MINUTES OF THE APRIL 11, 2016, MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

ATTENDANCE

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

on Monday, April 11, 2016. The Board conducted its first strategic meeting, which included morning, 

afternoon, and executive sessions in the SC Johnson Conference Center at the National Museum of 

American History (“NMAH”) in Washington, DC. Board Chair John W. McCarter, Jr., called the meeting 

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

The Chief Justice1

Senator John Boozman

Senator David Perdue

Senator Patrick J. Leahy

Representative Xavier Becerra

Representative Sam Johnson

Barbara M. Barrett

Steve Case

John Fahey

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, Vice Chair

Robert P. Kogod 

Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey

Michael M. Lynton

David M. Rubenstein

Robert MacDonald, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Alan Spoon, Advancement Committee Chair

The Vice President and Representative Tom Cole were unable to attend the meeting.

Also present were: 

David J. Skorton, Secretary

Albert Horvath, Under Secretary for Finance & 

 Administration/Chief Financial Officer 

Patricia Bartlett, Acting Assistant Secretary 

Education & Access

Virginia B. Clark, Assistant Secretary Advancement

Johnnetta B. Cole, Director, National Museum of 

 African Art

Derrick Dickey, Assistant to Senator Perdue

Jennifer Ehlinger, Office of the Regents Senior 

 Researcher & Writer

Ellen Futter, President of the American Museum 

 of Natural History

Michael Govan, CEO & Wallis Annenberg 

 Director of the Los Angeles County Museum of 

Art

Kevin Gover, Director, National Museum of the 

 American Indian

Adam Grant, Wharton Professor & Author

Amanda Hamilton, Assistant to Congressman 

 Johnson

Cathy Helm, Inspector General 

Tony-Marie Higgins, Assistant to Senator Boozman

Richard Kurin, Acting Provost/Under Secretary for 

 Museums & Research

Jaron Lanier, Computer Scientist & Author

John K. Lapiana, Deputy Under Secretary for 

 Finance & Administration/Chief Financial Officer

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Grisella Martinez, Assistant to Congressman 

 Becerra

Kevin McDonald, Senior Advisor to Senator Leahy

Era Marshall, Director for the Office of Equal 

 Employment & Minority Affairs 

Will McDonnell, Special Assistant to the Office of 

 the Regents

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief Justice 

Rachel Parker, Deputy Chief of Staff to the 

 Regents

Nell Payne, Director of Government Relations 

Julian Raby, Director, Freer Gallery of

 Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents

Tonya Williams, Assistant to the Vice President

 

1

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

 Guest speaker.
2

MORNING SESSION

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The meeting of the Board of Regents (“Board”) began with an executive session.

Under Secretary for Finance & Administration/Chief Financial Officer Albert Horvath 

presented the Board with an update on the most recent developments regarding the 

Smithsonian’s potential opportunity for a presence in London. 

Due to the guest speakers’ program schedule, the Board agreed to continue the 

executive session to the afternoon. Adoption of the Consent Agenda was also 

postponed to the afternoon. 

The executive session was adjourned at approximately 8:55 a.m.

REGULAR SESSION

The meeting reconvened and Smithsonian and Regent staff members and guest 

speakers entered the room. Board Chair John W. McCarter, Jr. called the regular

session of the strategic meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. 

TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS AFFECTING MUSEUMS

Representative Xavier Becerra introduced the Board’s first guest speaker, Jaron 

Lanier, a computer scientist, classical musician, composer, artist, and celebrated 

technology writer. Mr. Lanier discussed the technological trends that are affecting 

museums today. He provided insight on the ways museums could potentially and 

effectively serve as a forum to tackle some of society’s most pressing issues. 

Following his presentation, Mr. Lanier entertained questions from the Board. 

THE FUTURE OF ART MUSEUMS

Regent Michael Lynton introduced the Board’s next guest, CEO and Wallis Annenberg 

Director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (“LACMA”) Michael Govan. Mr. 

Lynton and Mr. Govan discussed the role of art museums in the 21st century. Mr. 

Govan presented ideas for engaging new audiences and reaching individuals who 

have not traditionally frequented museums. He also discussed the practices that 

LACMA has instituted to encourage and integrate the use of technology into the 

overall museum experience. Following the discussion, Mr. Govan entertained 

questions from the Board. 

London Opportunity

Update

Presentation by 

Jaron Lanier

Discussion with

Michael Govan
3

Discussion with 

Ellen Futter

Presentation by 

Adam Grant

Strategic Direction of the 

Smithsonian

THE FUTURE OF SCIENCE MUSEUMS

Regent Ambassador Barbara Barrett introduced the Board’s next guest, President of 

the American Museum of Natural History, Ellen Futter. Ambassador Barrett and Ms. 

Futter discussed the role of natural history and science museums in the 21st century. 

Ms. Futter explained the positive impact that science museums can have by acting as 

a vehicle to foster ideas and advance scientific discoveries. She also stressed the 

important role that museums play in education, and the need to engage the 

community through museum experiences both in-person and online. Following the 

discussion, Ms. Futter entertained questions from the Board. 

ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS

Regent Risa Lavizzo-Mourey introduced the Board’s last guest speaker Adam M. 

Grant, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania professor and New York 

Times best-selling author. Mr. Grant discussed ideas from his latest book, Originals: 

How Non-Conformists Move the World, which explains how individuals can identify 

and champion opportunities for change. He also touched upon ideas from his New 

York Times bestselling book, Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives our Success, 

which highlights the commonality between effective networking, collaboration, 

influence, negotiation, and leadership skills. Following his presentation, Mr. Grant 

entertained questions from the Board. 

The morning session was adjourned at approximately 12:15 p.m. 

AFTERNOON SESSION

 

The meeting reconvened and the Chancellor called the afternoon session to order at 

12:31 p.m. 

INVITATION-ONLY SESSION

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE OF THE SMITHSONIAN

The Board participated in a working lunch, during which Secretary David Skorton led a 

discussion on the Smithsonian’s strategic direction. The Secretary noted that the 

current strategic plan is set to expire in 2017. He proposed a process to develop the 

Smithsonian’s next strategic plan and a vision statement that will better explain the 

Smithsonian’s strategic direction. 

As part of his remarks on the overall strategic direction of the Smithsonian, the 

Secretary explained that the Smithsonian values creativity. It therefore encourages

its staff and volunteers to approach problems and see issues through a variety of 

lenses and in new and creative ways. It is important, the Secretary said, for the 

Smithsonian to lead and encourage civil dialogue on important and transitional issues 
4

Approval of the

Consent Agenda

facing the nation. Yet, history, art, and culture exhibits have the potential to generate 

some degree of controversy, the Secretary acknowledged. As America’s largest 

scientific and cultural organization, the Smithsonian should seek to produce creative 

and thoughtful exhibitions, programming, and research even if the themes, content, 

and/or approach push boundaries. The ensuing debate, the Secretary explained, 

provides an opportunity to engage with our audiences and stakeholders, and advance 

discourse on important topics. 

The Secretary informed the Board of several proposed exhibitions at the Hirshhorn

Museum and Sculpture Garden, outlined several legal and financial issues presented 

by the exhibits, and explained the reasoning behind his decision to move forward 

with certain exhibits. Although the Board does not approve or reject exhibitions, the 

Regents help senior management identify and manage any potentially sensitive issues

presented by planned exhibitions. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: CONTINUATION OF LONDON DISCUSSION

In January 2015, the Board of Regents authorized Smithsonian management to 

explore possibilities for a potential Smithsonian presence in London. Over the 

ensuing 15 months, management analyzed multiple scenarios and conducted the 

appropriate due diligence for each potential option. The Board was briefed on a 

potential partnership opportunity with a London-based entity and agreed to convene 

a special telephonic meeting after management had conducted another round of 

discussions. Mr. McCarter thanked management for their efforts in the process thus 

far. 

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

items listed on the present meeting’s Agenda include the minutes of the January 25, 

2016, scheduled meeting of the Board of Regents2; the appointment and 

reappointment of candidates to nine Smithsonian Advisory Boards; and amendments 

to the bylaws of the National Portrait Gallery (“NPG”) Commission. The bylaw 

amendments proposed by NPG’s Commission reflect five substantive changes, which 

include the following: an increase in membership capacity, which will allow it to

broaden national representation and diversity; the removal of a vacancies clause, 

which has been deemed unnecessary; formal recognition of emeritus and alumni 

roles; the inclusion of a conflict-of-interest statement; and the addition of an 

Education Committee. 

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

constituting the approval of all action items listed therein. 

See attached Actions 2016.04.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

 

2 Meeting cancelled due to inclement weather. Business conducted by email ballot. 
5

Recommendation for 

Former Smithsonian 

Secretary 

Arts & Industries Building

New Regent Search

Results of 2015 SelfAssessment

2017 Folklife Festival

Task Groups’ Charge 

and Status Report

EXECUTIVE SESSION: REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND HUMAN 

RESOURCES COMMITTEE

The Board reviewed the recommendations of the Compensation and Human 

Resources Committee with respect to the post-employment contract with former 

Secretary G. Wayne Clough. Upon duly made and seconded, the Board approved the 

Compensation and Human Resources Committee’s recommendation for the former 

Secretary. 

See attached Action 2016.04.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: UPDATE ON ARTS & INDUSTRIES BUILDING

The Secretary provided the Board with an update on future plans for use of the Arts & 

Industries Building. The space is currently being used as a special events venue. The 

Board is considering a range of options for future use of the historic building. 

REVIEW OF THE 2015 SELF-ASSESSMENT, AND REVIEW OF 

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair Steve Case updated the Board on the 

process for selecting new citizen Regents to replace Shirley Ann Jackson and Robert P. 

Kogod when their terms expire in May 2017. Mr. Case explained that, as in years 

past, an executive search firm would be engaged to assist in the search.

The Board reviewed the results of the 2015 Regents’ self-assessment. The results 

indicated general agreement on the overall effectiveness of the current governance 

structure. The Board agreed that more opportunities to participate in strategic 

discussions would advance Regent engagement and prove beneficial to the 

Smithsonian. 

The Secretary briefed the Board on his upcoming trip to Cuba with the National 

Endowment for the Humanities. He explained to the Board that he planned to enter 

into a Memorandum of Understanding that would outline the terms for Cuba to be 

the featured country at the 2017 Folklife Festival.

SMITHSONIAN TASK GROUPS’ DESCRIPTION 

AND UPDATE

The Secretary provided the Board with an overview of the four task groups, which 

were established to review the Smithsonian’s policies and practices in the areas of 

contracting, transparency, unified compensation, and the use of funds. He explained 

that the task groups are in the process of considering changes that would continue to 
6

protect important reforms of the past, while allowing some appropriate flexibility to 

make processes more effective and efficient. 

The Chair of the Board called for a Regent-only executive session to see whether 

there were any issues the Board wanted to raise.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 3:17 p.m., after which Mr. McCarter and the Secretary moved to the 

Presidential Reception Suite to address questions from the media. 

Respectfully submitted,

David J. Skorton

Secretary
* Included in Consent Agenda

APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

APRIL 11, 2016, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

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

of all action items listed therein. [2016.04.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the January 25, 2016 

scheduled, meeting of the Board of Regents.*

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

Portrait Gallery Commission.*

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

appointment or reappointment to nine Smithsonian advisory boards.*

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

Committee’s compensation recommendation for the former Secretary. [2016.04.02]