____________________________

1 Participated in the morning session only

2 Participated in the lunch program only

3 Participated in the Learning Lab demonstration only

DRAFT MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 27, 2020, MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

ATTENDANCE

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

Monday, January 27, 2020. The Board conducted morning, afternoon, and executive sessions at the Smithsonian 

Castle in Washington, D.C. Board Chair David M. Rubenstein welcomed Regents and staff and called the meeting to 

order at 9:30 a.m. Also present were Regents:

Senator John Boozman1

Senator Patrick J. Leahy1

Senator David Perdue1

Representative Doris Matsui

Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard

Representative John Shimkus

Steve Case, Vice Chair

John Fahey

Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey

Michael Lynton

John W. McCarter, Jr.

Denise O’Leary, Nominated Regent

Dennis Keller, Smithsonian National Board Chair

The Chief Justice, The Vice President, Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., and Michael Govan were unable to attend the meeting.

Smithsonian and Regent staff present by invitation of the Board were: 

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary

Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary

Victor Castillo, Office of Representative Roybal-Allard

Kate Forester, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Regents

Mallory Gianola, Special Assistant to the Regents

(recorder)

Madeleine Granda, Office of Senator Leahy

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Toni-Marie Higgins, Office of Senator Boozman

Richard Kurin, Distinguished Scholar and Ambassadorat-Large2

Judith Leonard, General Counsel

Stephanie Lightfoot, Office of Senator Perdue

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs and Chief 

Marketing Officer

Era Marshall, Director for the Office of Equal 

Employment and Minority Affairs

Darren Milligan, Senior Digital Strategist, Smithsonian 

Center for Learning and Digital Access3

Mike McCarthy, Acting Under Secretary for Finance & 

Administration

Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar, Interim Associate Provost 

for Education and Access3

Stephanie L. Norby, Director, Smithsonian Center for 

Learning and Digital Access3

Meroë Park, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating 

Officer

Craig Roberts, Office of Representative Shimkus

Robert J. Spiller, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement 

Kyle Victor, Office of Representative Matsui

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

MORNING SESSION

Pay Equity Analysis

2020 Senior Executive 

Compensation

Proposed Pay Band 

Approach for Trust 

Market-Based Positions 

2020 Committee 

Chairmanships and 

Memberships 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: PAY EQUITY ANALYSIS

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

Executive Committee Chair David M. Rubenstein called the executive session to 

order at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Rubenstein then turned the meeting over to John Fahey, 

Chair of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee, to brief the Board

on the results of the internal pay equity analysis conducted by the Board’s 

compensation consultant Pearl Meyer. The assessment identified job-based and 

incumbent-based factors that are currently influencing internal pay levels, and did 

not find any bias in predicting pay levels based on gender, race, or ethnicity.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 2020 COMPENSATION RECOMMENDATIONS 

FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVES

Mr. Fahey also led the Board’s annual discussion and review of the proposed

senior executive compensation decisions for fiscal year 2020. Upon motion duly 

made and seconded, the Board voted to approve the Compensation and Human 

Resources Committee’s 2020 compensation recommendations for senior 

executive positions.

See attached Actions 2020.01.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE COMPENSATION 

APPROACH FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVES

Next, Mr. Fahey updated the Regents on the proposed pay band approach to 

compensation, which will facilitate pay setting for Trust market-based executive 

positions. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee, along with the 

Board’s compensation consultant Pearl Meyer, will develop pay ranges for senior 

level market-based positions, including guidelines for executive pay setting and 

administration. The new approach will help the Institution ensure internal salary 

alignment and increase transparency around compensation among Trust 

executives. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 2020 COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIPS AND 

MEMBERSHIPS

The Board was then asked to approve the proposed roster of Regent committee 

chairmanships and memberships for 2020. By tradition, Citizen Regents typically 

serve on three Regent committees and chair at least one committee, and 

Congressional Regents are assigned to two committees. Mr. Fahey noted that 

members and chairs would serve in their roles until January 2021. Upon motion 
3

Review of 2019 Regents’ 

Self-Assessment

New Regent Search

Amendment to the 

Compensation and 

Human Resources 

Committee Charter

Update from the 

Secretary

duly made and seconded, the Board voted to approve the proposed committee 

assignments and chairmanships and recommended that the Chancellor make the 

necessary appointments. 

See attached Actions 2020.01.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: REGENTS’ 2019 SELF-ASSESSMENT

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair John Fahey also briefed the Board 

on the results of the fiscal year 2019 Regents’ self-assessment, which was 

circulated to the Board on October 29, 2019. The assessment results indicated 

general agreement on Board roles, structure, practices, and strategic priorities.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: NEW REGENT SEARCH

Mr. Fahey then led the Board’s discussion on the search for a new citizen Regent 

to replace John McCarter, when his term expires in March 2020. The Board will 

refocus its efforts to fill the upcoming vacancy after prioritizing the vacancy 

created by the unplanned departure of Barbara Barrett in October 2019. The 

Regents reviewed a proposed slate of potential citizen Regent candidates and 

discussed the experience, knowledge, and perspectives desired to complement 

the current Board membership. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: AMENDMENT TO THE COMPENSATION AND 

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE CHARTER

The Regents were then asked to review and approve an amendment to the 

Compensation and Human Resources Committee Charter that includes an 

addition to the responsibilities of the Committee and clarifies the reporting of 

information related to sexual harassment complaints and workplace culture to 

the Board of Regents. The Committee will receive complaints involving highranking people; repeat offenders; a frequency of complaints indicating a toxic 

culture; a minor; and anything that poses a material risk to the Institution. Senior 

management will implement the appropriate reporting procedures. Upon motion

duly made and seconded, the Board voted to approve the proposed amendment

to the Compensation and Human Resources Committee Charter.

See attached Actions 2020.01.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: UPDATE FROM THE SECRETARY

To conclude the executive session, the Secretary briefed the Regents on 

personnel matters.

The executive session adjourned at 10:22 a.m.
4

Welcome

Recognition of Regent 

John McCarter

New Deputy Secretary 

and Chief Operating 

Officer

April Strategic Meeting

Board Leadership

Consent Agenda

OPEN SESSION

Smithsonian and Regent staff members entered the room and the meeting 

reconvened. Mr. Rubenstein called the open session to order at 10:31 a.m.

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mr. Rubenstein began his report by acknowledging the final meeting for Regent

John McCarter. Mr. McCarter began his first term as a Regent in 2008, chaired 

the Board from 2014 to 2017, and was an active participant and leader on 

multiple Regent committees. Mr. Rubenstein also noted Mr. McCarter’s advocacy 

and fundraising support within the Chicago community. The Board applauded Mr. 

McCarter for his service on the Board of Regents and contributions to the 

Smithsonian. 

The Board welcomed the Smithsonian’s new Deputy Secretary and Chief 

Operating Officer Meroë Park. Effective January 27, 2020, Ms. Park will oversee 

the Smithsonian’s day-to-day activities across the museums, research centers,

and education organizations, as well as administrative and support functions.

Mr. Rubenstein then provided an update on the Regents’ strategic meeting. The 

April 2020 meeting will provide a deep-dive on the Secretary’s stated priorities 

under the Strategic Plan including a virtual Smithsonian, K-12 education, and 

convening on relevant topics. 

The January Regents’ meeting served as Mr. Rubenstein’s final meeting as Chair 

of the Board. He thanked his colleagues on the Board for the opportunity to 

serve as Chair for the past three years. For the remainder of the calendar year 

2020 term, Steve Case will serve as Board Chair and Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey will 

serve as Vice Chair. Mr. Rubenstein will serve as the third member of the 

Executive Committee.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

The Consent Agenda (“Agenda”) was presented for the Board’s approval. Action 

items listed on the January 27, 2020, Agenda include: the approval of minutes 

from the October 21, 2019, Regents’ meeting; the appointment and 

reappointment of candidates to 14 Smithsonian Advisory Boards; and gifts and 

naming recognitions. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to 

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

See attached Actions 2020.01.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).
5

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

Written Report of the 

Advancement

Committee

Written Report of the 

Compensation and 

Human Resources

Committee

Written Report of the 

Investment Committee

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Rubenstein provided an opportunity for Regent committee chairs and 

Smithsonian staff to answer questions on the written reports distributed in 

advance of the meeting by the Advancement Committee; Compensation and 

Human Resources Committee; Investment Committee; Strategy, Innovation, and 

Technology Committee; Smithsonian National Board; and Office of Government 

Relations.

Written Report of the Advancement Committee

The Advancement Committee held a teleconference meeting on January 8, 2020. 

During the meeting, the Committee reviewed notable gifts and grants received 

since the September 24, 2019, meeting and voted to recommend three gift 

actions and one administrative action to the Board of Regents. The Committee 

also received an update on preliminary plans for the next Smithsonian fundraising 

campaign. The Assistant Secretary for Advancement briefed the Committee on 

the progress of fiscal year 2020 fundraising. As of November 30, 2019, the 

Smithsonian had raised $23.99 million towards its $230 million goal.

Written Report of the Compensation and Human Resources

Committee

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee met on December 10, 2019, 

and January 14, 2020. During the meetings, the Committee voted to recommend 

one motion requiring action of the Board of Regents, an amendment to the 

Committee Charter. Additionally, the Committee discussed an alternative 

executive compensation pay band approach for Trust market-based positions,

reviewed the results of the internal pay equity analysis, and approved fiscal year 

2020 compensation recommendations for senior executives.

Written Report of the Investment Committee

The Investment Committee met on October 9, 2019, and reviewed the 

investment portfolio performance. The Committee also discussed potential 

investment and governance strategies in the life science industry. The 

Smithsonian Endowment ended the year with assets of $1,700.7 million as of 

September 30, 2019, an increase of $98.9 million since October 1, 2018. Against 

the Cambridge Associates peer universe of endowments and foundations, the

Smithsonian ranks in the first decile for all periods, including trailing one, three, 

five and ten‐year periods.
6

Written Report of the 

Strategy, Innovation, 

and Technology 

Committee

Written Report of the 

Smithsonian National 

Board

Written Report of the 

Office of Government 

Relations

Smithsonian Legislation

Congressional 

Engagement

Written Report of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology

Committee 

The Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee met on December 9, 2019. 

During the meeting, the Committee reviewed the exhibition calendar to provide 

guidance and direction on any exhibit that may generate greater than normal 

stakeholder interest. The Provost and Under Secretary for Museums, Education, 

and Research briefed the Committee on the exhibitions, programming, events, 

and education and outreach programs planned for the 2020 Year of Earth 

Optimism. The Committee also engaged in a discussion with the Secretary about

his strategic vision and priorities for the Institution.

Written Report of the Smithsonian National Board

The Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”) held its fall meeting and alumni reunion 

October 24 through 26, 2019, in Washington, D.C. The fall meeting and 

corresponding activities focused on the Smithsonian’s fourth strategic plan goal: 

Understanding and Impacting 21st Century Audiences. The meeting was Dennis 

Keller’s first as Chair of the Smithsonian National Board. Members devoted a 

significant portion of the business meeting to a guided discussion with Secretary 

Bunch on his vision for the Smithsonian, partnering and utilizing the SNB to 

support strategic priorities, and expanding the Smithsonian’s reach.

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

The Office of Government Relations (“OGR”) reported that on December 20, 

2019, the President signed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (HR 

1865). For the Smithsonian, the Act provides a total of $1,047.4 million, including

$793.7 million for Salaries and Expenses and $253.7 million for Facilities Capital. 

The Act includes a $3 million increase for both the American Women’s History 

Initiative and Latino Center initiatives, as well as ongoing support for the 

revitalization of the National Air and Space Museum

In addition, OGR reported on legislation introduced by the Smithsonian. On 

January 9, 2020, S.J. Res. 65, S.J. Res. 66, and S.J. Res. 67 were introduced by 

Senator Regents John Boozman, Patrick Leahy, and David Perdue and passed 

without Amendment under Unanimous Consent. S.J. Res 66 provides for the 

appointment of Denise O’Leary to a first term on the Board of Regents, while S.J. 

Res. 65 and 67 provide for the reappointments of John Fahey and Risa J. LavizzoMourey to a second term. The bills were all referred to the Committee on House 

Administration on January 13, 2020.

OGR engaged in several Congressional briefings and hearings on Latino initiatives, 

deferred maintenance, the consolidated administrative headquarters building, 

the Secretary’s vision for the Institution, and the Smithsonian’s Space on the Hill 

partnership with the American Astronomical Society. 
7

Report of the Facilities

Committee

Report of the Finance

Committee

Report of the Audit and 

Review Committee

REPORT OF THE FACILITIES COMMITTEE

Chair of the Facilities Committee John McCarter gave the Committee’s report and 

presented one action item for the Board’s consideration: approval of the design 

of the National Native American Veterans Memorial. By act of Congress, the 

National Museum of the American Indian will establish a National Native 

American Veterans Memorial. Through a juried, two-stage, international design 

competition, the National Native American Veterans Memorial jury unanimously 

selected a design by award-winning artist and Marine Corps veteran Harvey Pratt, 

a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. The design 

incorporates water for sacred ceremonies, benches for gathering and reflection, 

and four lances where veterans, family members, tribal leaders, and others can 

tie cloths for prayers and healing. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the 

Board voted to approve the design for the National Native American Veterans 

memorial.

See attached Actions 2020.01.05 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Mr. Rubenstein delivered the report of the Finance Committee and led the 

Board’s review and approval of the fiscal year 2021 federal budget submission to 

Congress. The Institution will submit to Congress a total budget request for fiscal 

year 2021 of $1,110.3 million, which includes $820.3 million for Salaries and 

Expenses, and $290 million for Facilities Capital. The settlement reflects the 

amount the President will include in his overall fiscal year 2021 budget 

submission to Congress. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 

to approve the fiscal year 2021 federal budget submission.

See attached Actions 2020.01.06 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMITTEE

Chair of the Audit and Review Committee Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey briefed the 

Board on the draft audit results for the fiscal year 2019 financial statements from 

the Smithsonian’s external auditors, KPMG. The audit was completed in 

accordance with professional standards, and KPMG issued its independent 

auditor’s report on the statement of the Smithsonian Institution’s financial 

position as of September 30, 2019. For fiscal year 2019, KPMG expressed an 

unmodified opinion, but did report a significant deficiency. Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey 

informed the Board that the Committee will be working closely with Smithsonian 

management, KPMG, and the Inspector General to address the deficiency.
8

Deputy Secretary and 

Chief Operating Officer

Office of Government 

Relations

Smithsonian Campaign

Media Relations

V&A Collaboration in 

London

Open Access Initiative

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

Secretary Bunch updated the Board on the state of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The Secretary expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of Deputy Secretary and 

Chief Operating Officer Meroë Park as part of the Smithsonian’s leadership team, 

and her ability to assist in building a nimble, cost-effective, and responsive 

administrative infrastructure. 

The Secretary also briefed the Regents on his work with the Office of Government 

Relations, including congressional briefings related to the Smithsonian’s 

consolidated administrative headquarters and the executive search currently 

underway for a Director of Government Relations to provide advice, insight, 

analysis, and coordination with respect to legislative and political activities 

related to the programs and activities of the Smithsonian Institution.

Next, the Secretary provided an update on the initial planning efforts for a new

Smithsonian fundraising campaign. The preliminary timeframe targets an internal 

launch of the campaign in fall of 2021, followed by a public launch in early 2023, 

and conclusion in 2026. 

Secretary Bunch also provided an overview of media relations and outreach 

efforts to expand the Smithsonian’s reach, relevance, and impact. In February, 

the TODAY Show will debut a series entitled “Object Lessons,” a special 

collaboration between the Smithsonian and NBC. The series, a first of its kind, 

will highlight objects in the Smithsonian’s collections from several museums 

across the Institution, and bring to light the historical significance of each object 

while drawing a connection to a living person or modern-day event.

The Secretary then updated the Board on the status of the collaboration with the 

Victoria and Albert Museum (“V&A”) in London. The Smithsonian will not have a 

permanent presence in London. The Institution plans to refocus its involvement 

to better align with the Secretary’s strategic priorities of education, diversity and 

inclusion, and museum leadership development. The Smithsonian will co-curate a 

gallery with V&A that will bridge art, design, science and the humanities. The 

exhibit will run for two years with a scheduled public opening in 2023. In 

addition, the Smithsonian will work with the London Legacy Development 

Corporation to expand the Shared Training and Employment Program (“STEP”), a 

cultural exchange program for young adults in East London and Washington, D.C.

The Secretary then briefed the Board on the Smithsonian Open Access Initiative, 

which will be announced in February, and will effectively release 3.3 million 2D 

and 3D images into the public domain with the internationally recognized 

Creative Commons license. With the announcement, the Smithsonian will launch 

a variety of platforms to make its collections media, collections data, and research 

data available for educational and research endeavors, creative reuse, 

computational analysis, and innovative explorations. The Secretary emphasized 

that the Open Access Initiative is a foundational step in implementing the 
9

Earth Optimism 2020

American Women’s 

History Initiative

Luncheon Program

Smithsonian Branding 

Strategy

Smithsonian’s strategic goal to “Reach 1 billion people a year with a digital-first 

strategy.”

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Smithsonian will host the 

2020 Earth Optimism Summit in Washington, DC. The Summit will highlight 

stories of both small- and large-scale actions that help shape the conservation 

narrative to one of optimism and opportunity. The Secretary and Regents 

expressed their enthusiasm for the event to engage young audiences.

To conclude, the Secretary reported on the progress of the American Women’s 

History Initiative (“AWHI”). AWHI will create, disseminate, and amplify the 

historical record of the accomplishments of American women through a digitalfirst mission and focus. Secretary Bunch provided an update on the search for a 

director to oversee the initiative, and highlighted the re-launched AWHI website, 

which includes new information and a digital compendium to the AWHI 

publication, Smithsonian American Women, which features information, 

collections, and videos on activism, education, work, and more.

Following the report of the Secretary, the Board adjourned to the luncheon 

program at approximately 11:32 a.m.

LUNCH: A DISCUSSION WITH DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AND 

AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE RICHARD KURIN

At the January 27, 2020, meeting, Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-Large 

Richard Kurin hosted a conversation with outgoing Board and Executive 

Committee Chair David M. Rubenstein, which focused on Mr. Rubenstein’s service 

on the Board of Regents, his patriotic philanthropy, and his role as an American 

businessperson and historical and cultural advocate.

AFTERNOON SESSION

Mr. Rubenstein called the open session to order at approximately 1:00 p.m. and 

reviewed the remainder of the Board’s business agenda. 

SMITHSONIAN BRANDING STRATEGY

Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing 

Officer Julissa Marenco led the Board’s discussion on the strategies of the 

Smithsonian brand. Specifically, she discussed the overall branding strategy as it 

relates to individual units such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian 

Art. Ms. Marenco noted that the rebranding will not replace the museum’s legal 

names — the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery – but will raise 

the visibility of the two galleries, clarify the missions and visions of the joint 

institutions, strengthen the association with the trusted Smithsonian name, and 

help the museums maximize their reach, relevance, and impact. To support 
10

Strategic Priorities of 

the Secretary

Closing Remarks

Executive Session: 

“Gatekeeper” Reports

forward-thinking, interdisciplinary, and cross-Smithsonian activities, an updated 

and cohesive Smithsonian brand will identify and unify all museums, galleries, the 

Zoo, research centers, education centers, and mission-support offices to achieve 

the Strategic Plan Goal: One Smithsonian. 

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES OF THE SECRETARY

Secretary Bunch briefed the Board on his strategic priorities and vision for the 

Smithsonian, focusing on two main priorities: the virtual Smithsonian and 

education. As part of the Secretary’s strategic discussion, Senior Digital Strategist 

at the Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access Darren Milligan hosted 

a demonstration of the Smithsonian’s Learning Lab. The Learning Lab is a free, 

interactive platform for discovering millions of authentic digital resources, 

creating content with online tools, and sharing in the Smithsonian’s expansive 

community of knowledge and learning. Many of the website’s features are 

designed to support the learning needs of teachers and students in K-12 

classrooms, higher education, and other blended learning environments. Mr. 

Milligan’s demonstration highlighted that as users build and publish the resource 

collections and activities they have created, the Learning Lab becomes an everricher source of knowledge and ideas and a more collaborative community. The 

Learning Lab was named the Best Education Website in the 23rd Annual Webby 

Awards, and as of January 2020 had 1.2 million unique users and over 80,000 

registered users.

CLOSING REMARKS

Retiring Regent John McCarter gave brief remarks reflecting on his 12-year tenure 

on the Board, and shared his aspirations for the Regents as they work together 

with Secretary Bunch and Chair-elect Steve Case to advance the mission and 

vision of the Smithsonian. Mr. McCarter also recognized the contributions of 

David Rubenstein during his time as Chair of the Board. The Regents applauded 

both men for their transformational leadership, extraordinary commitment to the 

Institution, and exceptional service on the Board of Regents.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: “GATEKEEPER” REPORTS 

The Board then conducted an executive session with the Smithsonian’s 

Gatekeepers, including the Secretary, Deputy Under Secretary and Chief 

Operating Officer, Acting Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, 

General Counsel, and Inspector General.
11

Adjournment

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 2:11 p.m., after which Mr. Rubenstein, Mr. Case, and the Secretary 

moved to a separate room in The Castle to address questions from the media.

Respectfully submitted,

Lonnie G. Bunch, III

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

JANUARY 27, 2020, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Compensation and Humans Resources 

Committee’s 2020 compensation recommendations for senior executive positions. [2020.01.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed committee chairmanship and 

member assignments for 2020 and requests that the Chancellor make the necessary 

appointments. [2020.01.02]

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

and Human Resources Committee Charter. [2020.01.03]

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

of all action items listed therein. [2020.01.04]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the October 21, 2019, 

meeting of the Board of Regents.

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

appointment or reappointment to 14 Smithsonian advisory boards.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Major General William A. 

Anders, USAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Valerie E. Anders and names the Valerie Anders Seminar 

Room at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Center’s Center for Tropical Paleoecology 

and Archeology for 20 years or until the next major renovation, whichever occurs later, 

and the Valerie Anders Amazonia Field Station, while the current field station is active, 

but for no more than 20 years.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves a gift to the National Air and Space Museum. 

At the request of the donor, details will remain confidential until publicly announced.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Bank of America 

Charitable Foundation Inc. and Bank of America Corporation and names the Bank of 

America Special Exhibitions Gallery for 20 years.

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

National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to support the mission of the 

Conservation Biology Institute. Further, the Board authorizes the transfer of the funds 

identified for this purpose.
2

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the design, selected following a design competition 

held by the National Congress of American Indians and the National Museum of the American 

Indian, for the National Native American Veterans Memorial. [2020.01.05]

VOTED that the Board of Regents authorizes the Secretary to submit to Congress a federal 

budget request for appropriated funds for fiscal year 2021 as part of the President’s budget in 

the amount of $1,110.3 million, as negotiated with the Office of Management and Budget 

("OMB"), and authorizes the Secretary to inform OMB and Congress fully about the implications 

of the President’s budget for the mission and priorities of the Smithsonian. [2020.01.06]