MINUTES OF THE JUNE 15, 2015, MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

ATTENDANCE

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

on Monday, June 15, 2015. The Board conducted morning, afternoon, and executive sessions in the 

Regents’ Room in the Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C. Board Chair John W. McCarter, Jr., called 

the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Also present were:

The Chief Justice1

Barbara M. Barrett

Senator John Boozman

Steve Case

Representative Tom Cole

John Fahey

Shirley Ann Jackson2

Representative Sam Johnson

Robert P. Kogod 

Risa Lavizzo-Mourey

Senator Patrick J. Leahy

Senator David Perdue

David M. Rubenstein

Sakurako Fisher, Smithsonian National Board Chair

David Silfen, Investment Committee Chair2

Alan Spoon, Advancement Committee Chair2

Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Representative Xavier Becerra, and Mr. Michael Lynton were unable 

to attend the meeting.

Also present were: 

Albert Horvath, Acting Secretary 

Fredie Adelman, Director of The Smithsonian 

Associates3

Greg Bettwy, Acting Chief of Staff to the Secretary 

Julie Bindelglass, Writer-Editor for the Office of the 

Regents (recorder)

Claudine Brown, Assistant Secretary for Education 

and Access

Amy Chen, Chief Investment Officer

Virginia B. Clark, Director of Advancement and 

Philanthropic Giving

Derrick Dickey, Assistant to Senator Perdue

David Heil, Assistant to Representative Johnson

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Tony-Marie Higgins, Assistant to Senator Boozman

John Kress, Interim Under Secretary for Science

Richard Kurin, Under Secretary for History, Art, 

and Culture 

John K. Lapiana, Acting Under Secretary for 

Finance and Administration/Chief Financial 

Officer

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Evelyn S. Lieberman, Senior Advisor to the Secretary

Christopher Liedel, President of Smithsonian 

Enterprises

Grisella Martinez, Assistant to Congressman 

Becerra

Kevin McDonald, Assistant to Senator Leahy

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief Justice 

Sean Murphy, Assistant to Representative Cole

Rachel Parker, Deputy Chief of Staff to the 

Regents

Nell Payne, Director of Government Relations 

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents

1 The Chancellor, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., participated in the afternoon session.

2 Dr. Jackson, Mr. Silfen, and Mr. Spoon participated in the morning session. 

3 Ms. Adelman participated in the luncheon presentation. 
2

MORNING SESSION

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The morning session of the Board of Regents’ meeting began with an executive 

session. 

During the executive session, the Board welcomed two new senatorial Regents, 

Senator John Boozman of Arkansas and Senator David Perdue of Georgia. Next, 

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair Steve Case led the Board’s discussion of 

2016 Regent Committee membership, including the search for new non-Regent 

candidates for several committees. Mr. Case went on to discuss one of the Regents’

recommendations for a change to the current format of the Board meetings.

Chair John W. McCarter, Jr., continued the session, and led the Board’s discussion of 

personnel matters, litigation, and other sensitive topics. 

The executive session was adjourned at approximately 9:50 a.m. 

OPEN SESSION

Smithsonian staff members entered the room and introduced themselves to the Board 

for the benefit of the new senatorial Regents. Following staff introductions, Board 

Chair John W. McCarter, Jr., called the open session to order at 9:55 a.m. 

REPORT OF THE ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Recognition of 

Sako Fisher

Smithsonian 

Campaign 

Progress 

Advancement Committee Chair Alan Spoon presented the report of the Committee. 

Mr. Spoon began his report by recognizing Sako Fisher, chair of the Smithsonian 

National Board (“SNB”) and thanking her for her many contributions to the 

Smithsonian Campaign (“Campaign”) and to the Advancement Committee

(“Committee”). 

Mr. Spoon went on to discuss the Committee’s outreach efforts, including regional 

programming as part of the Campaign. He reported on the Campaign’s progress, 

stating that the Campaign has raised $1.178 billion, which is approximately 78 percent 

of the campaign goal. Mr. Spoon noted that six units have achieved 75 percent or 

more of their campaign goals. As part of the Campaign, approximately $324 million 

has been raised toward the Endowment. The Smithsonian is presently on track to 

reach its annual fundraising goal, with approximately $142 million raised to-date 

toward the fiscal year 2015 goal. Mr. Spoon also updated the Board on fundraising 

efforts for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (“NMAAHC”), 

reporting that over $211 million has been raised in pledges and verbal commitments. 

Lastly, Mr. Spoon explained that by working closely with, and paying particular 

attention to each individual unit, the Committee was able to learn where engagement 
3

Notable Gifts 

and Grants

is most needed. The Committee focused on the six science units during its last 

meeting and will turn its attention to the history, art, and culture units at their next 

meeting. 

Next, Director of Advancement and Philanthropic Giving Virginia Clark highlighted

notable gifts and grants. Ms. Clark drew the Board’s attention to four corporate and 

foundation gifts for NMAAHC, a gift to the National Museum of African Art, and a gift 

to support technological and digitization efforts. 

TOUR OF THE ARTS AND INDUSTRIES BUILDING 

Important 

Upcoming Dates

Appreciation of 

Sako Fisher

Acting Under Secretary for Finance and Administration John Lapiana led the Board on a 

guided tour of the Arts and Industries Building. Mr. Lapiana and the Board discussed 

the ongoing renovations. 

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND THE EXECUTIVE 

COMMITTEE 

Immediately following the tour of the Arts and Industries Building, Mr. McCarter 

reconvened the meeting and delivered his report. Mr. McCarter reminded the Board 

of important upcoming dates, including a Welcome to Washington reception and the 

Installation Ceremony and Reception. Mr. McCarter also noted that planning has 

begun for the 2016 roll-out and opening of NMAAHC. 

Mr. McCarter expressed the Board’s gratitude to Sako Fisher, for her outstanding work 

as SNB Chair. 

Approval of the 

April 13, 2015, 

Meeting 

Minutes

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the draft minutes of the April 13, 2015, 

meeting of the Board of Regents were approved without modification.

See attached Action 2015.06.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE ACTING SECRETARY

Acting Secretary Albert Horvath updated the Board on the Smithsonian’s buildings, 

budget, education initiatives, international programs, and consortia events. 

Mr. Horvath reported that the transition to Secretary-elect, Dr. David Skorton, has 

been moving along exceptionally well. Weekly briefings, along with regular updates, 

and calls have kept the incoming Secretary up to speed and involved until his arrival at 

the Smithsonian scheduled for July 1, 2015. 

Personnel 

Update

Mr. Horvath updated the Board on personnel matters, including the Smithsonian’s 

search for a new Under Secretary for Science, led by Deputy Director of the 

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Roger Brissenden. The search has narrowed 

down to three finalists. Mr. Horvath noted that both he and Secretary-elect Skorton 

would have an opportunity to meet with and evaluate each of the candidates.
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Smithsonian 

Highlighted on 

CBS’s 60 

Minutes

Update on 

NMAAHC 

Construction

NMAAHC 

Collection 

Efforts

Smithsonian 

Science 

Education 

Center

Update on Giant 

Magellan

Telescope 

Construction

Mr. Horvath also reported on two other personnel searches: the first for the Director 

of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the second for the 

Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center. He stated that both searches 

are in the final stages of the interview process, with selection and official 

appointments expected in the next four to six weeks. 

Mr. Horvath announced that at the invitation of Representative Candice Miller, he will 

testify in front of the House Committee on House Administration regarding the state of 

the Smithsonian. He went on to highlight two episodes of CBS’s 60 Minutes, the first 

of which featured Regent David Rubenstein and highlighted his patriotic philanthropy. 

The second segment featured NMAAHC and finished first in its timeslot, pleasing 

producers and the Smithsonian. Producers plan to air two additional features on 

NMAAHC prior to the November 2016 opening. 

Mr. Horvath also updated the Board on construction progress of NMAAHC. He 

reported that the exterior construction of the building is finished and the next step will 

be to focus on landscaping and planting, so the exterior will be ready in time for the 

opening. Mr. Horvath advised the Board on the unfortunate death of a sub-contractor

at the NMAAHC construction site. He assured the Board that the Smithsonian is 

supporting all of OSHA’s investigational efforts into the accident and that the 

Smithsonian continues to place safety as a top priority for all Smithsonian employees, 

contractors, and sub-contractors. 

Next, Mr. Horvath asked the Under Secretary for History, Art, and Culture Dr. Richard 

Kurin to brief the Board on NMAAHC’s collections efforts. Dr. Kurin reported that 

NMAAHC has increased its collections from zero items to over 35,000 artifacts, 

including the recent acquisition of items from a slave ship, which sank in 1794 off the 

coast of Cape Town, South Africa. The salvaged ship carried more than 400 enslaved 

Africans from Mozambique and sank just 60 yards from land. The discovery of these 

artifacts has increased research and developments into the study of the transatlantic

slave trade. The collection is on long-term loan to the museum for an initial period of 

ten years. 

Mr. Horvath highlighted the Smithsonian Science Education Center, which recently 

celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gala reception, held at the National Museum of 

Natural History. He explained that the mission of the Smithsonian Science Education

Center is to improve the science curriculum in schools throughout the country and to 

enhance the teaching and learning of science for students in the U.S. and around the 

world. 

Mr. Horvath then asked Interim Under Secretary for Science John Kress to update the 

Board on the construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope (“GMT”). Ten other 

institutions throughout the world are assisting with construction of GMT. The GMT is 

expected to see its first light in 2021, when it will be used for the first time to record an 

astronomical image. The telescope should be operational in 2024, and once complete, 

will be the largest land-based telescope in the world, with ten times the resolution of 

the Hubble Space Telescope. 
5

Awards and 

Appointments

Upcoming

Events and 

Exhibits

Mr. Horvath ended his report by recognizing the recent awards and achievements of 

Smithsonian staff. Among those recognized were Dr. Kurin, who was recently elected 

to the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Director of the Freer 

and Sackler Galleries, Julian Raby, who was awarded the “Order of the Rising Sun” by

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 

Lastly, Mr. Horvath highlighted upcoming events and exhibits, including the Shirin 

Nishat exhibition gala opening at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the 

Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and the reopening of the National Museum of American 

History West Wing. 

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY WEST WING PROJECT 

UPDATE

Director of the National Museum of American History (“NMAH”) John Gray updated

the Board on the West Wing project. Mr. Gray reported that the first floor of the West 

Wing of NMAH will reopen to the public on July 1, 2015. The West Wing will focus on 

the ideals and ideas of Americans. The first floor illustrates the theme of innovation 

and invention. The second and third floors are in progress and will open in the coming 

years, focusing on democracy, the peopling of America, and American identity through 

culture. The first floor has 13 exhibitions, educational spaces, and a public 

performance stage, with over 165 interactive opportunities including more than 10 

hours of informative video footage. One of the initial exhibits will focus on currency 

“from gold coins to bitcoins” including an 1825 gold piece, considered to be the most 

valuable coin in the country. The Smithsonian raised over $43 million for the space 

and three new endowments were created to support it. Mr. Gray invited the Board to 

attend the reopening and assured them that they will continue to be apprised of the 

West Wing project as it progresses. 

REPORT OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Investment Committee Chair David Silfen presented the Committee’s report. The

report focused on portfolio review and investment strategy. On March 31, 2015, the 

Endowment’s assets stood at $1,336.4 million. The Endowment has increased by $37 

million since January 1, 2015, which reflects a total return of $39.5 million. Mr. Silfen

concluded the report by briefly reviewing the Smithsonian’s asset allocation, portfolio 

liquidity, and Endowment growth with the Board. 

REPORT OF THE SMITHSONIAN ENTERPRISES SUBCOMMITTEE

Smithsonian Enterprises Subcommittee (“Subcommittee”) member Steve Case

presented the report of the Subcommittee. Mr. Case began by explaining that the 

overarching goal of the Subcommittee is to enhance the impact, expand the reach, 

and evolve the business model of Smithsonian Enterprises.

The Subcommittee has been working with Bain & Company to review the current 

business model. One of their early recommendations is to review the 
6

Smithsonian’s e-commerce abilities. Mr. Case reported that in the upcoming 

months, the Subcommittee will review whether to sell a portion of the 

Smithsonian’s interest in the Smithsonian Channel to Showtime and evaluate the 

uses of capital that could come out of the possible sale. 

REPORT OF THE FACILITIES COMMITTEE

Facilities Committee Chair Robert P. Kogod presented the report of the 

Committee. 

Construction 

Authorization 

for Collections 

Storage 

The Board is responsible for approving all design and construction requests 

submitted to Congress by the Smithsonian. Mr. Kogod explained that the 

Smithsonian intends to request congressional authorization to construct two new 

storage facilities. The first facility is a collections-storage module adjacent to the 

National Air and Space Museum Udvar Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia and the

second is at the Museum Support Center in Suitland, Maryland. Both facilities are 

part of the Smithsonian Collections Framework Plan. 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the Acting Secretary’s 

request to seek congressional authorization to construct two new collectionsstorage facilities.

See attached Action 2015.06.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Smithsonian 

Astrophysical 

Observatory 

Lease Renewal

Mr. Kogod next explained that all real estate transactions with a net present value 

of $5 million or more require the approval of the Board of Regents. He outlined 

Smithsonian management’s request to renew the lease for 160 Concord Avenue, 

Cambridge, MA, for the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The space is 

approximately 37,100 rentable square feet of office, research, and laboratory. This 

is the proposed sixth lease extension agreement. The Smithsonian’s General 

Counsel Judith Leonard explained that following inquiries from Congress and the 

Office of Management and Budget, the Smithsonian’s Office of General Counsel is 

currently reviewing the Smithsonian’s authority to enter into long-term leases. 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the Acting Secretary’s 

request to renew the lease for the space located at 160 Concord Avenue in 

Cambridge, Massachusetts, for an additional five-year term, subject to the 

necessary conditions or authorizations. 

See attached Action 2015.06.05 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Facilities 

Quarterly 

Report

Mr. Kogod reviewed the Smithsonian’s facilities quarterly report, which reflects 

the ongoing projects and proposed federal Facilities Capital requests. Mr. Kogod 

asked Director of Government Affairs Nell Payne to comment on the process of 

congressional authorization, which will be required in order to begin construction 

and move forward with the Smithsonian Collections Storage Plan. Ms. Payne 

explained that the Smithsonian has an agreement with Congress to seek 

authorization for any construction project that is valued at more than $1 million
7

and noted that the congressional Regents will be asked to introduce this legislation 

in Congress. Mr. Kogod suggested that the Smithsonian brief the new 

congressional Regents on the proposed plan. 

REPORT OF THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL BOARD

Sako Fisher presented her final report as SNB Chair. Ms. Fisher highlighted the areas in 

which the SNB has experienced notable growth during her tenure. She remarked that 

in terms of membership, the SNB has gained 29 members since October 2012. The 

SNB currently has 49 members, representing 22 states, and is the only pan-institutional 

advisory board. From this group of active and dedicated members and alumni, 26 also 

serve on unit advisory boards, with three of these members serving on Regent 

Committees as well. In the fundraising arena, Ms. Fisher reported that during her 

term, the SNB has raised over $127 million for the Smithsonian Campaign and has 

hosted more than 60 events around the country to attract new potential donors. Ms. 

Fisher concluded her report by announcing her successor, Robert MacDonald, who will 

assume the role of Chair of the SNB beginning on October 1, 2015. 

REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Director of Government Relations Nell Payne presented the report from the Office of 

Government Relations. Ms. Payne explained that the Office of Government Relations 

seeks to advance understanding of, and gather support for, the Smithsonian through 

congressional engagement. As examples of this activity, she reported that the

Smithsonian Channel recently launched a new program entitled “Lincoln’s Last Day”

and the Office of Government Relations delivered copies to selected members of 

Congress. Ms. Payne provided details on the annual Congressional Night, which is

sponsored by Nissan. This year, the highly anticipated event will take place at the 

Reynolds Center and the Office of Government Relations expects more than 2,500 

guests to attend. Lastly, Ms. Payne announced that in the coming months, the Office 

of Government Relations will host a congressional preview of the National Museum of 

American History West Wing renovation project and the annual Congressional Staff 

Picnic at the Folklife Festival. 

REPORT OF THE STRATEGY, INNOVATION, AND TECHNOLOGY 

COMMITTEE

Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee Chair Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, 

presented the report of the Committee.

Dr. Jackson reported that the Committee met on May 19, 2015. The Committee’s 

prime goal has been to review the role of innovation and technology at the 

Smithsonian. During the meeting on May 19, the Committee reviewed possible 

innovation tools such as prizes, contests, and crowdsourcing and will be looking for 

ways to integrate these tools into the Smithsonian.
8

LUNCHEON PRESENTATION

During lunch, Director of the Smithsonian Associates Freddie Adelman gave an 

informal presentation on the work of the Smithsonian Associates.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The Chancellor called the afternoon session to order at approximately 1:30 p.m. 

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair Steve Case presented the report of the 

Committee. 

Advisory Boards 

Appointments 

and 

Reappointments 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the proposed appointments and 

reappointments to 13 Smithsonian advisory boards were approved en banc.

See attached Actions 2015.06.06-2015.06.24 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, 

Appendix A).

Senators 

Boozman and 

Perdue Regents 

Committee 

Assignments

The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for nominating candidates 

for appointment to Regent Committees. Senator Boozman was appointed to the 

Board of Regents on Thursday, May 21, 2015. The Committee recommended to the 

Board that Senator Boozman serve on the Compensation and Human Resources 

Committee and the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee. Senator Perdue 

was also appointed to the Board of Regents on Thursday, May 21, 2015. The 

Committee recommended to the Board that Senator Perdue serve on the Finance 

Committee, Audit and Review Committee, and the Smithsonian Enterprises 

Subcommittee. 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the proposed committee member assignments 

for the new congressional Regents were approved and recommended to the 

Chancellor for appointment.

See attached Action 2015.06.25 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Changes to 

Meetings of

the Board of 

Regents

Mr. Case reviewed the details of a recent poll administered by the Office of the 

Regents on recommended changes to the content and format of Board meetings and 

materials. Among the recommendations considered by the Board were the 

development of a consent agenda, written committee reports, an annual strategic 

meeting, a two-year continuing education plan, and reducing staff attendance at 

meetings where possible. 

Mr. Case explained that for each meeting, the Chair of the Board would be responsible 

for developing a consent agenda. The agenda and any supporting documentation will 

then be disseminated with the materials at least a week in advance of the meeting. 

Items will remain on the consent agenda only if all Regents agree that the item does 

not require discussion or independent action. If a Regent has a question regarding a 
9

particular item or wishes to remove an item from the consent agenda, he or she will 

email the Office of the Regents at least three days before the meeting, so that the 

originating committee can respond to the question or be prepared to discuss the item 

as part of its report. At the meeting, the Board will consider the consent agenda as a 

single motion during the report of the Executive Committee. 

The Regent committees would be encouraged to develop concise reports and other 

means of synthesizing information so that meeting time may be devoted to items 

requiring discussion and action from the Board. 

One meeting a year would become a strategic meeting at a Smithsonian facility other 

than the Castle. The discussions at the strategic meeting would be used to develop a 

list of educational needs and future programming at future Board of Regents’

meetings. 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the proposed changes. 

See attached Action 2015.06.26 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Governance 

Report

Mr. Case concluded the Committee’s report by drawing the Board’s attention to the 

Governance Report. He explained that as part of the governance reforms, the Board 

committed to performing a review of governance matters every three years. The 

Board discussed the proposed report, which highlights the major governance 

developments from 2011 to 2014. Mr. Case noted that the report would be made 

available on the Regents’ website following the Board meeting. 

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE 

Finance Committee Chair David Rubenstein presented the report of the Committee. 

Mr. Rubenstein discussed the Committee’s quarterly financial report and then 

provided updates on the construction progress of both the National Museum of 

African American History and Culture and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 

Gamboa Laboratory. He explained that both Smithsonian management and the 

Committee expect the projects will be completed on time and within budget despite 

some challenges that have arisen at each construction site. 

Fiscal Year 2017 

Budget 

Priorities

Mr. Rubenstein proceeded to update the Board on the budget process and external 

debt of the Smithsonian. He explained that as a part of the budget process, the Board 

must approve the Smithsonian’s budget priorities. Based on the strategic plan, 

Smithsonian management proposed that the fiscal year 2017 budget priorities be NonDiscretionary Costs, Research and Museum Program Infrastructure, Facilities 

Maintenance, Security, and Support, and Facilities Capital. The funding for Facilities 

Capital includes expenditures for the National Air and Space Museum, Hirshhorn 

Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Zoological Park Bird House, National Museum 

of Natural History, and collections storage space projects. 
10

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the fiscal year 2017 

federal budget priorities proposed by the Acting Secretary. 

See attached Action 2015.06.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Fiscal Year 2016 

Endowment 

Payout

The Board considered the fiscal year 2016 Endowment payout. Upon motion duly 

made and seconded, the Board approved a five percent payout to support 

programmatic activity and up to an additional one percent payout to fund certain 

expenses associated with the Smithsonian Campaign. 

See attached Action 2015.06.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: REFLECTIONS OF THE ACTING SECRETARY

During the afternoon executive session, Acting Secretary Albert Horvath discussed his 

experiences during his term as Acting Secretary and highlighted opportunities and 

some of the challenges facing the Smithsonian. The Board thanked him for his 

exceptional work during his tenure as Acting Secretary. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: “GATEKEEPER” SESSION

The Board also conducted an executive session with the Acting Secretary, the General 

Counsel, the Acting Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, and the Inspector 

General.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 3:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Albert Horvath

Acting Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

JUNE 15, 2015, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the April 13, 2015, meeting of the 

Board of Regents. [2015.06.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the fiscal year 2017 federal budget priorities 

proposed by the Acting Secretary. [2015.06.02]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves a five percent payout from the Smithsonian 

Endowment in fiscal year 2016 to support programmatic activity. The Board further approves 

up to an additional one percent payout from the Smithsonian Endowment in fiscal year 2016 to 

fund certain expenses associated with the national fundraising campaign. The payout shall be 

calculated against the trailing five-year average market value of the Smithsonian Endowment. 

[2015.06.03]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Acting Secretary’s request to seek 

Congressional authorization to construct new Collections Storage facilities adjacent to the 

Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia and at the Museum Support Center in Suitland, 

Maryland. [2015.06.04]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Acting Secretary’s request to renew the lease 

for the space located at 160 Concord Avenue in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for an additional 

five year term commencing on January 1, 2016, subject to the necessary conditions or 

authorizations. [2015.06.05] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Robert MacDonald as chair of the Smithsonian 

National Board for a three-year term effective October 1, 2015. [2015.06.06]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Philip M. Ryan and Allan Landon and reappoints 

Brenda Gaines, each as a vice chair of the Smithsonian National Board for one-year terms 

effective October 1, 2015. [2015.06.07]

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints Rod Adkins, Gordon Ambach, William H. Bohnett, 

Vin Di Bona, Sakurako D. Fisher, Myra Hart, Jonathan Kemper, Dennis J. Keller, and Cheryl 

Winter Lewy to the Smithsonian National Board for three-year terms each, effective October 1, 

2015. [2015.06.08]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Sandra Berler and Virginia Bobins to the Board of 

Trustees of the Archives of American Art for three-year terms each, effective July 1, 2015. 

[2015.06.09]

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints Carrie Rebora Barratt to the Board of Trustees of 

the Archives of American Art for a three-year term, effective October 1, 2015. [2015.06.10]
2

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Frank Martucci as trustee emeritus to the Board of 

Trustees of the Archives of American Art, effective October 1, 2015. [2015.06.11]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Donna Harris-Aikens, Lorenzo McRae, and Vernice 

Miller-Travis to the Advisory Board of the Anacostia Community Museum for three-year terms 

each, effective immediately. [2015.06.12]

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints Tonya Vidal Kinlow to the Advisory Board of the 

Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum for a three-year term, effective October 1, 2015. 

[2015.06.13]

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints Beth Comstock, Madeleine Rudin Johnson, 

Francine S. Kittredge, Claudia Kotchka, Barbara Mandel, and Henry R. Muñoz III to the Board of 

Trustees of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum for three-year terms each, effective 

immediately. [2015.06.14]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Ann Nitze and Michael Zamsky, and reappoints Mary 

Ebrahimi, Constance Corcoran Miller, and James W. Lintott to the Board of Trustees of the 

Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery for four-year terms each, effective 

September 18, 2015. [2015.06.15]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Randall Martinez, to the Advisory Board of the 

National Museum of American History for a three-year term effective June 1, 2015. 

[2015.06.16]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints William K. Butler to the Board of Trustees of the 

National Museum of the American Indian for a three-year term, effective immediately. 

[2015.06.17]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Senator William H. Frist, M.D. to the Board of 

Trustees of the National Museum of the American Indian to fill a vacancy with one and a half 

years remaining, effective immediately. [2015.06.18]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Coralyn W. Whitney and Sophia Shaw to the Board 

of the National Museum of Natural History for three-year terms each, effective immediately. 

[2015.06.19]

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints Jeff DeBoer, Patricia Olson, and Beatrice von 

Gontard to the Advisory Board of the National Zoo for three-year terms each, effective 

immediately. [2015.06.20]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Tessie Guillermo and reappoints Doris O. Matsui and 

Irene Hirano Inouye to the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center for 

three year terms each, effective immediately. [2015.06.21]
3

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Murthy Nukala to the Advisory Board of the 

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for a three-year term effective July 1, 2015. 

[2015.06.22]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Alvaro de Molina, Manuel Machado, and Carlos 

Palomares, and reappoints Raquel Egusquiza to Smithsonian National Latino Board of the 

Smithsonian Latino Center for three-year terms each, effective immediately. [2015.06.23]

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints George DeBakey, Erin Hogan, John Jacobson, and 

Kristin Richardson to the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Science Education Center for threeyear terms each, effective October 1, 2015. [2015.06.24]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed committee member assignments for 

Senator Boozman and Senator Perdue and requests that the Chancellor make the necessary 

appointments. [2015.06.25]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the changes to meetings of the Board of Regents. 

[2015.06.26]