and 

professional experience and from diverse ethnic backgrounds. 

3. Museum, Educational, and Research Experience: The Committee believes that 

the Board benefits from members with significant prior experience at museums, 

educational institutions, or research centers which routinely encounter many of the issues 

and challenges facing the Smithsonian. 

4. Non-Profit Administrative or Governance Experience: The Committee 

recognizes that candidates with backgrounds in the administration or governance of nonprofit organizations or serving on their boards bring important and relevant perspectives 

as Regents. The Committee also believes that service on corporate boards is relevant to 

addressing many of the complex governance issues that the Board will address. 

5. Academic or Scholarly Background: The Committee strongly agrees that the 

Board maintain representation from individuals with career experience in such fields as 

history and culture, the arts, and science. 
6. Business, Financial, and/or Investment Experience: The Committee recognizes 

the importance to the Board to have members that possess business, financial, or 

investment skills and who are willing to share their expertise and advice with the staff of 

the Institution. 

7. Government-Related Experience: The Committee strongly believes that 

candidates with distinguished careers in public service, especially in positions of high 

responsibility in the Federal government, can provide unique contributions to the 

governance of the Smithsonian. 
Appendix 7
Executive 

Roger Sant, Chair

Chief Justice John Roberts 

Alan Spoon 

Audit and Review 

Phillip Frost, Chair 

Robert Kogod 

Roger Sant 

Patty Stonesifer 

Don Chapin* 

Compensation and Human Resources

Patty Stonesifer, Chair 

Senator Thad Cochran 

Roger Sant 

Alan Spoon 

Facilities Revitalization

Robert Kogod, Chair 

Senator Thad Cochran 

Senator Patrick Leahy 

Representative Xavier Becerra 

Representative Sam Johnson 

Roger Sant 

Richard Darman* 

Finance and Investment

Eli Broad, Chair 

Senator Patrick Leahy 

Representative Sam Johnson 

Phillip Frost 

Shirley Ann Jackson 

Alan Spoon 

Hacker Caldwell* 

David Silfen* 

Investment Subcommittee

David Silfen*, Chair 

Eli Broad 

Roger Sant 

Alan Spoon 

Afsaneh Beschloss* 

Hacker Caldwell* 

J. Tomilson Hill III* 

Governance and Nominating 

Shirley Ann Jackson, Chair 

Representative Doris Matsui 

Robert Kogod 

Patty Stonesifer 

Diana Aviv* 

Search

Alan Spoon, Chair 

Jeff Minear (for Chief Justice) 

Senator Patrick Leahy 

Representative Xavier Becerra 

Anne d’Harnoncourt 

Roger Sant 

Walter Massey* 

Hacker Caldwell* 

Irwin Shapiro* 

Maxine Singer* 

Rick West* 

*Non-Regent 

11/28/07

Smithsonian Institution 

BOARD OF REGENTS 

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS 
Appendix 8
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR APPOINTMENT TO STANDING 

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for recommending members 

to the Chancellor for appointment on both standing and ad hoc committees of the Board 

of Regents. In doing so, the Committee first identifies the expertise necessary for each 

committee and then matches the skills, background and interest of individuals, both 

Regents and non-Regents, to a committee's needs. 

The following overarching principles guide the Committee: 

1. Number of Committees: In general, all Regents are expected to serve on, at 

least, one, but no more than three standing committees. 

2. Committee Chairs: At an appropriate point in their tenure, all Citizen Regents 

are expected to chair one standing committee. 

3. Number of Members: In general, all committees should have no fewer than 

three and no more than six Regent members, except the Executive Committee, which, by 

the Charter, is limited to three members. 

4. Non-Regent Members: For those committees requiring expertise from the 

Regents that is either lacking or would greatly benefit from supplementation, the 

Committee will actively consider candidates from outside the Board. The Committee 

will particularly rely on members from the museum advisory boards and Regent Emeriti. 

As part of its comprehensive review of the structure and composition of the Board, 

charters of all standing committees, and the relationship between the Regents and 

museum advisory boards, the Committee expects that these guidelines will be further 

modified and refined.