MINUTES OF THE

SEPTEMBER 17, 2007, MEETING

OF THE

BOARD OF REGENTS

OF THE

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

September 17, 2007 

ATTENDANCE

This regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Regents was held on Monday, September 17, 

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

of morning and afternoon sessions. As the Chief Justice was unable to attend the morning 

session, Executive Committee Chair Roger Sant called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. Present 

during the meeting were: 

The Chief Justice1

Xavier Becerra2

Eli Broad 

Anne d’Harnoncourt 

Phillip Frost3

Shirley Ann Jackson 

Sam Johnson 

Robert P. Kogod 

Patrick J. Leahy 

Doris Matsui 

Roger W. Sant 

Alan G. Spoon 

Patricia Q. Stonesifer 

L. Hardwick Caldwell, Chair, Smithsonian National Board 

Vice President Richard B. Cheney and Senators Thad Cochran and Chris Dodd were unable to 

attend either session of the meeting. 

Also present were: 

Acting Secretary Cristián Samper 

Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Sheila P. Burke 

Acting Under Secretary for Science Ira Rubinoff 

Under Secretary for Art Ned Rifkin 

General Counsel John E. Huerta 

Inspector General A. Sprightley Ryan 

Director of External Affairs Virginia B. Clark 

Acting Chief Executive Officer for Smithsonian Business Ventures Tom Ott 

Chief Financial Officer Alice C. Maroni 

Director of the Office of Government Relations Nell Payne 

Director of Communications and Public Affairs Evelyn Lieberman 

Special Advisor to the Regents John K. Lapiana 

Senior Writer-Editor for the Office of the Secretary Barbara Feininger 

Assistant to the Chief Justice Jeffrey P. Minear 

Assistant to the Vice President Marie Fishpaw 

Assistant to Senator Cochran T.A. Hawks 

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 afternoon session in part, joining the meeting prior to the discussion of the 

 proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the Board of Regents. 

2 Representative Becerra attended the morning session in part; he participated in the full afternoon session. 3 Mr. Frost was present for the morning session but was unable to attend the afternoon session.
The morning session of the Board of Regents adjourned for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and reconvened 

at 1:30 p.m. for the afternoon session. Mr. Sant briefly presided over the afternoon session until 

the arrival of the Chief Justice. The following matters were discussed: 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MAY 7, 2007 

The Regents voted to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2007, Board of Regents’ meeting. 

See attached Resolution 2007.09.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).4

REPORT OF THE ACTING SECRETARY

Acting Secretary Cristián Samper reported that, despite the challenges of the previous six 

months, the overall state of the Institution is very good. Attendance across the Smithsonian 

museums will be up almost 9 percent this year, with about 25 million physical visits and about 

150 million visits on Smithsonian web sites. Exhibitions such as the Freer and Sackler Galleries’ 

Encompassing the Globe and Cooper-Hewitt’s Designed for the Other 90% have been 

enthusiastically received. Science initiatives have included the publication of several high-profile 

papers in journals such as Science and Nature and the groundbreaking DNA barcoding project, 

which has successfully identified the codes of some 30,000 species and advanced the fight 

against malaria by decoding the DNA in mosquito larvae. 

Efforts to address the Institution’s facilities maintenance backlog continue and all key facilities 

construction initiatives are essentially on track, including the Kogod Courtyard at the Donald W. 

Reynolds Center, the Ocean Hall at the National Museum of Natural History, and the renovations 

at the National Museum of American History. The Institution has completed, ahead of schedule, 

the “Pod Five” expansion of the Museum Support Center in Maryland, a state-of-the-art storage 

facility for natural history collections preserved in alcohol. 

In the last year, the Smithsonian has raised more money than in almost any of the previous five 

years. The Institution’s fiscal year fund-raising goal of $115 million is anticipated to be exceeded 

4 Beginning with the September 17, 2007, meeting of the Board of Regents, all approved motions will be identified 

and recorded with this coding system and separately listed in Appendix A.

4
by at least $25 million. Town hall meetings continue and staff morale appears to be improving. 

Dr. Samper outlined the challenges he has addressed during this period, noting that media reports 

often have been negative, management transitions have been sudden, and Congressional hearings 

continue. Commercial activities and the scope of Smithsonian Business Ventures (SBV) are 

under review, including several SBV-related contracts. Funding for the Institution remains an 

overarching concern and critical attention is being expanded beyond the facilities maintenance 

backlog to include programming initiatives that have been impacted by the funding shortfalls of 

recent years. 

However, positive momentum was reported in several areas. A new director has been selected 

for the National Museum of the American Indian, searches continue for new directors at two 

other museums, the reorganization of Deputy Secretary Sheila Burke’s division is almost 

complete, and the appointments of acting under secretaries are being effected. Dr. Samper noted, 

however, that the process of filling some senior management positions has been impacted by the 

fact that the next Secretary of the Institution has not yet been selected. Some individuals have 

accepted senior appointments on an “acting” basis, preferring to maintain professional flexibility 

during this time of leadership transition. Dr. Samper also expressed his concern about how a 

unified compensation approach might impact the Institution’s ability to attract and retain the best 

talent for the Institution. 

Dr. Samper drew the Regents’ attention to three areas of particular interest: governance reform 

initiatives, the fiscal year 2009 Federal budget, and the Institution’s reorganization. He reported 

that most of the governance recommendations will be achieved by the end of the year. He also 

expressed his desire that forthcoming changes in Institution’s accounting policies and procedures 

not result in policies that are excessively complex. 

The Institution’s Federal budget continues to be a significant concern. Dr. Samper noted that the 

fiscal year 2008 Federal budget will soon be announced and the proposed fiscal year 2009 

budget has been submitted to OMB. The Regents discussed relations with the House and Senate. 

Dr. Samper pointed out that the outcome of the search for the next Secretary, the resolution of 

5
management compensation issues, and the transparency of the Institution’s governance will 

particularly influence future relations with, and support from, Congress. 

Dr. Samper explained that the proposed fiscal year 2009 Federal budget was divided into five 

categories to reflect both the material needs of the Institution and the reframing of the 

Institution’s priorities. The five categories include funding for mandatory increases for items 

such as salaries and rent; governance reform; the “National Treasures Initiative”; “The Core 

Mission: The Increase and Diffusion of Knowledge”; and facilities revitalization and the 

construction of new museums. 

Regarding funding for governance reform efforts, Dr. Samper reported on several reform 

initiatives already under way. The Office of the Regents is being established and the 

responsibilities of the Deputy Secretary are being divided into two units during the interim 

period before a new Secretary is installed. The first will be overseen by an Under Secretary for 

History and Culture and will include all of the history, culture, and national programs and 

program-related activities. The second will be directed by an Under Secretary for Finance and 

Administration and will include the Institution’s finance and administrative activities. 

Dr. Samper listed five key areas that he would like to address during the remainder of his tenure 

as acting Secretary. A critical priority is to advance all efforts to support and resolve the fiscal 

year 2008 Federal budget, as a shortfall in Federal funding potentially would have dire 

implications for the Smithsonian. Keeping governance reform initiatives on track is a second 

priority. Dr. Samper also spoke of his intention to establish, by the end of the year, a 

comprehensive plan to address backlogs in both facilities and programming investments. The 

fourth priority is to complete the review of Smithsonian Business Ventures (SBV) by January 

2008; Dr. Samper also noted his intention to have SBV Task Force Chair Marshall Turner 

present the group’s preliminary recommendations to the Regents during their November 2007 

meeting. The fifth priority is to move forward a Request for Qualifications to explore alternatives 

for the future of the Arts and Industries Building. Dr. Samper also noted his desire to accelerate 

improvements in the relationships and communications between the Board of Regents and the 

Institution’s advisory boards. 

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Dr. Samper concluded his report by discussing his thoughts regarding the Smithsonian’s future, 

especially with regard to projected societal trends and the role that the Institution should play in 

response to such changes. He encouraged the Board to consider what makes the Smithsonian and 

its contributions unique, as well as to consider what steps should be taken now to strengthen the 

Institution going forward. 

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Executive Committee Chair Roger Sant said that the Report of the Executive Committee 

provided a sufficient overview of the issues to be considered during this meeting of the Board. 

He added, however, that some would be reviewed at greater length during the Regents’ executive 

session. 

REPORT OF THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL BOARD

Smithsonian National Board (SNB) Chair Hacker Caldwell offered the written report without 

additional comment. 

APPOINTMENTS TO SMITHSONIAN ADVISORY BOARDS

The Regents considered the nominations for appointments and reappointments to 12 Smithsonian 

advisory boards. Accordingly, the proposed motions were approved. 

See attached Resolutions 2007.09.02 – 2007.09.13 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A). 

AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS OF SMITHSONIAN ADVISORY BOARDS

The advisory boards of the Smithsonian Institution Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the 

National Museum of the American Indian, and the Smithsonian Latino Center requested the 

Regents’ approval of amendments to the boards’ respective bylaws. The Regents’ review of the 

proposed revisions elicited a question about the American Indian Museum’s use of the word 

7
“assets” in reference to its museum collections. Management agreed to obtain background 

information on this issue. The review of the proposed bylaw changes also prompted a discussion 

about the use of different bylaw formats throughout the Institution. The Regents agreed that a 

comprehensive review should be made of all Smithsonian advisory boards’ bylaws with the 

intention of standardizing formats and unifying strategic initiatives. This review also would 

support the Institution’s governance reform initiatives. The Regents expressed their support for 

autonomous advisory boards but also noted their obligation to provide direct oversight of some, 

but not all, advisory board committees. The proposed motions were then approved. 

See attached Resolutions 2007.09.14 – 2007.09.16 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

DESIGNATION OF WALTER E. MASSEY AS REGENT EMERITUS

The Regents considered a motion to confer the title of Regent Emeritus on Walter E. Massey. 

Accordingly, the proposed motion was approved. 

See attached Resolution 2007.09.17(Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A). 

PROPOSED SPONSORSHIPS, ENDOWMENTS, AND DONOR RECOGNITION

The Regents considered 15 papers representing donor recognition and sponsorship opportunities, 

as well as actions to create endowments. The Regents determined that a closer examination and 

articulation of the Smithsonian’s corporate sponsorship guidelines is needed. Consequently, one 

sponsorship opportunity was reserved for the executive session discussion. This was in addition 

to a 16th potential agreement that the Executive Committee had previously set aside for review 

during executive session. A Regent requested, and the Board supported, editorial changes to two 

agreements, which are reflected in their respective motions. Accordingly, 14 motions were 

approved by the Regents. 

See attached Resolutions 2007.09.18 – 2007.09.30 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMITTEE

Audit and Review Committee Chair Phillip Frost presented an oral summary of the September 4, 

2007, Audit and Review Committee (“the Committee”) meeting to the Regents. The Institution’s 

independent auditors, KPMG, gave the Committee a presentation on the fiscal year 2007 audit 

plan. KPMG reported that the scope of work and reporting requirements were unchanged from 

the prior year. 

KPMG anticipates that it will meet the November 15, 2007, filing deadline for Federal reports 

and has agreed to deliver the completed financial statement audit by February 15, 2008. In 

addition, the firm will work closely with the Office of the Inspector General (IG) to share 

accounting internal control matters and all IG reports issued this year. As in prior years, the joint 

KPMG/Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audit of government grants and contracts at the 

Smithsonian (“the A133 Audit”) is expected to be completed after the other audits, in this case in 

June 2008. KPMG added that a qualified opinion was received from DCAA but said that this 

opinion is not considered meaningful as it was the result of an audit process technicality that is 

well understood in the grant community. 

A Regent expressed concern about the ongoing delays in the filing of the A133 Audit, adding 

that universities conduct these audits using external auditors and do not encounter such 

problems. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Alice Maroni agreed to find out if the Institution is 

limited to the use of the DCAA in the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory portion of the 

A133 Audit. 

The Committee also discussed the new language the auditors have adopted to identify significant 

deficiencies found in the course of an audit. As the reporting standard for a “significant 

deficiency” (the new term for “reportable condition”) is lower, it is anticipated that the number 

of matters that KPMG identifies for comment and brings to the Committee’s attention may 

increase. 

The Committee received a progress report on the Institution’s governance reform process from 

Special Advisor to the Regents John Lapiana. All six of the reform actions referred to the 

9
Committee are in progress. The Committee will meet on October 2, 2007, to consider the 

implementation progress to date and will report its findings during the November 19, 2007, 

Board of Regents’ meeting. 

Inspector General (IG) Sprightley Ryan next reported on the activities of her office. Ms. Ryan 

provided detailed explanations of the reporting relationships defined in the amended Inspector 

General Act of 1978, including the means and schedule by which her office will report to the 

Regents, the Committee, and Congress. The office will continue to bring issues of potential 

concern promptly to the Committee and notify the chair whenever reports are taken to Congress. 

The Committee expressed its satisfaction regarding the terms of the reporting relationship with 

the Inspector General and reported that that portion of the Institution’s governance reform action 

(item 12) is now complete. Ms. Ryan also reviewed several recently conducted audits and the 

current audit inventory in her office. Nine high-risk areas require audit attention, several new 

high-risk areas were identified, and a number of uncompleted office audits will carry forward 

into 2008. 

Ms. Maroni then presented a financial activities update. She confirmed the audit completion 

dates provided by KPMG and, regarding the governance reform initiative, reminded the 

Committee of the open reform actions still pending. The Institution is going forward with a 

review of former Secretary Small’s expenses for fiscal years 2006 and 2007 and has initiated a 

review of the tax treatment of reimbursements received by Mr. and Mrs. Small for all open tax 

years. Ms. Maroni noted that the Smithsonian is implementing a data security program designed 

to meet the purchase card industry’s security compliance requirements. She added that the 

Committee also discussed the need for more and better qualified accounting and auditing staff. 

Because the greater Washington market for qualified professionals is extremely competitive and 

the Institution’s funding resources are limited, the Institution has difficulty competing for best 

talent. Both the CFO and the IG will continue to report to the Committee about their respective 

efforts to strengthen staff resources. 

Mr. Frost reported that the Committee’s meeting was followed by three executive sessions, one 

each with KPMG, Ms. Ryan, and Ms. Maroni. 

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LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES AND ISSUES

The report on Legislative Activities and Issues did not elicit comment from the Board. 

REPORT OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL

The detailed report of the General Counsel noted that from January through August 2007 there 

were 17 active cases, two of which were new. Eight were employment cases, two were tort 

claims to which the Smithsonian Institution was a named party, five cases involved contracts, 

one concerned intellectual property, and one was related to another matter. 

General Counsel John Huerta said the Institution’s potential liability in almost every case is 

limited. He noted that the Institution lost one employment case during this period, but added that 

it was only the second employment case that the Institution has lost in Federal District Court 

litigation in the previous 12 years. 

UPDATE ON SMITHSONIAN-RELATED ACTIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT 

ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE

Acting Secretary Samper reported on recent Smithsonian-related actions undertaken by the 

Government Accountability Office (GAO; the investigative arm of Congress). One report 

reviewed the Smithsonian’s management structure and governance practices and the other 

examined the Smithsonian’s real property management and security. 

Dr. Samper said that the Institution already had received and responded to a draft of the GAO 

report on real property management and security, which was expected to be released within the 

next month. The report recommended increasing museum and facility directors’ awareness of 

security issues. It also supported the Institution’s self-assessment regarding the scope of its 

facilities problems. However, the report emphasized consideration of private funding for 

facilities and facilities maintenance, which was a significant departure from prior 

recommendations. The facilities funding issue prompted a question regarding the adequacy of 

the proposed 26 percent increase for facilities maintenance in the fiscal year 2008 Federal 

11
budget. The Regents agreed to defer some of the Regents’ discussion of real property 

management and funding until the afternoon discussion of the Facilities Revitalization 

Committee and the Finance and Investment Committee reports. The Regents also expressed 

concern about some inaccuracies in the report. Exception was taken to the report’s opinions that 

did not acknowledge actions previously considered or taken by the Board. 

A draft of the GAO report on the Smithsonian’s management structure and governance practices, 

which was requested by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), is not expected before the end of the 

year. Acting Secretary Samper, Deputy Secretary Burke, and Office of Government Relations 

Director Nell Payne agreed that a clear direction has not yet emerged in the auditors’ interviews 

of senior management and the Board. Concern was expressed about the fact that the GAO 

auditors assigned to this review appeared to have difficulty understanding the operations of the 

Institution, the various ways it differs from an Executive Branch agency, and how those 

differences are crucial to the fulfillment of its mission. 

The GAO auditors appear to be broadening their review beyond the scope of the original GAO 

audit to include governance at the unit level, as well as consideration of the Institution’s advisory 

boards and their relationships with both the Regents and senior management. It is assumed this is 

in response to the progress already made in efforts to address the governance issues identified in 

the Independent Review Committee and the Governance Committee reports. Dr. Samper 

reiterated his earlier comments about the importance of accelerating the engagement of the 

Institution’s advisory boards with both unit management and the Board of Regents. The Regents 

also noted their interest in enhancing relations between units and central management, as well as 

developing more consistent expectations of the Institution’s advisory boards while supporting the 

autonomy of both the boards and their units. 

THE SMITHSONIAN SEMESTER IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE

The Acting Secretary introduced an overview of the proposed extension of a non-exclusive joint 

venture between the National Zoological Park (NZP) and George Mason University (GMU). 

Since the late 1980s, the NZP and GMU have partnered to provide exceptional opportunities in 

12
graduate-level conservation education at the Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center (CRC) in 

Front Royal, Virginia. In January 2008 the program will be expanded to include a pilot 

interdisciplinary residential program for undergraduate conservation science education and 

scientific literacy at the CRC. The success of the partnership also has engendered the long-term 

goal of creating a CRC-based conservation science education facility that will be worldrecognized for its ability to advance biodiversity conservation through educational initiatives. 

The Regents’ discussion of the initiative included questions about the exclusivity of the 

partnership, as well as concern about the need for the Regents to provide adequate direction 

regarding new initiatives during a period of uncertainty about existing finances. Dr. Samper 

emphasized that the Smithsonian Semester is a non-exclusive partnership agreement that does not 

limit the Institution’s ability to work with other institutions or organizations. He also assured the 

Regents that the purpose of the agenda paper was to offer a “heads-up” to the Regents and that 

they would receive a comprehensive report on the project’s long-term plan upon its completion. 

Using this initiative as an example, the Regents considered the implications of continuing to 

launch disparate programs prior to developing a more focused, overarching framework and 

resource model. The Regents discussed the need to engage in a larger review of the Institution’s 

programming commitments in order to assure that each maximizes and leverages existing assets, 

including intellectual resources, and remains relevant to the Smithsonian’s objectives. 

MATHIAS LABORATORY RENOVATION AND TRAILER REPLACEMENT 

PROJECT

The Regents next considered a proposed motion to ask the Congressional Regents to seek 

Congressional authorization for fiscal year 2009 Federal funding to develop plans to renovate 

and replace research facilities at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in 

Edgewater, Maryland. The Mathias Laboratory Renovation and Trailer Replacement Project 

would replace decrepit trailer facilities that present immediate safety concerns and compromise 

the critical research initiatives conducted at the facility. It also would offer a 52,000-square-foot 

replacement laboratory that would be integrally connected with a modified existing structure 

13
(Mathias Laboratory). The renovated facility would provide an operationally efficient and 

environmentally sustainable laboratory facility designed to accommodate SERC’s world-class 

research programs. 

The proposal generated a discussion about the status of this initiative in relation to the 

Institution’s overall facilities maintenance plan, as well with respect to other facilities initiatives 

that require legislative support. The Regents also discussed at length the process by which 

Congressional support is solicited. 

The Regents were assured that the Mathias Laboratory Renovation and Trailer Replacement 

Project is indeed part of the Institution’s long-term master plan and not a new project. When 

asked if the Mathias Lab proposal should be included in the report of the Facilities Revitalization 

Committee, Ms. Burke made clear the initiative does not clearly fall under facilities maintenance 

and that planning could not advance without Congressional authorization. To enhance the 

legislative viability of the proposal, it was strongly suggested it be contextualized within the 

Institution’s matrix of facilities funding requests and, in particular, those that address immediate 

health and safety issues. The Regents also agreed that the facility’s compromised research 

capabilities undermine its mission-critical responsibilities and offer another compelling reason to 

seek Congressional support. 

A number of Regents, however, took issue with the process by which this proposal was to be 

presented to Congress. In the past, similar proposals often did not include Congressional input 

during their initial development. The Regents, however, agreed that the early involvement of 

legislative stakeholders is especially important during this time of uncertain Congressional 

support and restricted funding. Gathering input from the authorizing committee chair, the 

ranking member, and the Maryland delegation would strengthen the ownership and presentation 

of, as well as cultivate support for, the proposal. Moreover, engaging Congress early in the 

development of this proposal was seen as an opportunity to forge a closer relationship with 

Congressional leaders. However, it also was agreed that this consultation process should not lead 

to a surrender of the Institution’s ability to govern the prioritization of its needs. 

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The Regents also considered the relative merits of presenting a single bill that would include 

funding for both the planning and the subsequent construction of projects versus the submission 

of two bills, one for planning funding and another for design and construction. It became clear 

that Congress itself is of divided opinion on this procedural issue. The Regents determined that 

this proposal would be best served by revising the proposed motion to only begin the process to 

introduce and support legislation to authorize the design and construction of the project. 

Accordingly, a revised motion was approved by the Regents. 

See attached Resolution 2007.09.31 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE FINANCE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

The report of the Finance and Investment Committee (“the Committee”) was presented by 

Committee Chair Eli Broad, who summarized the Committee’s August 21 and September 11, 

2007, meetings. The Regents reviewed the agenda items addressed by the Committee, including 

the proposed fiscal year 2009 Federal budget submitted to OMB. Discussions of the proposed 

2009 budget, which was approved by the Committee in August, occurred during both the 

morning and the afternoon sessions of the Regents’ meeting and prompted renewed 

consideration of certain agenda items, the revision of certain proposed motions, and the proposal 

of process-related initiatives. These discussions were not always sequential, but are presented as 

such in these minutes for purposes of clarity. 

Mr. Broad gave a progress report on the implementation of Governance Reform Action Item No. 

22, which is intended to strengthen both the Committee’s and the Board’s engagement in the 

Institution’s budgeting process. He said that management is committed to identifying the key 

events or opportunities that would benefit from the Regents’ direct involvement or approval, 

such as revising the budget development timetable to facilitate enhanced Regent participation. 

Mr. Broad reported that the Committee received a proposal to refinance the Discovery Center’s 

debt from Treasurer Sudeep Anand during its September meeting. The Committee agreed to 

recommend for the Regents’ consideration a proposal to refinance the Discovery Center debt 

with a variable rate tax-exempt debt. Accordingly, the Regents approved the motion. 

15
See attached Resolution 2007.09.32 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Mr. Broad also updated the Regents on the Finance and Investment Committee’s consideration 

and subsequent proposal of a motion to transfer $70 million from the Institution’s short-term 

portfolio to the Endowment. The funds are primarily comprised of proceeds from the sale of the 

Victor Building, as well as other one-time real estate and business transactions. The proposed 

transfer is intended to increase, for the Institution’s future use, the funds’ return. 

The Regents carefully considered the language of the proposed motion with regard to its 

intended outcome and agreed that the information paper for the proposed motion did not make 

clear that the intended purpose of the funds is for long-term purposes, as determined within the 

sole discretion of the Regents. The Regents agreed to revise the motion to note that the funds will 

be invested, not transferred, into the Endowment for the future needs of the Institution. In 

discussion, they noted that annual income earned on the amount invested, as determined by the 

annual pay-out, would be available at the discretion of the Acting Secretary for the immediate 

needs of the Institution. Accordingly, the revised motion was approved. 

See attached Resolution 2007.09.33 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

During the Committee’s September meeting, Director of Investments Amy Chen summarized the 

ongoing efforts of the Investment Committee (a subcommittee of the Finance and Investment 

Committee) to implement its fixed income, absolute return, and private equity strategies; 

actualize its staffing and infrastructure plans; and formulate its public information strategy. Ms. 

Chen also stated that, as of July 31, 2007, the Endowment’s assets totaled $975 million and that 

it had achieved a 15.1 percent calendar year-to-date return on the absolute return investments 

versus its benchmark return of 8.4 percent. She also reported a 10 percent five-year return on 

Endowment returns versus its 5.5 percent long-term investment objective. 

Representing Investment Committee Chair David Silfen, who was unable to attend this Regents’ 

meeting, Ms. Chen gave a presentation on the Endowment to the Board. As the Endowment is a 

permanent fund intended to generate a reliable source of growing funds for the Institution’s 

operations, Ms. Chen addressed four areas that are key to understanding and assessing its 

16
administration: its management, its performance, the strategies employed to manage it, and the 

plans for its future. 

Ms. Chen outlined the major changes that have occurred in the management of the Endowment 

in recent years. A separate Investment Committee was formed to provide specialized oversight; 

the Office of Investments was established and its staff augmented; and a long-term policy 

portfolio was adopted to reduce the portfolio’s volatility and to enhance returns. In addition, 

emerging markets was added as a separate asset class and three new alternative asset classes 

were added: absolute return, private equity, and real assets. Ms. Chen explained the respective 

responsibilities of the Investment Committee and the Office of Investments, noting that the 

Committee is responsible for determining the policy and selection of fund managers and that 

staff is responsible for vetting all investment decisions, making recommendations, and 

implementing decisions. 

Illustrating the successful efforts of the Investment Committee and staff to diversify strategies 

and asset classes, Ms. Chen said that from October 2005 to December 2006 the Endowment 

increased by $114.8 million, of which $13 million could be attributed to explicit restructuring 

decisions. The Endowment’s management enabled it to both exceed policy benchmarks and 

weather recent market volatility. 

Future plans for the Endowment include continuing to build out the private equity and venture 

capital portfolio, as well as to expand the real asset portfolio. Ms. Chen said that the Endowment 

is transitioning to a new custodian and that its infrastructure is being developed. She added that 

the future success of the investment portfolio will be dependent upon continuing to develop 

strong governance structures, establishing and implementing sound policies and objectives, 

securing adequate implementation capabilities, and developing a systematic approach to 

performance measurement and evaluation. 

In response to a question, Ms. Chen assured the Regents that a summary of the Investment 

Committee’s investment philosophy, objectives, governance, guidelines, and practices is being 

developed and reviewed for public distribution, including the Web. The summary also will 

17
include an explanation of the Institution’s use and management of alternative investments in the 

management of its Endowment. 

Mr. Broad next reported that Chief Financial Officer Alice Maroni had provided the Committee 

with an update on the Institution’s financial health, as well as presented the fiscal year 2008 

budget. The Institution had a good year financially in fiscal year 2007: fund raising is expected 

to exceed budget; the Endowment, with the $70 million investment of funds from the short-term 

portfolio, is anticipated to reach about $1 billion; income for retail businesses is essentially on 

target; and the unrestricted Trust budget is forecast to have a modest surplus. 

Regarding fiscal year 2008, the Board was reminded that Congress had not yet provided the 

Institution with its appropriation and that the Institution would likely be operating under a 

Continuing Resolution at the start of, and perhaps well into, the new fiscal year. The Senate 

approved the Institution’s full budget request and added $18 million for facilities, as well as a 

small amount for two additional accountants and one additional auditor. The House of 

Representatives, however, only approved a $9 million increase in funding for facilities and in 

fact proposed a reduction of $35 million for operations funding. Regardless, Mr. Broad said that 

management remained cautiously optimistic that the Senate’s position would prevail in response 

to the considerable progress the Smithsonian has made on its governance reform agenda. He also 

pointed out, however, that although the fiscal year 2008 budget request includes an increase of 

$14 million for facilities capital (as well as $52 million in maintenance funding in the Salaries 

and Expenses account), it still falls about $100 million short of what is actually needed to 

address the Institution’s facilities needs. 

The Board then considered and approved two motions proposed by the Finance and Investment 

Committee regarding the fiscal year 2008 budgets for appropriated and Trust funds. 

See attached Resolutions 2007.09.34 and 2007.09.35 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, 

Appendix A).

Mr. Broad reported that the Committee had received an update on the Institution’s major real 

estate transactions, as well as a draft of Smithsonian Business Ventures’ (SBV) capital 

18
investment plan. Treasurer Sudeep Anand told the Committee that the preliminary plan for SBV 

capital commitments in fiscal year 2008 totals $3 million and that there are no major projects 

with commitments in excess of $500,000 in the plan. SBV’s estimated capital investment in 2008 

is about $7.1 million. The cash expenditures are substantially higher than the commitments 

because the bulk of the $4.5 million committed in fiscal year 2007 (for new stores and 

restaurants at the National Museum of American History) will be spent in fiscal year 2008. Mr. 

Broad noted that the Finance and Investment Committee had approved the SBV capital 

investment plan and that its final review and approval by the Smithsonian Business Ventures 

Board is scheduled for September 19, 2007. 

Regarding the fiscal year 2009 Federal budget proposed to OMB, Mr. Broad said that Office of 

Planning, Management, and Budget Director Bruce Dauer had presented the proposed budget for 

the Committee’s approval during its meeting in August. The $841 million request is $163 

million, or 24 percent, more than the fiscal year 2008 appropriation request. 

Mr. Broad explained that the Institution had structured its proposed fiscal year 2009 request to 

reflect management’s desire to achieve more balance between facilities and program funding. In 

support of this measure, the proposed budget is grouped into five major categories: funding for 

non-discretionary funding requirements; support for governance and oversight initiatives; 

funding for the stewardship of national treasures; monies to advance the increase and diffusion of 

knowledge; and funding for the development of the National Museum of African American 

History and Culture. 

The fiscal year 2008 request to OMB sought, but did not receive, a $94 million facilities 

maintenance budget that met the full minimum industry standard of 2 percent of the replacement 

value of facilities. In contrast, the proposed fiscal year 2009 request for facilities maintenance 

was reduced to $76 million. The fiscal year 2009 request also includes $168 million for facilities 

capital funding in support of such projects as the conversion of one of the Museum Support 

Center’s pods to accommodate art and anthropology collections storage space, the replacement 

of the Institution’s greenhouses, and the implementation of security improvements. It also 

includes $44 million in programmatic increases for initiatives such as the design and 

19
construction of a next-generation telescope that will explore the origin and evolution of the 

universe and the research and monitoring of global forests in order to measure the impact of 

global climate changes on forest organisms. 

It was noted that the fiscal year 2009 budget is based upon a projected fiscal year 2008 

appropriation, as Congress has yet to act upon it. If the fiscal year 2008 appropriation from 

Congress is less than anticipated, the Institution’s proposed fiscal year 2009 budget would in fact 

reflect an even greater increase over the prior year’s appropriation. The Regents then discussed 

the rationale behind the submission of a proposed budget that is significantly higher than the 

appropriation that the Institution projects that it will receive. 

Deputy Secretary Burke explained that the approach mirrors the strategic process followed by all 

Executive Branch agencies in recent years. The Institution first receives budgeting guidance 

from OMB, which has typically recommended funding on a limited increase at best. In response, 

the Institution, with the Regents’ support, has submitted budgets to OMB that better represent 

actual need. (Over the past four years the Institution’s proposed budgets to OMB have reflected, 

on average, a 23 percent increase from the prior year’s appropriation.) The Institution’s budget is 

then negotiated with OMB, prior to its submission to Congress. In recent years this process has 

resulted in Congressional budget requests that have averaged a 5 percent increase over the prior 

year appropriation — a figure that is higher than that for most Federal agencies. However, given 

the Federal budget deficit and the ongoing commitment of Federal resources to the war on terror, 

it is anticipated that the forthcoming negotiation of the fiscal year 2009 Federal budget will be 

especially difficult. 

Regardless, several Regents questioned if the proposed fiscal year 2009 Federal budget should be 

revised to include additional funding for facilities maintenance, as it currently does not reflect 

the full minimum industry standard of 2 percent of the replacement value of facilities. The desire 

to establish a more deliberate balance between facilities maintenance and programmatic budget 

requests was again reviewed. 

20
The discussion of possible revisions to the proposed fiscal year Federal 2009 budget prompted a 

series of conversations about the development process for future budgets. Mr. Sant explained 

that because of the schedule predetermined by OMB, the proposed fiscal year 2009 Federal 

budget had already been submitted. In response, the Regents agreed that the proposed motion 

regarding the fiscal year 2009 budget would need to be modified to note that the Board was 

ratifying, not approving, the proposed budget that was submitted under the guidance of the 

Finance and Investment Committee. The Regents also expressed their firm desire to be included 

in the early development of future budgets. A new motion was introduced that, prior to the 

submission of future proposed budgets to OMB, the Board be formally engaged in their 

examination and ratification and that the Finance and Investment Committee and the Secretary 

determine the best means to do so. Despite strong support for the proposed motion, the 

discussion did not culminate in a vote. 

The Regents also were told that, because of the Institution’s history of submitting budgets in 

excess of OMB’s recommendation, the OMB examiner had expressed a desire to meet with at 

least some of the Regents prior to the submission of the proposed fiscal year 2010 budget. An 

additional guideline for the budgeting process then was proposed. The Regents agreed that the 

budgeting process would benefit greatly from the development and presentation of the budget’s 

objectives in the first half of each year, instead of in conjunction with the submission of the 

proposed budget to OMB each fall. This action would allow more time to develop critically 

needed outside support for the Institution’s needs. It was noted that the chair of the Finance and 

Investment Committee had already expressed interest in working with the Secretary on the 

development, early in the year, of the Institution’s goals and budget. 

The Regents continued to discuss how to structure a budget that accurately reflects the full needs 

of the Institution, including facilities maintenance issues, while being mindful of the political 

considerations that could affect its review by both OMB and Congress. Although the Regents 

agreed that the proposed fiscal year 2009 Federal budget reflects the Institution’s commitment to 

better balance monetary and intellectual support for its facilities and programmatic needs, 

specific concerns again were raised about the adequacy of the funding request for facilities 

maintenance. A Regent also noted that any current budget for facilities maintenance will likely 

21
be increased in response to the forthcoming business plan on the Facilities Revitalization, which 

is under development by that Committee. 

The Board questioned if the renewed emphasis on programming might possibly undercut hardwon prior support for the Institution’s facilities issues, such as that received from the President in 

the last year, and consequently might jeopardize future funding for facilities capital initiatives. 

The Regents discussed the relative merits and drawbacks of going back to OMB with a revised 

budget that better reflects the Institution’s real facilities needs. As OMB typically advises the 

submission of flat budgets, concern about a potentially negative reaction from OMB was 

expressed. 

The Board affirmed its belief that funding for the Institution’s facilities’ maintenance is the 

responsibility of the Federal government. However, the Regents also acknowledged that 

Congress will not assume full responsibility for the maintenance of Smithsonian facilities. 

Instead of revising the request for facilities maintenance in the proposed fiscal year 2009 Federal 

budget, the Regents determined to revise the motion to state that the Board ratifies with strong 

reservation the proposed fiscal year 2009 Federal budget as the Regents believe that it would 

under-fund the Institution’s facilities maintenance needs by at least $25 million. Accordingly, a 

revised motion was approved by the Regents. 

See attached Resolution 2007.09.36 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

Proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the Board of Regents were submitted to the Board 30 

days in advance of the Regents’ meeting and reviewed during the morning executive session. In 

the afternoon, Shirley Ann Jackson, chair of the Regents’ Governance and Nominating 

Committee, highlighted three sections for the Regents’ particular attention: Section 4.03, in 

which the Nominating Committee is renamed the Governance and Nominating Committee; 

Section 4.04, in which the Facilities Revitalization Committee is created; and Section 5.02, in 

which a new position, Chair of the Board, is created and the respective responsibilities of the 

Chancellor and the new Chair are delineated. In addition, the proposed bylaws expand the 

22
responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel to include mandatory 

attendance at all meetings of the Board of Regents and its committees and the obligation of both 

officers to bring appropriate matters to the Regents. Also, the General Counsel in now tasked 

with preparing and keeping minutes of the meetings of the Board and Regents’ committees. 

Accordingly, the proposed motion was approved by the Regents. 

See attached Resolution 2007.09.37 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE FACILITIES REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE 

The chair of the Facilities Revitalization Committee, Robert Kogod, reported on the activities of 

the newly created standing committee and its predecessor, the ad hoc Facilities Revitalization 

Committee (both hereafter “the Committee”). Mr. Kogod reminded the Regents that the ad hoc 

Committee was created in 2005 to address the Institution’s pending $2.3 billion funding shortfall 

for facilities revitalization and maintenance, which was validated in the 2005 reviews by both the 

National Academy of Public Administration and the Government Accounting Office in the year 

2005.5

 He reminded the Board of the Committee’s aggressive exploration of viable options to 

address this funding shortfall, as well as its conclusion that the Institution is unable to raise 

sufficient funds to address facilities maintenance problems. 

As the Committee also concluded that these issues are the responsibility of the Federal 

government, a number of meetings were held with several Congressional oversight committees, 

as well as one strategic meeting with President Bush. Although the President expressed his 

support for increased Federal funding, the Congressional meetings were ultimately not successful 

and the funding issue remained unaddressed by the Federal government. 

Mr. Kogod then spoke of the effect of the Institution’s recent leadership and governance 

problems on the facilities maintenance funding shortfall. One positive outcome of that crisis was 

the June 2007 creation of a standing Regents’ committee tasked with addressing the critical 

facilities maintenance issues. In addition to Mr. Kogod, the standing Committee, which first met 

5 The September 2007 GAO report “Smithsonian Institution: Funding Challenges Affect Facilities’ Conditions 

and Security, Endangering Collections” revised the Institution’s facilities maintenance and revitalization funding 

shortfall to $2.5 billion.

23
on September 4, 2007, consists of Congressional Regents Xavier Becerra, Thad Cochran, Sam 

Johnson, and Patrick Leahy; citizen Regents Roger Sant and Patricia Stonesifer; and Richard 

Darman. 

The first meeting of the new standing committee was characterized as constructive and 

productive. The Committee reviewed a draft set of the Committee’s Charter and Bylaws and will 

receive a final draft before the Regent’s November 2007 meeting. Mr. Kogod noted that he had 

requested a legal opinion regarding the Federal government’s history and responsibility in 

relation to the Institution’s facilities maintenance funding. Although that opinion is still under 

review, Mr. Kogod said that it is clear that, although the Federal government bears major 

responsibility for this issue, it is not prepared to fully fund the repair of the Smithsonian’s 

facilities. Mr. Kogod also explained that the Office of Facilities Engineering and Operations 

(OFEO) had provided an excellent matrix that outlined the Institution’s facilities maintenance 

issues and prioritized the problems. Mr. Kogod noted that priorities one and two, as presented by 

OFEO, comprise about $1.5 billion of the $2.5 billion facilities maintenance funding shortfall, 

the most recent estimate of the shortfall. Mr. Kogod stressed the critical importance of providing 

key stakeholders with information about the Smithsonian’s facilities maintenance crisis that is 

both in-depth and accessible. 

The Committee reviewed the numerous funding and financing options that have been explored to 

fund this shortfall and confirmed that no one option alone would sufficiently address the 

problem. The Committee also discussed the general principles that must guide any actions 

undertaken and agreed that a “do no harm” approach must govern all decisions, that Congress 

must be regularly consulted, and that initiatives will not be pursued if they result in limited 

benefit. To facilitate relationships with members of Congress, Director of Government Relations 

Nell Payne is providing the Committee with legislative overviews of Congressional committees, 

members, and their staffs. Mr. Kogod noted that it is clear that Congressional consensus does not 

exist regarding the degree of Federal responsibility for the Smithsonian’s facilities maintenance 

issues. He added that the Committee’s primary responsibility is to develop consensus in support 

of a successful private/public partnership that presumes Federal responsibility for the majority of 

the Institution’s facilities maintenance funding. 

24
Mr. Kogod also reviewed key aspects of the draft Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) 

report on the Smithsonian’s real property management and security, which was received on 

September 3, the day before the Committee’s meeting. He noted that the GAO updated the 

funding shortfall to $2.5 billion over the next six, not nine, years. The draft report also said that 

the Institution should increase unit directors’ awareness of security issues, add information on 

privately funded projects to the capital plan, and more comprehensively analyze funding options 

for facilities projects and report to Congress and OMB on a funding strategy. 

Mr. Kogod said that the GAO made clear that the Board of Regents is expected to play a major 

role in addressing the Institution’s facilities funding shortfall. He then outlined the key activities 

the Committee will undertake within a very short timeframe. Senator Dianne Feinstein will 

receive a status report on the Committee’s efforts on November 7, 2007; the Committee will also 

continue to consult with other key Congressional stakeholders. The Committee will hold one or 

two additional meetings before the November Regents’ meeting, at which time its strategic plan 

will be presented to the Board for its approval. 

The Committee believes that the development of a comprehensive and effective strategic plan 

must address funding for both facilities revitalization and programming. Mr. Kogod noted that 

the Office of External Affairs has expressed its support for the creation of a larger fund-raising 

campaign based on a matching government/private/public partnership. He added that its creation 

should include input from individual units, not just central management. Mr. Kogod closed his 

presentation by emphasizing that the Regents’ support was of critical importance and would 

greatly determine the success of the Committee’s efforts to secure the Federal government’s 

support for the Institution’s baseline facilities revitalization needs. 

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee (“the Committee”), Shirley Ann 

Jackson, presented the Committee’s report. Dr. Jackson said that the Committee had held three 

meetings since the Regents’ June 2007 meeting, during which the Board adopted the 

Committee’s governance recommendations. The Committee continues to oversee and coordinate 

25
the implementation of the recommendations. Although the Regents were scheduled to review 

certain governance and nomination issues during executive session, Dr. Jackson highlighted 

several issues for the Board’s consideration during this portion of the meeting. 

Dr. Jackson noted that the governance scorecard, which reports the progress on the 

implementation of each governance recommendation, is posted on the Smithsonian’s public 

website and updated monthly. She said that the implementation of the recommendations is on 

schedule: 12 of the original 24 recommendations have been fully implemented and two in part. 

The Committee provided the Regents with proposed criteria for the nomination of citizen 

Regents and proposed improvements to the appointment process for committee chairs and 

members. Dr. Jackson pointed out that, among other things, the Committee recommends giving 

special consideration to Board candidates who have served on a museum advisory board, 

identifying candidates with nonprofit or corporate governance experience, and seeking 

candidates with business, financial, or investment experience. The Committee also proposed 

specific guidelines regarding committee memberships; citizen Regents’ chairmanship of 

Regents’ committees; and measures to increase expertise within Regents’ committees. Dr. 

Jackson added that these guidelines will be reviewed at least once a year in conjunction with the 

Board’s and committees’ self-evaluations. 

Dr. Jackson next reported on the Committee’s comprehensive review of the structure and 

composition of the Board, as well as the relationships between the Board and the Institution’s 

advisory boards. She said that a Request for Proposal (RFP) had been issued to obtain outside 

expertise in nonprofit and public-sector governance and that a report of this review will be issued 

in December 2007. She also said that the Committee will be examining issues of corporate 

sponsorship, advisory boards’ conflict-of-interest policies, and effective advisory board selfexamination practices. In closing, Dr. Jackson reported on the Committee’s ongoing discussions 

with Congress, including anticipated meetings with the House Appropriations Committee’s 

leadership. 

26
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE 

Patricia Stonesifer, the chair of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee (“the 

Committee”) said that the Committee had been working on several critical issues, some of which 

would be discussed during executive session. The Committee has addressed a proposed package 

for the next Smithsonian Secretary. In addition, it has responded to the call for a unified 

compensation philosophy and practices and developed proposed changes to the Institution’s 

leave policy for senior executives. The Regents decided to hold further discussion on these 

initiatives until executive session. 

REPORT OF THE AD HOC SEARCH COMMITTEE FOR THE 12TH 

SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 

Alan Spoon, the chair of the ad hoc Search Committee for the 12th Secretary of the Smithsonian 

(“the Committee”), gave a progress report on the Committee’s activities. Since the May 2007 

launch of the search for the next Secretary, the Committee has held several meetings, both in 

person and by teleconference; secured the services of executive consultant firm Isaacson, Miller; 

established a framework for the search process; developed a working description of the desired 

skills and qualities of the next Secretary and articulated an overview of the anticipated challenges 

that person will likely face; created a “charge” statement for the Regents’ approval; and 

continued to seek internal and external input on all aspects of the search process. 

Mr. Spoon reported that, in addition to the evening’s scheduled meeting of the Committee, a 

second open meeting was to be held that afternoon to allow staff to offer their comments and ask 

questions regarding the search process and the profile for the next Secretary. Along with these 

public meetings, the Committee has been conducting meetings with leadership groups 

throughout the Institution, such as the Congress of Scholars, in a concerted effort to solicit input 

that will help shape the search process. He added that this portion of the three-part search process 

is the “listening” phase and that one of the products of this stage was the creation of a draft 

“scoping” document that outlines both the anticipated challenges that the next Secretary will 

face, as well as the desired traits that will enable that person to effectively address these critical 

issues. 

27
Mr. Spoon said that the search process was entering into its second phase, during which the 

Committee will begin to actively consider potential candidates and, by necessity, become more 

discreet in its actions. He added that the process of considering actual persons against the draft 

scoping document will enable the Committee to assess the document’s effectiveness. In 

December, the Committee will conclude the second stage of the search process when it selects a 

final list of people to interview. Candidate interviews, which will be conducted in January 2008, 

will comprise the third stage of the search process. 

Mr. Spoon then asked the Board for feedback about certain aspects of the search process, 

including the Committee’s articulation of anticipated challenges facing the Smithsonian and the 

Committee’s determination to present one candidate to the Board for its approval. Mr. Spoon 

strongly encouraged the Regents to review carefully the scoping document’s list of anticipated 

challenges and desired qualifications with respect to the fact that the final document will publicly 

communicate the Regents’ vision and priorities for the Institution. The document outlined the 

qualities deemed critical to the success of the next Secretary, such as the ability to advance the 

intellectual mission of the Institution, build public trust, inspire staff, cultivate programmatic and 

professional diversity that reflects the breadth of American culture, advance both public and 

private fund raising, and strengthen administrative services in support of the Institution’s mission 

and programs. Mr. Spoon emphasized the Committee’s conviction that a commitment to, as well 

as demonstration of, intellectual advancement is of paramount importance. 

The Regents were uniform in their support for the draft scoping document, noting that it 

provided an eloquent, insightful, and transparent overview of the challenges facing the 

Smithsonian. They also agreed that it conveyed the seriousness, as well as the excitement, of the 

search process. Mr. Spoon thanked them for their comments and reiterated that the draft 

document would receive further review from key stakeholders, such as senior staff, before its 

release in the next few weeks, which will include a posting on the Institution’s public website. 

The Regents then returned to the Committee’s charge and, in particular, the issue of whether the 

Committee should present one or several final candidates to the Board for its approval. After 

much discussion about the relative merits and drawbacks of both approaches, the Regents agreed 

28
that the Committee would modify its charge to state that the Regents would receive information 

about the Committee’s recommended candidate along with a ranked list of finalists in preferred 

order, as well as descriptions of the decision-making process by which the proposed candidate 

was selected. The Regents were assured that the Committee will continue to seek guidance and 

input at all stages of the search process. The critical need to maintain the confidentiality of the 

search process was also reemphasized. 

INTRODUCTION OF NEW AGENDA ITEM:RECOGNITION OF DEPUTY 

DIRECTOR AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER SHEILA BURKE

As the Board was about to enter its executive session, Mr. Sant introduced a motion to recognize 

the outstanding contributions of departing Deputy Secretary and Chief Operation Officer Sheila 

Burke, whose service to Smithsonian was scheduled to conclude at the end of the month. 

Although Ms. Burke was not present to receive this acknowledgment, the Board expressed, and 

Acting Secretary Samper reiterated, their profound gratitude for her guidance, professionalism, 

and generous support during this critical juncture in the Institution’s history. The motion was 

unanimously approved. 

See attached Resolution 2007.09.38 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

The plenary meeting of the Board of Regents concluded at 3:37 p.m., after which the Regents 

met in executive session. 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

JOHN E. HUERTA 

RECORDING SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL 

29
30
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

September 17, 2007 

APPENDIX A

APPROVED RESOLUTIONS

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Minutes of the Meeting of May 7, 2007, as 

circulated on September 11, 2007. [2007.09.01] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Edward Ogden Cabot, Martha Fleischman, and 

Diane Albitol Fogg and reappoints Arthur Cohen, Ruth Feder, Tommy LiPuma, Marla Prather, 

and Donna Kemper Rosen to the Board of Trustees of the Archives of American Art for threeyear terms effective immediately. [2007.09.02] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints C. Kurt Dewhurst, Anthony Gittens, Debora 

Kodish, Libby O’Connell, and Robert Santelli to the Advisory Council of the Center for Folklife 

and Cultural Heritage for three-year terms effective October 1, 2007. [2007.09.03] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Marilyn Friedman, Miki Naftali, and Lisa Roberts 

and reappoints James Rosenthal to the Board of Trustees of Cooper-Hewitt, National Design 

Museum for three-year terms effective immediately. [2007.09.04] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Wesley G. Bush, Edsel B. Ford II, Rodney R. 

Lewis, Jack J. Pelton, and Matthew C. Weisman to the Board of the National Air and Space 

Museum for three-year terms effective October 2007. [2007.09.05] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Ellsworth Brown, James Horton, and Vicki Ruiz to 

the Board of Directors of the National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center 

for three-year terms effective October 5, 2007. [2007.09.06] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Timothy E. Wirth and reappoints Roger W. Sant to 

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

[2007.09.07] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Manley Begay, Jr., Roberta Leigh Connor, 

Cheryl Crazy Bull, Catherine Fowler, George Gund III, Eric J. Jolly, and José Zárate to the 

Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Indian for three-year terms effective 

January 1, 2008. [2007.09.08] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Nicholas G. Carter to the Council of Philatelists of 

the National Postal Museum for a two-year term effective immediately. [2007.09.09] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Susan A. Mars and Stuart L. Pimm and reappoints 

Camilla Jenkins to the National Zoological Park Advisory Board of the National Zoo for threeyear terms effective immediately. [2007.09.10] 

31
VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Terence F. Smith to the Advisory Board of the 

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center for a three-year term effective immediately. 

[2007.09.11] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Ronald J. Monark to the Smithsonian Institution 

Libraries Board of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries for a three-year term effective January 1, 

2008, and appoints Michael J. Cromwell III to the Smithsonian Institution Libraries Board for a 

three-year term effective immediately. [2007.09.12] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Gilberto Cárdenas and Lionel Sosa to the 

Smithsonian National Latino Board of the Smithsonian Latino Center for three-year terms 

effective immediately. [2007.09.13] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed revisions to the Bylaws of the 

Advisory Council of the Smithsonian Institution Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. 

[2007.09.14] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed revisions to the Bylaws of the Board 

of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Indian. [2007.09.15] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed revisions to the Bylaws of the 

Smithsonian National Latino Board of the Smithsonian Latino Center. [2007.09.16] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents confers the title of Regent Emeritus on Walter E. Massey 

with heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding service he has provided to the Smithsonian Institution. 

[2007.09.17] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of the Soil Science Society of 

America and the Agronomic Science Foundation to the National Museum of Natural History and 

accepts the terms of this sponsorship agreement. [2007.09.18] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of A&E Television Networks and 

its subsidiary The History Channel to the National Museum of Natural History’s Ocean Initiative 

and accepts the terms of this sponsorship agreement. [2007.09.19] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Edward P. and Rebecca Rogers 

Henderson to the National Museum of Natural History and gratefully approves the creation and 

naming of the Edward P. Henderson and Rebecca Rogers Henderson Mineral Fund, an 

endowment from which proceeds shall be used to acquire mineral specimens and to support the 

mineral collection maintained and housed in the Washington, D.C., area and the work performed 

by Museum staff. In addition, expenditures of the endowment shall be made at the discretion of 

the curators in charge of the Minerals Collection. [2007.09.20] 

32
VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity to the Smithsonian American Art 

Museum of the late Raymond J. Horowitz, and gratefully creates and names the Raymond J. 

Horowitz Endowment, the proceeds of which shall support exclusively scholarship, research, 

exhibitions, and/or publications by the Museum for the purpose of encouraging new insight and 

scholarship in American art from its beginnings through the end of the American Impressionist 

Era. [2007.09.21] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the creation and naming of an endowment to 

support the National Museum of the American Indian’s advanced training program in 

conservation. The endowment shall be named the National Museum of the American Indian 

Endowment for the Advanced Training Program in Conservation. [2007.09.22] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the creation and naming of the A. Stanley Rand 

Fellowship Endowment at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, an endowment named in 

memory of the STRI senior scientist. The proceeds of this endowment shall support pre- and 

post-doctoral STRI fellowships for researchers in the tropics. Further, the Board authorizes the 

transfer of funds identified for this endowment. [2007.09.23] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the creation and naming of the Gwendolen 

Rochester Leighty Endowment for the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, an endowment named 

in memory of the late Libraries staff member, the proceeds of which may be used for the 

acquisition of books, journals, and electronic databases, preservation activities, and other 

programmatic needs, as determined by the director of the Libraries. Further, the Board authorizes 

the transfer of funds identified for this endowment. [2007.09.24] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the creation of an endowment for the Smithsonian 

Center for Education and Museum Studies, the proceeds of which will fund the Center’s annual 

Smithsonian Education Awards Program. Further, the Board authorizes the transfer of funds 

identified for this endowment. [2007.09.25] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Margaret H.P. Nuttle to the 

National Museum of the American Indian and gratefully approves the naming of the Barksdale 

Dabney Patrick Henry Family Fund, a research fund that will enable the Museum’s research staff 

to expand the body of scholarly knowledge on American Indians’ contributions to the formation 

of American democracy, culture, and identity, from colonial days to the present. [2007.09.26] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes Marc Pachter’s leadership and accomplishments 

and gratefully approves naming in his honor three funds at the National Portrait Gallery: the 

Marc Pachter Exhibitions Fund, the Marc Pachter Acquisitions Fund, and the Marc Pachter Fund 

for Commissioning. [2007.09.27] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity and dedication of Frederick W. 

Smith to the National Museum of Natural History and gratefully approves naming in memory of 

his daughter a fund and an exhibition, the Windland Smith Rice Nature’s Best Photography Fund 

and The Nature’s Best Photography, Windland Smith Rice International Awards Exhibition. 

[2007.09.28] 

33
VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity and dedication of Nina and Ivan 

Selin to the National Museum of American History and gratefully approves naming its planned 

second-floor welcome center the Nina and Ivan Selin Welcome Center. Further, this name shall 

be associated with the Center until December 31, 2030, or until the completion of the next major 

renovation of the space in which the Center is located, whichever occurs last. [2007.09.29] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the service and contributions of Vine Victor 

Deloria, Jr. to the National Museum of the American Indian and gratefully approves naming in 

perpetuity the library in the Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, Maryland, the Vine Deloria, 

Jr. Library, and naming the Museum’s Native Writers Series the Vine Deloria, Jr. Native Writers 

Series for as long as the series exists. [2007.09.30] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents requests its Congressional members to begin the process to 

introduce and support legislation to provide for the design, construction, and commissioning of 

the Mathias Laboratory Renovation and Trailer Replacement Project at the Smithsonian 

Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland, for the purpose of supporting the 

Center’s world-class leadership in the study of ecosystems in the coastal zone. [2007.09.31] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents authorizes the Acting Secretary of the Smithsonian 

Institution and his designees to enter into and secure debt for the Smithsonian in order to 

refinance the revenue bonds issued to finance the Institution’s Discovery Center and cover the 

costs of issuance related thereto. The aggregate principal amount of the debt will not exceed $40 

million and the debt may be fixed rate or floating rate. The principal amount of the debt is 

defined as the gross proceeds from issuance of such debt. The Acting Secretary and his designees 

are further authorized to enter into one or more interest rate swaps or other hedging arrangements 

in connection with such debt and to take any and all actions and to execute, acknowledge, and 

deliver any and all agreements, instruments, and other documents as they may, in their 

discretion, deem necessary or desirable to issue and secure such debt or hedging arrangement. 

[2007.09.32] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents authorizes the Acting Secretary to invest $70 million from 

the short-term portfolio in the Endowment. [2007.09.33] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the budget of appropriated funds for fiscal year 

2008 when signed into law by the President and authorizes expenditures by the Acting Secretary 

in accordance therewith. Any material changes in program plans incorporated into this budget 

shall be made only with the approval of the Board of Regents or its Executive Committee. 

[2007.09.34] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the institutional budget for Trust funds for fiscal 

year 2008 reflected in this report and authorizes expenditures by the Acting Secretary in 

accordance therewith. Any material changes in program plans incorporated into this budget shall 

be made only with the approval of the Board of Regents or its Executive Committee. 

[2007.09.35] 

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VOTED that the Board of Regents ratifies with strong reservation the Smithsonian Institution 

budget request for appropriated funds for fiscal year 2009 for presentation to the Office of 

Management and Budget. The Board’s expression of strong reservation reflects its determination 

that the submitted budget request for facilities maintenance is under-proposed by at least 

$17 million. Any material changes in program plans incorporated into this budget shall be made 

only with the approval of the Board of Regents or its Executive Committee. [2007.09.36] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed revisions to the Bylaws of the 

Smithsonian’s Board of Regents. [2007.09.37] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents acknowledges the extraordinary contributions made by Sheila 

Burke as Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer. Her experience, leadership, and 

management skills have greatly strengthened the strategies and management of the Institution. 

[2007.09.38] 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

JOHN E. HUERTA 

RECORDING SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL 

35