MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

November 19, 2007 

ATTENDANCE

This regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Regents was held on Monday, November 19, 

2007, in the Regents’ Room of the Smithsonian Institution Building. The meeting was comprised 

of plenary morning and afternoon sessions and an executive session. As the Chief Justice was 

unable to attend the morning session, Executive Committee Chair Patricia Stonesifer called the 

meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. Present during the meeting were: 

The Chief Justice1

Xavier Becerra2

Thad Cochran3

Anne d’Harnoncourt 

Phillip Frost

Shirley Ann Jackson 

Sam Johnson2

Robert P. Kogod 

Doris Matsui 

Roger W. Sant 

Alan G. Spoon4

Patricia Q. Stonesifer 

L. Hardwick Caldwell, Chair, Smithsonian National Board 

Vice President Richard B. Cheney, Senators Chris Dodd and Patrick Leahy, and Eli Broad were 

unable to attend either session of the meeting. 

Also present were: 

Acting Secretary Cristián Samper 

Acting Under Secretary for History and Culture Richard Kurin 

Acting Under Secretary for Finance and Administration Allison McNally 

Acting Under Secretary for Science Ira Rubinoff 

Under Secretary for Art Ned Rifkin 

Director of External Affairs Virginia B. Clark 

Chief of Staff to the Regents John K. Lapiana 

General Counsel John E. Huerta 

Chief Financial Officer Alice C. Maroni 

Acting Chief Executive Officer for Smithsonian Business Ventures Tom Ott 

Director of the Office of Government Relations Nell Payne 

Director of Communications and Public Affairs Evelyn Lieberman 

Inspector General A. Sprightley Ryan 

Assistant General Counsel Elaine L. Johnston 

Assistant to the Chief Justice Jeffrey P. Minear 

Assistant to Senator Cochran Ann M. Copland 

Assistant to Senator Dodd Colin P. McGinnis 

Assistant to Senator Leahy Kevin McDonald 

Assistant to Congressman Becerra Melody Gonzales 

Assistant to Congressman Johnson David Heil 

Assistant to Congresswoman Matsui Alexis Marks

1 The Chief Justice attended the executive session and the afternoon plenary session in part, leaving the meeting 

following the election of the Chair of the Executive Committee. 2

 Representatives Becerra and Johnson participated in the executive session by teleconference. 3 Senator Cochran participated in the executive session and afternoon plenary session by teleconference. 4

 Mr. Spoon participated in the morning plenary session and the executive session.
2 

The morning plenary session of the Board of Regents adjourned for lunch at 11:50 a.m. and the 

Board reconvened at 1:00 p.m. for an executive session. The executive session was concluded at 

3:00 p.m. and the Board of Regents’ meeting continued in an afternoon plenary session. The 

Chief Justice presided over the executive session and Ms. Stonesifer presided over the afternoon 

plenary session, which concluded at 3:40 p.m. The following matters were discussed: 

MORNING PLENARY SESSION

MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF JUNE 11 AND 18 AND SEPTEMBER 17,

2007 

The Regents voted to approve the minutes of the June 11, June 18, and September 17, 2007, 

Board of Regents’ meetings. 

See attached Resolution 2007.11.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE OPENING OF THE ROBERT AND ARLENE 

KOGOD COURTYARD

Mr. Sant noted that the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard in the Donald W. Reynolds Center 

for American Art and Portraiture opened over the weekend with a dinner on Saturday, November 

17, 2007, and a well-attended family festival on Sunday, November 18. All of the Regents 

thanked Mr. Kogod for his family’s contribution to the beautiful new facility and wonderful 

opening events. 

REPORT OF THE ACTING SECRETARY

Acting Secretary Cristián Samper reported that, as of September 30, 2007, the Smithsonian has 

successfully closed fiscal year 2007. He added that the Institution is continuing progress on 

governance reform, as directed by the Board. Dr. Samper noted two significant milestones in this 

effort. First, all senior executives have been transitioned to an earned leave system, effective 

October 1, 2007. The transition affected 35 senior executives and was completed successfully 
3 

and smoothly. Second, the Institution has made substantial progress in its program for 

responding to requests for Smithsonian information. Responses to all outstanding requests from 

the prior year have been completed, except for one that is in progress. It was reported that a 

Smithsonian directive on information requests from external sources, which reflects the 

Smithsonian policy of following the Federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), had been 

completed and would be issued that day. 

Dr. Samper advised that he had instituted a management reorganization as a result of the 

departure of Deputy Secretary Sheila Burke. The responsibilities of the former Deputy Secretary 

have been divided between two new Under Secretary positions. He introduced Alison McNally, 

who has assumed the position of Acting Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, and 

Richard Kurin, who has assumed the position of Acting Under Secretary for History and Culture. 

Further, the Office of the Regents has been established and John Lapiana has been appointed to 

head that office as Chief of Staff to the Regents. Dr. Samper also reported that Robert Fraga has 

been appointed as the Institution’s Contracting Officer, a key position in the office of the Chief 

Financial Officer. 

Dr. Samper reported that management is devoting significant attention to the ongoing review of 

Smithsonian Business Ventures, as well as addressing financing options for facilities 

revitalization, which were agenda topics to be discussed later in this meeting. He informed the 

Regents that the request for qualifications for potential partnerships for the Arts and Industries 

Building had been issued, with a response date of January 7, 2008. The Institution will determine 

how to proceed upon the review and consideration of the proposals received. 

Dr. Samper advised the Regents of four areas about which he was concerned, first noting the 

situation with the current fiscal year (fiscal year 2008) Federal budget. He reported that, although 

the fiscal year began on October 1, 2007, the Federal budget had not been enacted into law and 

that the Institution, along with most of the Federal government, was operating under a 

Continuing Resolution, which provides funding at the prior year’s level. It was not yet known 

whether the Smithsonian would receive a budget increase to fund mandatory cost-of-living salary 

increases, which would amount to approximately $22 million. He added that a Federal hiring 
4 

freeze had been implemented until the final budget was known. In addition, several new 

initiatives had been put on hold and one-half of the funding for Institution-wide pooled funds, 

such as collections preservation and Latino initiatives, would be reserved until the funding 

situation was resolved. These steps would allow the Smithsonian to stay within budget and avoid 

furloughs or staff reductions in the event that there no appropriation was provided to cover 

increases in the Institution’s mandatory Federal expenses, including compensation, rent, utilities, 

and postage. 

A second area of concern was related to the renovation and reopening of the National Museum of 

American History. It was noted that the project was behind schedule, primarily as a result of lead 

paint and asbestos abatement requirements beyond those originally projected, as well as other 

apparently unforeseen circumstances. The Regents were advised that the reopening of the 

Museum may be delayed as a result and that management was working with the contractor to 

resolve some of the problems. The cost implications were not yet certain and concern was 

expressed that the construction delays may cause donors to defer or delay their contributions to 

the project. Management, assisted by Mr. Sant and the Museum’s advisory board members, is 

working closely with major donors to address their concerns. 

The third area of concern related to audit deficiencies identified as part of the fiscal year 2006 

financial statement audit. While the Institution just had received an unqualified opinion on the 

Federal portion of the fiscal year 2007 audit, management had difficulty addressing the staffing 

issues that were noted as a “reportable condition.” Once again, the auditors identified the staffing 

issue as a significant deficiency. An additional accountant was hired for the Office of 

Investments, and the Chief Financial Officer has been energetically recruiting for other needed 

positions. However, several offers have been declined and efforts to resolve this concern 

continue. 

The fourth area of concern that Dr. Samper identified is the process for approving corporate 

sponsorships. He suggested that the Regents review the existing guidelines for soliciting and 

accepting corporate sponsorships and consider whether any refinements are necessary to ensure 

that development staff and potential sponsors have clear expectations in this regard. Regent 
5 

Jackson, chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, recommended that this issue be 

brought to that committee for consideration and recommendation to the full Board of Regents. 

Regent Kogod noted that the Facilities Revitalization Committee is also interested in this issue as 

it is developing a plan for fund raising. 

Dr. Samper further reported that, despite the concerns he noted and the governance and 

leadership challenges of the past year, the Smithsonian had a successful year overall. The 

number of visitors for the year was 24.6 million, a seven percent increase over last year, despite 

the closure of the National Museum of American History. Web visits also increased, with more 

than 200 million Web visitors in fiscal year 2007. Work on the Institution’s internet strategies is 

planned for the coming year. The Smithsonian Channel launched with more than 50 hours of 

programming. The expansion of the Museum Support Center with the building of Pod 5 was 

completed, a $42 million project for a state-of-the-art facility finished within budget and ahead 

of schedule. The move of about 20 million specimens out to the new Museum Support Center 

facility was under way and going well. Dr. Samper also noted the Institution’s steady progress on 

governance reform initiatives, and expressed his belief that these efforts will strengthen the 

Institution overall. 

Dr. Samper was pleased to report on the Institution’s fund-raising success for the fiscal year 

ending September 30, 2007, resulting in $166 million (undiscounted) in gifts and pledges from 

private sources, which was $50 million more than projected. It most likely will be the secondhighest yearly total giving in the history of the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian also received $104 

million in grants and contracts for the year. The total outside funding secured in fiscal year 2007 

was about $270 million dollars. Dr. Samper stated that this success was a tribute to the work of 

the directors of the museums and the research centers, as well as the development teams 

throughout the Institution. 

Other positive achievements included several recent and upcoming openings, such as the Kogod 

Courtyard at the Reynolds Center and the new exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum 

called America by Air, which covers the history of commercial air travel in America. The 
6 

National Museum of Natural History’s butterfly exhibit is on schedule to open in February 2008, 

and the Museum’s new Ocean Hall is on track for a September 2008 opening. 

Dr. Samper distributed to the Regents a summary of management’s goals for the coming year 

and highlighted the major priorities. Completing the governance reform initiatives remains a top 

priority throughout the Institution. Selection of the new Secretary and accomplishing a 

successful leadership transition is another key issue. Several facilities-related projects are high 

priorities, including reopening the National Museum of American History, assessing options for 

the future of the Arts and Industries Building, and developing a comprehensive plan for facilities 

revitalization. Completing the review of Smithsonian Business Ventures and implementing 

necessary changes will receive substantial attention. Dr. Samper noted that Smithsonian Business 

Ventures closed the year $1.3 million ahead of budget, and noted his intention to apply those 

additional funds to re-establishing the Scholarly Studies Program to support science and 

research. Although this is a small program, it contributes significantly to supporting the 

Smithsonian mission. 

Finally, Dr. Samper reported that, even with all of the challenges to address in the coming year, 

he has initiated a process within the Institution to establish strategic priorities for its long-term 

future. He noted his intention to identify those areas in which the Smithsonian Institution can 

make the biggest contribution over the next generation and to convene task forces to develop 

options for the new Secretary to consider. This process is intended to develop momentum for 

progress and is important for the future of the Smithsonian. 

Ms. Stonesifer commended the Acting Secretary on his report and his focus on establishing clear 

and significant goals. She noted that a number of the issues raised in the Acting Secretary’s 

report would be discussed later in the meeting and invited questions and comments from the 

Regents on the report. Dr. Samper clarified the process for hiring the new Contracting Officer 

and agreed to provide a new organization chart to the Regents. The Regents noted that the 

summary of his goals that Dr. Samper distributed was prepared as an internal management tool 

and suggested that a brief summary of the top priorities he described in his oral report would be 

helpful for conveying this information to Congress. 
7 

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Ms. Stonesifer noted that she had been elected to serve as chair of the Executive Committee 

following the expiration of Mr. Sant’s first term as a Regent in October 2007. As Mr. Sant had 

since been reappointed by Congress to a second term, it was noted that the Board would vote that 

afternoon on his nomination to resume the chairmanship of the Executive Committee. Ms. 

Stonesifer reported that the Executive Committee met on November 9, 2007, to consider and 

approve the agenda for this meeting. The Committee discussed two proposed gifts that raised 

issues regarding the application of existing policies on soliciting and accepting gifts. Those gifts 

were removed from the agenda and may be reconsidered at a subsequent meeting, after the 

policy issues are resolved. 

Ms. Stonesifer reported that since the last Board meeting the Executive Committee had approved 

a lease of space at Capital Gallery for the use of both the National Museum of African American 

History and Culture and for the Office of Inspector General, which will move in early 2008. 

APPOINTMENTS TO THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL BOARD

Smithsonian National Board (SNB) Chair Hacker Caldwell reported on the recent meeting of the 

SNB. The Board had sessions on the role of the press in covering the Smithsonian, the 

governance reform initiatives, the Secretary search process, and a discussion with the new senior 

management team. The members were very pleased to have dinner at the Supreme Court and the 

opportunity to meet the Chief Justice. The chairs of all Smithsonian advisory boards have been 

invited to the January SNB meeting. 

The Regents considered the nominations for reappointment of five members of the Smithsonian 

National Board. Accordingly, the proposed motion was approved. 

See attached Resolution 2007.11.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A). 
8 

APPOINTMENTS TO SMITHSONIAN ADVISORY BOARDS

The Regents considered the nominations for appointments and reappointments to seven 

Smithsonian advisory boards. Accordingly, the proposed motions were approved. 

See attached Resolutions 2007.11.03 – 2007.11.09 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A). 

UPDATE ON SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS 

Ms. Stonesifer introduced Tom Ott, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Smithsonian Business 

Ventures (SBV), who provided a status report on Smithsonian Networks. The Smithsonian 

Channel launched at the end of September 2007 in high definition (HD) format on DirectTV, the 

largest satellite television provider. Deal terms have been reached with a large cable provider 

which should result in a distribution agreement in the coming weeks. Additional distribution 

deals may be concluded in the next several months. Over 115 programs have been produced or 

acquired by the channel and have been reviewed by the internal Smithsonian Networks Review 

Committee, which routinely suggests factual clarifications and edits. Sixteen programs have 

occasioned critical reviews requiring more extensive editing to bring them up to Smithsonian 

standards. Following further editing of those programs, only three still have not been improved 

to Smithsonian standards. Most programs have received favorable reviews and some have won 

awards. The Smithsonian has agreed to permit advertising on the Network, which will provide 

additional revenue to the Institution as well as outreach. A portion of commercial time on the 

Network is allocated to the Smithsonian, which will sell some of the time to advertisers and use 

the remaining time to promote Smithsonian activities. The revenue stream from the Network is 

meeting expectations under the contract. The revenue is divided between the central Trust fund 

and the participating units. 

Mr. Ott, along with the Acting Secretary and Dr. Kurin, addressed several questions from the 

Regents concerning the current and potential number of households that have access to the 

Network and possible additional distribution platforms, such as broadband internet. It was further 

noted that approximately 40 percent of the programming includes Smithsonian-related content 

and that most of the museums and research units have expressed interest in participating in the 
9 

programming. Samples of current programs have been provided to Congressional offices and 

will be provided to the Regents as well. 

PROPOSED SPONSORSHIPS, ENDOWMENTS, AND DONOR RECOGNITION

The Regents considered six papers representing donor recognition and sponsorship opportunities, 

as well as actions to create or revise the terms of endowments. The Regents confirmed that the 

proposed revision of the terms of the Freer and Sackler Galleries Director’s Discretionary Fund 

was consistent with the original donor’s intent. Accordingly, six motions were approved by the 

Regents. 

See attached Resolutions 2007.11.10 – 2007.11.15 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

UPDATE ON SMITHSONIAN-RELATED ACTIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT 

ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE

Acting Secretary Samper and Ms. Payne addressed the Regents’ questions on the report on 

Smithsonian-related actions undertaken by the Government Accountability Office (GAO; the 

investigative arm of Congress). One GAO review is looking at the Smithsonian’s management 

structure and governance practices and the other examined the Smithsonian’s facilities 

management and security. Ms. Payne noted that the GAO facilities report, which had been 

completed, questions whether the Smithsonian’s traditional reliance on Federal funding for 

facilities needs is appropriate. She further noted that the GAO governance review is in progress 

and that that report is expected in the spring. It appears, from the interviews the GAO staff is 

conducting with Regents and Smithsonian management, that there likely will be a focus on the 

structure and composition of the Board. It was noted that the Regents expect to begin addressing 

in detail these issues in January 2007, ahead of the GAO report. 

Several Regents expressed interest in giving further consideration to the questions raised in the 

facilities report concerning the adequacy of security at Smithsonian facilities and the 

implications for the collections. Dr. Samper provided some background on these concerns and 
10 

offered to provide a more complete review at a future meeting of the Board. Mr. Kogod and Mr. 

Frost noted that the committees they chair, Facilities Revitalization and Audit and Review, 

respectively, had an interest in these questions and would be giving them further consideration. 

Ms. Stonesifer agreed that the Regents will take up these questions in detail at a future meeting. 

PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF CONTEE FARM BY THE SMITHSONIAN 

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER

Dr. Rubinoff provided background information and an explanation of the complications that had 

arisen in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Contee farm property for the 

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC). The Regents had previously approved this 

purchase with the expectation that the majority of the purchase price would be paid by the State 

of Maryland. As the State had recently indicated that it would not participate in the purchase, 

management requested the Regents’ approval to renegotiate with the sellers. If a new deal could 

be reached, the Smithsonian could advance central Trust funds for the purchase price, which 

would be paid back from funds SERC would either raise as donations or through selling other 

non-essential property. The Regents requested further information concerning the value of the 

Contee farm and the plan for reimbursing the advanced funds. This information will be provided 

to the Executive Committee when the proposed purchase is brought to the Committee for 

approval, presuming a new deal is agreed to with the sellers. Accordingly, the proposed motion 

was approved by the Regents. 

See attached Resolution 2007.11.16 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A). 

EXTENSION OF THE OPERATING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE 

SMITHSONIAN AND THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE FOR THE 

NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM

Dr. Kurin reported on the extension of the operating agreement under which the United States 

Postal Service provides substantial funding (currently $3 million per year) and the facility for the 

National Postal Museum. The Postal Service’s support of the Museum has been extended an 

additional twenty years until 2042 and the total cash contribution from the Postal Service over 
11 

the life of the agreement, 1993–2042, will be approximately $230 million. The extension of the 

agreement also strengthens the Museum’s position with other potential donors, who are assured 

of the continuing vitality of the Museum. Dr. Samper noted that Allen Kane, the director of the 

Museum, was instrumental in achieving this result. 

UPDATE ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES AND ISSUES

Ms. Payne called the Regents’ attention to several significant issues in the report on legislative 

issues. Witnesses for a scheduled hearing before the Senate Committee on Rules and 

Administration will include Regents Sant and Kogod, Acting Secretary Samper, and a 

representative from the Government Accountability Office. “The Smithsonian Modernization 

Act” introduced in the House by District of Columbia At-Large Delegate Eleanor Holmes 

Norton would change the structure and appointment process for the Board of Regents. The 

Smithsonian’s Federal appropriation for the current fiscal year had not yet passed, leaving the 

Institution operating under a Continuing Resolution that could be extended for the entire fiscal 

year. Efforts are under way in the Congress to pass an appropriation bill. The reappointment of 

Mr. Sant to the Board of Regents was signed by the President. The nomination of John McCarter 

had been introduced in the Senate and would be soon be so-introduced in the House. Finally, Ms. 

Payne noted that authorization for a new greenhouse at the Museum Support Center is under 

consideration. 

Regent d’Harnoncourt observed that the report on legislative activities included a reference to 

the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, which would provide tax incentives for artists to donate their 

work to museums. Ms. d’Harnoncourt stressed that this proposed legislation was of enormous 

importance to museums and hopes that it will be supported by members of Congress. Ms. Payne 

noted that Senator Leahy, a Smithsonian Regent, is the lead sponsor of the legislation in the 

Senate. 

The Regents discussed the urgent need to have the nomination of Mr. McCarter to the Board of 

Regents considered as soon as possible. Ms. Payne is working with the Congressional 

committees with a goal to have the appointment approved before the January Regents’ meeting. 
12 

Regent Matsui provided her perspective on current communications efforts with the Congress. 

She noted that the Congressional Regents, as well as their liaisons, have been working very hard 

to increase communication and coordination. As a result, she believes that members of Congress 

are pleased with the increased openness about Smithsonian governance and operations. There 

remains concern about stories being reported in the media before Regents and other members of 

Congress are made aware of them. Members of Congress also have indicated that they are 

pleased to see that the Regents are more engaged and deliberative in their work. 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMITTEE

Regent Frost reported that the Audit and Review Committee met on October 2, 2007. The 

Committee reviewed the status of the implementation plans for the specific governance reform 

action for which the Committee is responsible. The Committee generally agreed that the 

implementation plans meet the Committee’s expectations. 

REPORT OF THE FINANCE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

In the absence of Mr. Broad, chair of the Finance and Investment Committee, Ms. Stonesifer 

noted that the Committee had not met since the last meeting of the Board of Regents and 

accordingly had nothing to report. Mr. Sant reported on behalf of the Smithsonian Investment 

Committee that, as of the end of October 2007, the Smithsonian’s Endowment was valued at just 

over $1 billion. The overall return so far this year has been 14.4 percent, compared with a 

benchmark of 14.5 percent. Mr. Sant briefly described the results of the various portfolios in the 

Endowment and noted that David Silfen, chair of the Investment Committee, has been invited to 

attend an upcoming meeting of the Board of Regents to discuss the work of the Investment 

Committee. 

REPORT ON THE SEARCH FOR THE 12TH SECRETARY OF THE 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

The Regents agreed to defer the report of the ad hoc Secretary Search Committee to the 

executive session. Mr. Spoon noted that the Committee had been inclusive and open in its 
13 

process to this point, both seeking information from and providing information to Smithsonian 

staff and other stakeholders. He added that the search was coming to a stage where the 

Committee will be narrowing the field of serious candidates, which will require strict 

confidentiality. 

SMITHSONIAN BUSINESS VENTURES TASK FORCE UPDATE

Acting Secretary Samper introduced Marshall Turner, who chairs the task force Dr. Samper 

appointed to consider the appropriate role and structure of Smithsonian Business Ventures. Mr. 

Turner is a former chair of the advisory board for the National Museum of Natural History and 

has an extensive background in both business and government service. Mr. Turner noted that the 

task force had made substantial progress and was on track to make its report to Dr. Samper by 

the end of 2007. Dr. Samper noted that, based on the report of the task force, he will bring his 

recommendations to the Regents in January 2008. 

Mr. Turner stated that the task force is made up of a good cross-section of people with 

Smithsonian experience, government experience, and various kinds of business experience who 

are dedicated to the mission and purpose of the Smithsonian and are working very hard on the 

task force. The task force was given a mandate to consider four questions about Smithsonian 

Business Ventures. Mr. Turner discussed the preliminary consensus of the task force on some of 

these questions and the issues under consideration. These points were elaborated upon in a 

written report provided to the Regents. 

The Regents expressed their appreciation for the work of the task force and Mr. Turner’s 

insightful report. There was agreement that the task force’s emphasis on aligning revenue 

activities with the mission of the Smithsonian is well-placed. Mr. Turner agreed with a Regent’s 

suggestion that the future challenges and potential of Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian 

Networks, and web strategy were important considerations for the task force. 
14 

AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION

INTRODUCTION OF NEW AGENDA ITEM: ELECTION OF ROGER W. SANT 

AS CHAIR OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Chancellor noted that, in view of Mr. Sant’s reappointment to the Board for a second term as 

Regent, it had been proposed that he be reelected chair of the Executive Committee. 

Accordingly, the proposed motion was approved by the Regents. 

See attached Resolution 2007.11.17 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

The Chancellor and the Regents expressed their appreciation to Ms. Stonesifer for serving as an 

able chair during the interval before Mr. Sant’s reappointment. 

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE 

Compensation and Human Resources Committee Chair Patricia Stonesifer noted that the issue of 

the compensation package for the new Secretary had been discussed in executive session. The 

remainder of the Committee’s report did not elicit any questions. 

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair Shirley Ann Jackson noted that the full report of 

the Committee was included in the agenda book. The key issues for discussion were considered 

in the executive session. 

Mr. Sant requested that the Regents consider the nomination of Don Chapin as a non-Regent 

member of the Audit and Review Committee. Mr. Chapin is a certified public accountant and a 

former senior executive of the Government Accountability Office. He would provide needed 

financial audit expertise to the Committee. Accordingly, a motion to appoint Mr. Chapin as a 

non-Regent member of the Audit and Review Committee was approved. 
15 

See attached Resolution 2007.11.18 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE FACILITIES REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE 

Facilities Revitalization Committee Chair Robert Kogod reported on the activities of the 

Committee. Mr. Kogod reminded the Regents that facilities revitalization will be one of the 

topics at the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration hearing on December 12, 2007, and 

that Mr. Kogod will be a witness, along with Mr. Sant and Dr. Samper from the Smithsonian and 

a representative of the Government Accountability Office. Mr. Kogod outlined the testimony he 

expects to give at the hearing. He will reiterate the position that it always has been and should 

remain the responsibility of the Federal government to provide funding for Smithsonian 

facilities. Nevertheless, because of insufficient maintenance appropriations over many years 

there is a critical long-term under funding for necessary revitalization. The Smithsonian will 

accept the challenge being pressed by the Congress to raise funds to help address the facilities 

needs, but also will ask for a commitment from the Congress to continue providing funds for 

these purposes over the long term. There are ongoing discussions with members of Congress 

about the concept of a program to match private funds raised by the Smithsonian with additional 

Federal appropriations. 

It was reported that the Facilities Revitalization Committee had begun discussions about a 

framework for the initiation of a major capital campaign to raise funds for facilities 

revitalization, as well as for program needs. If endorsed by the Regents, the Smithsonian’s 

development team will begin planning for a campaign that will require the leadership and 

participation of the Board of Regents, both directly and through engaging the advisory boards 

and other supporters of the Smithsonian. It is too early in the process to specify an amount that 

could be raised with this plan. The Committee’s report to the Regents included a matrix of 

various fund-raising options that have been proposed and the Committee’s preliminary 

determination of the relative priorities for those options. 

The Regents commended Mr. Kogod and the members of the Committee for the work they have 

done developing this proposal. Several Regents expressed favorable views concerning the option 

for energy savings performance contracts. It was noted that it would be difficult to begin a 
16 

capital campaign immediately following a period of instability such as the Smithsonian has 

recently experienced, and that it is important to emphasize that completing the governance 

reform initiatives, installing the next Secretary, and re-establishing a sound footing are necessary 

before a capital campaign could begin in earnest. There was agreement that the proposal 

provided a solid framework to begin the planning process. Accordingly, the proposed motion 

was approved by the Regents. 

See attached Resolution 2007.11.19 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

The Regents next considered the proposed charter of the Facilities Revitalization Committee. 

Accordingly, the proposed motion was approved by the Regents. 

See attached Resolution 2007.11.20 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, this regular meeting of the Board of Regents was adjourned at 

3:40 p.m. 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

JOHN E. HUERTA 

RECORDING SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL 
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

November 19, 2007 

APPENDIX A 

APPROVED RESOLUTIONS

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Minutes of the Meetings of June 11 and 18 and 

September 17, 2007, as previously circulated on November 14, 2007. [2007.11.01] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints Wilmer S. Cody, James F. Dicke II, Richard W. 

Herbst, Judy S. Huret, and Chris E. McNeil, Jr., to the Smithsonian National Board for three-year 

terms effective October 2007. [2007.11.02] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints James Larry Frazier and Phillip H.K. Omohundro to 

the Advisory Board of the Anacostia Community Museum for three-year terms effective October 

1, 2007. [2007.11.03] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Mounir Boushenaki, Mickey Hart, and Ellen 

McCulloch-Lovell to the Advisory Council of the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage for 

three-year terms effective January 1, 2008. [2007.11.04] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Harold E. Doley, Jr., Rosa H. Riddle, and James H. 

Small to the Board of the National Museum of African Art for three-year terms effective 

immediately. [2007.11.05] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Howard R. Berlin to the Board of Trustees of the 

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

[2007.11.06] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints Peter Buck, Rita R. Colwell, and Jerold J. 

Principato to the Board of the National Museum of Natural History for three-year terms effective 

January 31, 2008. [2007.11.07] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Anthony V. Lupo to the Advisory Board of the 

National Zoological Park for a three-year term effective immediately. [2007.11.08] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints F. Christian Thompson and reappoints Mary Falvey 

to the Board of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries for three-year terms and reappoints Jay 

Freedman and Mike Gooden to the Board for exceptional third three-year terms, all effectively 

immediately. [2007.11.09] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of 3M and the 3M Foundation to 

the National Museum of Natural History, its Ocean Initiative, and the Ocean Hall exhibition, and 

accepts the terms of this sponsorship agreement. [2007.11.10] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of the Andrew W. Mellon 

Foundation to the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and gratefully approves the 

creation and naming of the Andrew W. Mellon Senior Scientist in the Department of 

Conservation and Scientific Research Endowment. [2007.11.11] 
VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the creation and naming of the Fenner A. Chace, 

Jr., Endowment for the Study of Crustacea at the National Museum of Natural History, an 

endowment named in memory of the late Museum zoologist, the proceeds of which shall be used 

to support the taxonomic study of Crustacea. Further, the Board authorizes the transfer of funds 

identified for this purpose. [2007.11.12] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves revising the terms of the Freer/Sackler Gallery 

Director’s Discretionary Fund to make clear that the Director of the Galleries may spend the 

fund principal to meet program or project needs if, at the Director’s discretion, the fund income 

alone is insufficient. [2007.11.13] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of the General Electric Company to 

the National Air and Space Museum and gratefully approves the naming of the GE Aviation 

Lecture Series. This recognition will be associated with the program lecture series so long as the 

company continues its support. [2007.11.14] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the distinguished service of founding director W. 

Richard West, Jr., to the National Museum of the American Indian, as well as the support of the 

Seneca Nation of Indians, and so transfers the Seneca Nation of Indians’ recognition in the 

National Mall Museum’s third-floor west-end rotating gallery Room 3013 to the Museum’s 

fourth-floor west-end historical gallery Room 4014 and gratefully renames Room 3013 the W. 

Richard West, Jr., Contemporary Art Gallery, in perpetuity. [2007.11.15] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents authorizes the Acting Secretary to engage in good faith 

negotiations for the purchase of the 587-acre Contee Farm in Edgewater, Maryland, on behalf of 

the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and that any proposed purchase be subject to 

approval of the Executive Committee. [2007.11.16] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents elects Roger W. Sant as Chair of the Executive Committee. 

[2007.11.17] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the appointment of Mr. Don Chapin as a nonRegent member of the Audit and Review Committee. [2007.11.18] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents endorses the framework for a business plan to address the 

Smithsonian's facilities challenges as proposed by the Facilities Revitalization Committee, and 

authorizes the Chair to present the framework publicly on behalf of the Board. [2007.11.19] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed charter of the Facilities Revitalization 

Committee. [2007.11.20] 

Respectfully Submitted, 

John E. Huerta 

Recording Secretary And General Counsel