MINUTES OF THE JUNE 14, 2021, VIDEOCONFERENCE 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, June 14, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Board conducted its scheduled meeting

via videoconference. Chancellor John G. Roberts, Jr. welcomed Regents and staff and called the meeting to

order at 10:00 a.m. Participating were Regents:

Senator John Boozman

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

Senator Patrick J. Leahy

Representative Doris Matsui

Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard

Representative Adrian Smith

Mr. Steve Case, Chair

Mr. John Fahey

Mr. Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.

Mr. Michael Govan

Dr. Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, Vice Chair

Mr. Michael M. Lynton

Ms. Denise O’Leary

Mr. Franklin D. Raines

Ambassador Barbara M. Barrett, Nominated Regent

Ms. Kathryn Hall, Investment Committee Chair

Mr. Dennis Keller, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Mrs. Christine Udvar-Hazy, Advancement Committee Chair

Vice President Kamala D. Harris was unable to participate.

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

Monique Chism, Under Secretary for Education

Tasha Coleman, Senior Advisor of Strategy & 

Implementation1

Trevor Dean, Office of Senator Cortez Masto

Monica Didiuk, Office of Representative Smith 

Kate Forester, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Regents

Mallory Gianola, Special Assistant to the Regents

(recorder)

Erin Golightly, Senior Advisor of Strategy & 

Implementation1

Kevin Gover, Under Secretary for Museums 

and Culture

Antonio Guzmán, Director of the Office of Human 

Resources2

1 Participated in the Strategic Priorities discussion only

Doug Hall, Acting Under Secretary for Administration

Charlie Haykel, President and Co-Founder of

DM.Experiential1

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Toni-Marie Higgins, Office of Senator Boozman

Janice Lambert, Chief Financial Officer

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs and Chief 

Marketing Officer

Era Marshall, Director of the Office of Equal 

Employment and Supplier Diversity

Kevin McDonald, Office of Senator Leahy

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief 

Justice

Meroë Park, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating 

Officer

2 Participated in the Investment Incentive Compensation 

discussion only
2

Vernon L. Simms, Director of the Office of 

Government Relations

Robert J. Spiller, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement 

Alex West Steinman, Co-Founder and CEO of The 

Coven1

Kyle Victor, Office of Representative Matsui

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents

Anne Williams, Deputy Director of the Office of Public 

Affairs1

Josh Yearsley, Office of Senator Cortez Masto
3

BUSINESS MEETING

Welcome and Regent

Transitions

Smithsonian Staff

Transitions

Executive Committee 

Approvals

Consent Agenda

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Board and Executive Committee Chair Steve Case began his report by providing 

an update on Regent transitions. Both the United States Senate and the U.S. 

House of Representatives approved the appointment of Ambassador Barbara 

Barrett to fill the vacancy on the Board following David M. Rubenstein’s 

completion of his second six-year term. Mr. Case noted her statutory term would 

officially begin once the appointment is signed into law by the President. 

Mr. Case also recognized recent staff transitions. He welcomed Under Secretary 

for Education Monique Chism to her first meeting of the Board. Dr. Chism joined 

the Smithsonian on June 7 and will be responsible for defining the Institution’s 

educational priorities. Mr. Case also acknowledged the first Regents’ meeting for 

Doug Hall, Acting Under Secretary for Administration. The Regents expressed 

their appreciation to Mr. Hall for his willingness to step into the interim role, and 

his leadership of the COVID-19 response team.

To conclude his report, Mr. Case briefed the Board on two actions taken by the 

Executive Committee on behalf of the Board, pursuant to Board Bylaw 3.01. The 

Executive Committee approved the appointment of Michael Stubblefield and the 

reappointment of Leslie Garfield to the Board of Trustees of the Archives of 

American Art (“AAA”) for four-year terms each. Mr. Case noted that the Executive 

Committee’s approval was requested on behalf of the Board in order to 

accommodate the appointment terms, which took effect immediately. The 

Executive Committee also approved the Smithsonian Institution’s budget request 

for appropriated funds for fiscal year 2022 for submission to Congress. The 

President’s FY 2022 budget submission to Congress was scheduled to be delivered 

in May, and therefore required approval prior to the June Board meeting.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

Action items listed on the June 14, 2021, Agenda included: recognition of the late 

Michael Collins, former astronaut and director of the Smithsonian National Air 

and Space Museum; the approval of minutes from the April 12, 2021, meeting of 

the Board of Regents; appointments and reappointments to 10 Smithsonian 

Institution 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 2021.06.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).
4

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

Written Report of the 

Advancement

Committee

Written Report of the 

Compensation and 

Human Resources 

Committee

Written Report of the 

Facilities Committee

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

Next, Mr. Case 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; Facilities Committee; Investment Committee; 

Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee; Office of Government 

Relations; and Smithsonian National Board.

Written Report of the Advancement Committee

The Advancement Committee conducted a meeting on May 12, 2021. During the 

meeting, the Committee reviewed notable gifts and grants and voted to 

recommend one gift and two administrative actions to the Board of Regents. The 

Committee also discussed fundraising for the new museums, received an update 

on the gift acceptance policy, and reviewed plans for the next Smithsonian

fundraising campaign. The Committee was briefed on the progress towards the 

fiscal year 2021 fundraising goal. As of March 31, 2021, the Smithsonian had 

raised $122 million towards its $200 million goal. 

Written Report of the Compensation and Human Resources

Committee

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee conducted a meeting on 

May 18, 2021. During the meeting the Committee was briefed on Smithsonian 

policies impacted by COVID-19, discussed the Smithsonian Civil Program and 

workplace culture, and reviewed proposed changes to the Investment 

compensation and incentive plan. The Committee also received an update on 

personnel searches for vacant leadership positions. 

Written Report of the Facilities Committee

The Facilities Committee held a meeting on April 30, 2021. During the meeting, 

the Committee was briefed on the Facilities Capital and Maintenance programs

for FY2021-FY2022, received an update on the collections storage building Pod 6, 

and discussed the execution plan for the revitalization of the Historic Core. The 

Committee also reviewed the progress and concept for the National Air and Space 

Museum revitalization and restaurant replacement and discussed the

Smithsonian’s sustainability implementation plan following President Biden’s 

Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (E.O. 14008).

Additionally, the Committee received an update on major capital projects, public

operations and the phased reopening schedule for Smithsonian facilities, and 

planning efforts related to site selection for the two new Smithsonian museums.
5

Written Report of the 

Investment Committee

Written Report of the 

Strategy, Innovation, 

and Technology 

Committee

Written Report of the 

Office of Government 

Relations

Smithsonian Introduced 

Legislation

Smithsonian Related 

Legislation

White House 

Engagement

Written Report of the Investment Committee

The Investment Committee met on June 9, 2021. During the meeting, the 

Committee reviewed the Endowment’s portfolio performance, strategies, and risk

scenario analyses. The Smithsonian Endowment’s one-year return as of March 31, 

2021, was 40.7% versus 31.1% for the policy benchmark. Over the three-year, 

five-year, and ten-year periods, the Endowment generated returns of 16.4% 

versus 8.1%, 14.7% versus 8.6%, and 10.2% versus 5.8% respectively.

Written Report of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology 

Committee

The Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee conducted a meeting on 

May 3, 2021. During the meeting, the Committee engaged in a strategic 

discussion with the Secretary on the implementation of five strategic focus areas, 

as well as the Smithsonian’s social media strategy. The Committee also received 

an update on seven SD603 reviews – the Smithsonian’s internal review process 

designed to help identify in advance any potentially sensitive and/or controversial 

aspects of an exhibition. The Committee also learned more about the recently 

launched virtual initiative, “Vaccines & US: Cultural Organizations for Community 

Health.”

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

The Office of Government Relations (“OGR”) reported that the Smithsonian 

submitted its fiscal year 2022 budget request to Congress on May 28, 2021. The

total amount requested was $1.102 billion, an increase of $69.3 million over the 

enacted fiscal year 2021 funding levels. The request includes $872 million for 

annual operating costs within the Salaries and Expenses account, an increase of 

$53.8 million above fiscal year 2021, and $230 million for Facilities Capital for 

major repairs to Smithsonian buildings, a $15.5 million increase.

OGR also reported on legislation introduced by the Smithsonian. On May 20, 

2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J.Res.27, a joint resolution

providing for the appointment of Barbara M. Barrett as a citizen regent of the 

Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. The bill passed the Senate on 

June 10, 2021, and is awaiting enactment by the President.

The Office of Government Relations is tracking seven pieces of legislation related 

to commemorative Congressional Gold Medals, including H.R.1399, S.450, 

H.R.1179, H.R.1348, S.692, and S.1079. Each of the bills directs a medal to go to 

the Smithsonian for display and research.

The Office of Government Relations continues to work closely with the White 

House and the Office of the First Lady’s staff to bring objects from the National 

Museum of American History (“NMAH”) to the White House for temporary 

display. In March, the White House used Smithsonian objects to commemorate 
6

Congressional

Engagement

Written Report of the 

Smithsonian National 

Board

Report of the Finance

Committee

Fiscal Year 2023 Federal 

Budget Priorities

Women’s History Month. The relationship has continued with additional

opportunities related to Heritage Months, including Asian Pacific, Native 

American, and Hispanic American. NMAH will prepare a display of objects to be 

exhibited in June to recognize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer 

(“LGBTQ”) Pride Month.

Despite enhanced telework for most Smithsonian and Congressional staff, regular 

oversight meetings, Congressional briefings, and hearings have continued. A 

main focus of the Office of Government Relations has shifted to Congressional 

engagement focused on the two new Smithsonian museums to support planning,

design, and construction of the National Museum of the American Latino and the 

Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.

 

Written Report of the Smithsonian National Board

The Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”) held its spring meeting virtually April 29-

30, 2021. The meeting focused on the Smithsonian’s work in local communities 

around the nation and globally. In addition to the business meeting, the meeting 

of the SNB included updates from the Secretary, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement, and Acting Under Secretary for Administration. National Board 

members also received reports from working group and committee chairs. The 

meeting included a behind-the-scenes virtual tour of the National Zoo’s historic 

Bird House renovation, an interactive presentation by educators from the 

National Museum of the American Indian in New York, and two spotlight sessions. 

The first spotlight session featured scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical 

Research Institute and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, who shared 

their respective work on climate change and exploring the universe. The second 

spotlight session featured the Anacostia Community Museum and the 

Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Affiliations.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Chair of the Finance Committee Roger Ferguson gave the Committee’s report and

presented two action items for the Board’s consideration: (i) the fiscal year 2023

federal budget priorities, and (ii) the fiscal year 2022 Endowment Payout.

Mr. Ferguson noted that Smithsonian leadership identified the initial fiscal year 

2023 budget priorities and presented them to the Regents’ Finance Committee 

for approval at its May meeting. This begins the process of building the fiscal year 

2023 federal budget, which is due to the Office of Management and Budget 

(“OMB”) in September 2021. Mr. Ferguson highlighted the Institution’s priorities 

for the fiscal year 2023 federal budget, which include: nondiscretionary cost 

increases such as salaries, expenses, and IT communications and infrastructure; 

facilities maintenance and security; major capital projects; and strategic priorities 

and program increases, including funding for two new Smithsonian museums, 

post COVID-19 requirements, education initiatives consistent with a Virtual 

Smithsonian, collection digitization, collection scholarship, and research 
7

Fiscal Year 2022 

Endowment Payout

Report of the 

Governance and 

Nominating Committee

Status Report on the 

Smithsonian’s COVID-19 

Response

Reopening Timeline

initiatives. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the fiscal 

year 2023 federal budget priorities proposed by the Secretary.

See attached Actions 2021.06.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Next, Mr. Ferguson presented the fiscal year 2022 Endowment Payout

recommendations. The Smithsonian historically has paid out five percent of the

trailing average market value per share over the previous five years to support 

programs and activities. Since 2012, the Regents have also approved an additional 

annual payout of up to one percent to support advancement activity. Mr.

Ferguson reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2022 endowment payout for the 

Board. The projected payout to support programmatic activity for fiscal year 2022

is $76.2 million and the payout to support advancement activities is estimated at 

$3.5 million. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the 

fiscal year 2022 endowment payout recommendations.

See attached Actions 2021.06.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Representative Doris Matsui delivered the report of the Governance and 

Nominating Committee and asked the Board of Regents to consider two 

reappointments to an advisory board. The Board was asked to review and 

approve the reappointment of Michael Tuteur as Chair and Jim Erbs as Vice-Chair 

of the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (“SAO”).

The reappointments were proposed as one-time and temporary exceptions to the 

SAO Advisory Board Bylaws to ensure steady leadership and continued

fundraising efforts during transition and onboarding of the new Director of the 

Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and the new Under Secretary for 

Science and Research. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board 

approved the reappointments.

See attached Actions 2021.06.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

STATUS REPORT ON THE SMITHSONIAN’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

Secretary Bunch then briefed the Board on the Smithsonian’s ongoing response 

to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The update focused on the

Smithsonian’s phased reopening, COVID-19 vaccine deployment, and vaccine 

public education programming following the launch of the nationwide

initiative, “Vaccines & US: Cultural Organizations for Community Health.”

Secretary Bunch updated the Board on the Smithsonian’s reopening timeline. 

After successfully reopening eight facilities to the public in May, 10 museums will 

reopen on a staggered schedule from June through August, marking a full 

reopening of the Smithsonian since closing to the public in March 2020. The 

Secretary noted two exceptions to the reopening. The Freer Gallery of Art will
8

Vaccine Deployment

and Public Education 

Programming

Report of the Secretary 

and Strategic Priorities

Strategic Discussion on 

Virtual Smithsonian

open to the public on July 16, but the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery will remain closed 

until November for scheduled exhibition construction. Additionally, in November, 

the historic Arts and Industries Building will open to the public for the first time

since 2004 with a new exhibition, “FUTURES,” in honor of the Smithsonian’s 

175th anniversary. The Secretary informed the Board that all locations will 

reopen with added health and safety measures in place based on guidance from 

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including reduced hours of 

operation and timed entry passes for most locations.

Next, the Board received an update on the Smithsonian’s COVID-19 vaccination 

efforts. In April, the Smithsonian and the U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services (“HHS”) hosted a multi-agency vaccination clinic for government 

employees at the Natural Museum of Natural History (NMNH). Secretary Bunch 

reported that more than 1,000 people received their first doses of the COVID-19 

vaccine. A smaller vaccination effort was conducted at the Smithsonian 

Conservation Biology Institute (“SCBI”) located in Front Royal, Virginia.

Occupational Health Services (“OHS”) successfully administered 150 doses to 

essential staff and regional employees at the Smithsonian SCBI vaccine clinic. The 

Secretary reminded the Board that the Smithsonian is also supporting vaccination 

efforts through the nationwide initiative, Vaccines & US: Cultural Organizations 

for Community Health, which launched on April 21. 

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Secretary Bunch then led a discussion on the prioritization and implementation of

strategic priorities. At the April meeting, the Secretary outlined five strategic 

focus areas that will guide the Institution’s work moving forward. They are aimed 

at achieving three main goals for the Smithsonian: greater reach, greater 

relevance, and greater impact. To demonstrate how the strategic focus areas are 

translating into content and programming, the Secretary invited DM.Experiential 

to present on the Our Shared Future Initiative, one of the pan-institutional efforts 

that is advancing the One Smithsonian strategic priority. Six themes have been 

identified for content and programming: Race and Wellness; Race and Wealth; 

Race and Place; Race Beyond the U.S.; Race, Art and Aesthetics; and Race, Policy 

and Ethics. The Secretary reviewed the overall project timeline and specific 

project milestones for social media, web and mobile applications, summit events, 

regional kits, local kits, and pop ups. The Board also discussed collaboration with 

Smithsonian Affiliates, local cultural organizations, and other key partners to build 

a network for fostering meaningful dialogue, with all Americans.

STRATEGIC DISCUSSION ON VIRTUAL SMITHSONIAN 

Next, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Meroë Park led the Board’s

discussion on the Smithsonian’s “digital first” strategy. As part of the Institution’s 

efforts to focus on audience and digital transformation, the Smithsonian created

a Head of Digital Transformation position, the first leadership role devoted to 

developing a pan-institutional digital strategy. The Head of Digital Transformation 
9

Strategic Discussion on 

New Smithsonian 

Museums

Federal Appropriations 

Funding Strategies

Donor Strategies

New Museum Site 

Selection

will be expected to integrate, harness, and prioritize ongoing digital initiatives, 

help develop the resources needed to support those initiatives, ensure that new 

and innovative ideas are considered and acted upon, and implement key cultural 

and structural reforms needed to support a truly “One Smithsonian” digital 

approach. The Board received an update on the search process for the new 

position and had an opportunity to review the goals and objectives for the Head 

of Digital Transformation’s first 120 days at the Smithsonian.

STRATEGIC DISCUSSION ON NEW SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS

The Secretary then led a strategic discussion on the establishment of two new 

Smithsonian museums: the National Museum of the American Latino (“NMAL”) 

and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum (“SAWHM”). The 

discussion focused on five priorities: federal appropriations funding strategies, 

donor funding strategies, site selection, appointments to the National Museum of 

the American Latino Board of Trustees, and appointments to the Smithsonian 

American Women’s History Museum Council. 

To begin, Chief Financial Officer Janice Lambert briefed the Board on the 

Smithsonian’s Congressional engagement strategy for funding of the two new 

museums. Ms. Lambert noted that the founding legislation for both museums 

largely emulates the processes used to establish the National Museum of African 

American History and Culture, with only minor differences between the two bills. 

The new museums will have similar requirements for planning and

resources that will be presented to Congress as part of the annual appropriations 

process over several fiscal years. Ms. Lambert reminded the Board that no funds 

were appropriated in the fiscal year 2021 spending bill for either museum. The 

Board discussed increased cost drivers, such as labor and materials prices due to 

the COVID-19 pandemic, and final site selection, which will impact planning,

design, and construction, and subsequently Congressional funding requests for 

the two new museums.

Funding for the planning, design, and construction of the new museums, including 

exhibitions, public programming, and administration will require a public-private 

partnership. Assistant Secretary for Advancement Rob Spiller shared a summary 

overview of the initial plans to launch fundraising operations for the two new 

Smithsonian museums. In concert with the interim directors of the new 

museums, the Office of Advancement will launch three workgroups to deliver 

initial recommendations by the end of fiscal year 2021 for advancement staffing 

and budgets, fundraising strategies, and membership and donor engagement 

programs.

Secretary Bunch then updated the Board on the site selection process. The 

National Museum of the American Latino Act names four sites for consideration

and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum legislation names two, 

all being on or near the National Mall. Smithsonian Facilities is supporting the

Architect/Engineer team to lead a planning effort to identify, evaluate, and test 
10

Appointments to the 

National Museum of the 

American Latino

Appointments to the 

Smithsonian American 

Women’s History 

Museum

Executive Session: 

Regents and Secretary

Executive Session: 

Investment Incentive 

Compensation Plan

potential sites for each museum concurrently to be presented to the Board of 

Regents. The Board will be updated in October on the identification of a site 

selection contractor and general scope of the site selection contractor’s work.

Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee Representative Matsui then 

led the Board’s review of the initial candidates for appointment to the Board of

Trustees for the National Museum of the American Latino. Pursuant to founding 

legislation for the National Museum of the American Latino, the Board of Regents 

may appoint up to 14 of the 19 voting members of the museum’s Board of 

Trustees. The Board was asked to review and approve the initial appointments of 

José Andrés, Emilio Estefan, José E. Feliciano, Rick Gomez, Alberto Ibargüen, Eva 

Longoria, J. Mario Molina, Henry R. Muñoz III, Jose Luis Prado, Alfredo Rivera, and 

Sofía Vergara to the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American 

Latino. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the initial 

appointments.

See attached Actions 2021.06.05, 2021.06.06, and 2021.06.07 (Minutes of the 

Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Representative Matsui also led the Board’s review of the initial candidates for 

appointment to the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Advisory 

Council. Pursuant to founding legislation for the Smithsonian American Women’s 

History Museum, the Board of Regents may appoint up to 20 of the 25 voting

members of the museum’s Council. The Board was asked to review and approve

the initial appointments of Jane Abraham, Catherine Allgor, Mary Boies, Tory 

Burch, Jean Case, Melissa Fetter, Singleton McCallister, Penny Pritzker, Abbe

Raven, Vivian Riefberg, and Cara Sylvester to the Smithsonian American Women’s 

History Museum Council. Mr. Case recused himself from the discussion and vote. 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the initial 

appointments.

See attached Actions 2021.06.08, 2021.06.09, and 2021.06.10 (Minutes of the 

Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

The Board moved into an executive session at approximately 11:43 a.m. to 

discuss the incentive compensation plan for professionals in the Smithsonian 

Office of Investments and Regent representation on the new museum boards.

At the request of the Regents’ Investment Committee, the Board of Regents 

engaged the human resources consulting firm Mercer to assist with the 

assessment and review of the compensation plan for professionals in the 

Smithsonian Office of Investments. Following review of Mercer’s report by 

Smithsonian management and the Compensation and Human Resources 

Committee, the Board was asked to consider the recommended changes to the 

Smithsonian’s investment incentive compensation plan. Upon motion duly made 

and seconded, the Board approved the recommended changes. Senator 
11

Regent Representation 

on New Museum Boards

Executive Session: 

“Gatekeeper” Reports

Adjournment

Boozman, Senator Cortez Masto, and Representative Smith voted not to approve 

the changes, and Senator Leahy abstained from the vote.

See attached Actions 2021.06.11 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Next, Representative Matsui led the Board’s discussion on Regent representation 

for the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Latino and the 

Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Advisory Council. The founding 

legislation for both museums directs the Board of Regents to appoint a Regent 

representative as a member of the advisory boards. Upon motion duly made and 

seconded, the Board approved the appointment of Frank Raines to serve on the 

Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Latino.

See attached Actions 2021.06.12 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

The Board concluded the June 2021 meeting with an opportunity to hear from 

each of the Smithsonian’s Gatekeepers, including the Secretary, Acting Under 

Secretary for Administration, General Counsel, and Inspector General.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 12:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lonnie G. Bunch, III

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

JUNE 14, 2021, 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. [2021.06.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents expresses its profound appreciation to the memory of 

Michael Collins, former Director of the National Air and Space Museum, exceptional 

combat and test pilot, Gemini and Apollo astronaut, true pioneer, public servant, and 

lifelong advocate for space exploration; and recognizes the extraordinary service he 

provided on behalf of the American people and the Smithsonian Institution.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the April 12, 2021, meeting 

of the Board of Regents.

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

appointment or reappointment to ten (10) Smithsonian Institution Advisory

Boards.

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 creates a quasi-endowment for the benefit of the 

Smithsonian Gardens in support of its mission. Further, the Board of Regents authorizes 

the transfer of the funds identified for this purpose.

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

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in support of its mission. Further, the 

Board of Regents authorizes the transfer of the funds identified for this purpose.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the fiscal year 2023 federal budget priorities 

proposed by the Secretary. [2021.06.02]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves a 5 percent payout from the Smithsonian

Endowment in fiscal year 2022 to support programmatic activity. The Board further approves

up to a 0.5 percent payout from the Smithsonian Endowment in fiscal year 2022 to support 

advancement activity. The payout shall be calculated against the trailing five-year average 

market value of the Smithsonian Endowment. [2021.06.03]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the reappointment of Michael Tuteur as Chair and 

Jim Erbs as Vice-Chair of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Advisory Board for an 

exceptional one-year extension of leadership service, effective September 1, 2021. [2021.06.04]
2

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Emilio Estefan, Eva Longoria, J. Mario Molina, and 

Henry R. Muñoz III to the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Latino for 

three-year terms each, effective immediately. [2021.06.05]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Alberto Ibargüen, Rick Gomez, and José Luis Prado 

to the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Latino for two-year terms 

each, effective immediately. [2021.06.06]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints José Andres, José E. Feliciano, Alfredo Rivera, and 

Sofía Vergara to the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Latino for oneyear terms each, effective immediately. [2021.06.07]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Jane Abraham, Jean Case, Penny Pritzker, and Vivian

Riefberg to the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Council for three-year terms

each, effective immediately. 1 [2021.06.08]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Catherine Allgor, Mary Boies, Melissa Fetter,

Singleton McCallister, and Abbe Raven to the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum

Council for two-year terms each, effective immediately. [2021.06.09]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Tory Burch and Cara Sylvester to the

Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Council for one-year terms each, effective

immediately. [2021.06.10]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves management’s proposed changes to the Investment 

compensation and incentive plan. [2021.06.11]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Franklin D. Raines to the Board of Trustees of the 

National Museum of the American Latino as the Regent Representative, effective immediately. 

[2021.06.12]

1 Steve Case recused from voting.