____________________________

1 Participated in the afternoon session only

2 Participated in the lunch presentation only 

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 29, 2018, MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

ATTENDANCE

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

was held on Monday, January 29, 2018. The Board conducted morning, afternoon, and executive 

sessions at the National Museum of the American Indian (“NMAI”) in Washington, D.C. Board Chair 

David M. Rubenstein welcomed Regents and staff and called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m. Also 

present were Regents:

The Chief Justice1

Senator John Boozman

Senator Patrick J. Leahy

Representative Sam Johnson

Representative Doris Matsui

Ambassador Barbara M. Barrett

Steve Case, Vice Chair

John Fahey

Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.

Michael Govan

Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey

Michael Lynton

John W. McCarter, Jr.

Robert MacDonald, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Alan G. Spoon, Advancement Committee Chair

The Vice President, Senator David Perdue, and Representative Tom Cole were unable to attend the 

meeting. 

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

David J. Skorton, Secretary

Frederica Adelman2, Director, Smithsonian 

Associates

Patricia Bartlett2, Acting Assistant Secretary 

Education and Access

Betty Belanus2, Education Specialist, Smithsonian 

Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage 

Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary

Cindy Brown2, Manager of Horticulture Collections 

Management and Education, Smithsonian 

Gardens

Sara Cardello2, Education Specialist, Smithsonian 

Libraries

Alison Cawood2, Citizen Science Coordinator, 

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

D. Teng Chamchumrus 2, Interim Chief Operating

Officer, Smithsonian Affiliations

John Davis, Provost/Under Secretary for Museums

and Research

Zully Dorr, Acting Assistant Secretary for

 Advancement

Farleigh Earhart1, Associate, Office of General 

Counsel

Julie Eddy, Office of Representative Matsui

Elizabeth Eder2, Head of Education and Public 

Programs, Freer│Sackler Galleries of Art

Karen Garrett2, Senior Program Officer, Office of 

the Associate Provost for Education and Access

Mallory Gianola, Special Assistant to the Regents
2

Amanda Hamilton, Office of Representative

 Johnson

Lauren Hancock, Office of Senator Perdue

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Toni-Marie Higgins, Office of Senator Boozman

Amy Homma2, Director of Digital Learning, 

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Albert Horvath, Under Secretary for Finance & 

 Administration/Chief Financial Officer 

Rebecca Kasemeyer2, Associate Director for 

Audience Engagement, National Portrait Gallery

Karen Keller1, Director, Office of Special Events and 

Protocol

Emily Key2, Education Programs Manager, 

Smithsonian Latino Center

Lanisa Kitchiner2, Director of Education and 

Scholarly Initiatives, National Museum of African 

Art

Laura Klopfer2, Assistant Director of Public 

Education and Volunteers, Smithsonian 

National Zoological Park and Conservation 

Biology Institute

Mark Kornmann2, Associate Director, Office 

of Education and Public Engagement 

National Air and Space Museum

Carrie Kotcho2, A. James Clark, Director of 

Education and Impact, National Museum 

of American History

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Era Marshall, Director for the Office of Equal 

 Employment and Minority Affairs

Carolyn Martin, Acting Assistant Secretary for 

Communications & External Affairs

Kevin McDonald, Senior Adviser to Senator 

 Leahy

Meredith McMahon2, Executive Director, 

Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief Justice 

Sean Murphy, Office of Representative 

 Cole

Andrea Neighbors2, Education Specialist, 

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

Stephanie Norby2, Director, Smithsonian Center for 

Learning and Digital Access

Carol O’Donnell2, Director, Smithsonian Science 

Education Center

Paul Perry2, Director of Education and Outreach, 

Anacostia Community Museum

Stephen M. Pinkos, Office of the Vice President

Carolyn Rapkievian2, Director for Interpretation, 

National Museum of the American Indian

Maura Reidy, Acting Director of Government 

 Relations 

Philip Sadler2, Director, Science Education

Department, Smithsonian Astrophysical 

Observatory

Myriam Springuel2, Director, Smithsonian 

Institution Traveling Exhibition Service Interim 

Director, Smithsonian Affiliations

Shari Werb2, Assistant Director, Education and 

Outreach, National Museum of Natural History

Matthew White2, Director of Education and Visitor 

Services, National Postal Museum

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents

Carol Wilson2, Lunder Education Chair, 

Smithsonian American Art Museum
3

MORNING SESSION

2018 Senior Executive 

Compensation

Welcome

Departure and 

Recognition of the 

Advancement 

Committee Chair

Transition of 

Smithsonian 

National Board Chair

EXECUTIVE SESSION: REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND 

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

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

Compensation and Human Resources Committee Chair John Fahey led the Board’s 

annual discussion of senior executive compensation decisions. The Board also 

reviewed the Secretary’s annual performance appraisal for fiscal year 2017, 

proposed 2018 compensation, and terms of employment. Upon motions duly 

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

Resources Committee’s recommendations. 

See attached Actions 2018.01.01–2018.01.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, 

Appendix A). 

The executive session adjourned at 10:13 a.m. 

OPEN SESSION

Smithsonian and Regent staff members entered the room and the meeting 

reconvened. Mr. Rubenstein welcomed everyone and called the open session to 

order at 10:17 a.m. 

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mr. Rubenstein recognized the final meeting of founding Advancement 

Committee Chair, Alan Spoon. He highlighted the innumerable contributions Mr. 

Spoon made during his tenure, including his time as a Regent and Regent 

Emeritus. Mr. Spoon began his involvement with the Smithsonian on the advisory 

board of the National Museum of Natural History. He served as a member of the 

Executive Committee and led the search for the 12th Secretary of the 

Smithsonian. Most recently, he served as co-chair of the Smithsonian’s first 

Institution-wide campaign. Mr. Rubenstein expressed the Board’s appreciation

for Mr. Spoon’s personal contributions and leadership. 

Next, Mr. Rubenstein noted that Robert MacDonald’s term as Chair of the 

Smithsonian National Board will conclude on September 30, 2018. Mr. 

MacDonald will join the Board for his final meeting in June 2018. Mr. Rubenstein 

thanked Mr. MacDonald for his service to the Board and the Smithsonian. 
4

Departure and 

Recognition of

Representative Sam 

Johnson

Executive Committee 

Approvals

Consent Agenda

On January 6, 2017, Representative Sam Johnson announced that he would retire 

from the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, after twenty-seven years of 

public service. He has served on the Board since 1995. Mr. Rubenstein informed 

the Board that Congressman Johnson would be donating items from his time as a 

prisoner of war to the National Museum of American History (“NMAH”). He 

invited the Regents to join Congressman Johnson on February 13 for a donation 

ceremony and reception inside the Price of Freedom exhibit. Mr. Rubenstein 

recognized Congressman Johnson for his patriotism and more than two decades 

of service to the Smithsonian. 

The Board was briefed on the recent work of the Executive Committee, which 

voted to approve two philanthropic gifts to the National Air and Space Museum 

(“NASM”). The gifts were approved by the Executive Committee so that they 

could be announced at the retirement celebration of General Jack Dailey, Director 

of NASM. In addition the Committee approved the Secretary’s request to honor 

General Dailey with the Joseph Henry Medal for exceptional service to the 

Smithsonian. Mr. Rubenstein thanked Ambassador Barrett for presenting the 

award to General Dailey on Friday, January 26, 2018.

Due to exigent circumstances, the Committee also was charged with approving 

the Secretary’s request for authority to lease office and control-center space for 

the relocation of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (“SAO”) Chandra XRay observatory operations control center from Cambridge, Massachusetts to 

Burlington, Massachusetts.

Mr. Rubenstein concluded the report of the Executive Committee with a brief 

review of the Short Conversation, which was the public announcement of the 

Smithsonian’s strategic plan and served as the Regents’ Annual Public Forum for 

2017. He thanked Congresswoman Matsui, Secretary Skorton, and the Director of 

Natural History Kirk Johnson for their involvement. Mr. Rubenstein also shared 

the success of the Long Conversation, the eight-hour marathon of dialogues 

between leaders in the arts and sciences following the Short Conversation.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

The consent agenda (“agenda”) was presented for the Board’s approval. 

Procedures for the Board’s use of the consent agenda dictate that an item will 

remain on the agenda only by unanimous consent. Any Regent may ask the Office 

of the Regents to remove an item from the agenda for discussion by providing 

three days’ notice in advance of the scheduled Board meeting.

Action items listed on the January 29, 2018, consent agenda included: the draft 

minutes of the October 23, 2017, Board meeting; the appointment and 

reappointment of candidates to 14 Smithsonian Advisory Boards; bylaw 

amendments of the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Advisory Council; and 

the approval and naming recognition for three gifts and one quasi-endowment. 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to adopt the agenda, 
5

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

constituting the approval of all action items listed therein.

See attached Actions 2018.01.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A). 

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Rubenstein reminded the Board that, in an effort to maximize time for 

substantive discussions, Regent committee chairs and Smithsonian staff have 

been asked to submit their reports in writing in lieu of an oral report, unless a 

topic requires action or substantial discussion. The reports were distributed in 

advance of the meeting and committee chairs and Smithsonian senior staff were 

present to answer questions from the Board. 

Written Report of the Advancement Committee 

The Advancement Committee met on January 9, 2018. During the meeting, the 

Committee voted to recommend five gift actions and one administrative action to 

the Board of Regents. The Committee also reviewed the progress of the 

Smithsonian Campaign. The Committee discussed initial recommendations of the 

Volunteer Engagement and Regional Outreach Working Group, and received an 

update from the Secretary on funding advancement activities post-Campaign. 

The Smithsonian Campaign concluded on December 31, 2017. 

Written Report of the Audit and Review Committee 

The Audit and Review Committee met on January 22, 2018. During the meeting, 

the Committee approved the Smithsonian’s external auditor, KPMG, to prepare 

and submit the Smithsonian’s 2017 Form 990 and 990-T to the Internal Revenue 

Service. The Committee also reviewed the results of the fiscal year 2017 audit 

and federal closing package. The Committee discussed the Smithsonian’s 

information security program and was briefed on the Inspector General’s 

activities. 

Written Report of the Investment Committee 

The Investment Committee met on December 6, 2017, and reviewed the 

Investment Portfolio, Co-Investment and Secondary Strategy, and Portfolio 

Implementation and Operations. The Smithsonian Endowment’s preliminary 

performance as of June 30, 2017, over the trailing one-year, three-year, five-year, 

and ten-year periods, generated returns against the policy benchmark of 13.9% 

versus 9.6%, 5.6% versus 2.5%, 9.0% versus 5.7%, and 5.0% versus 2.7%, 

respectively. Against the final report of Cambridge Associates peer universe of 

endowments and foundations, the Smithsonian was ranked in the first quartile for 

the trailing three and five-year periods, and in the second quartile for the trailing 

one- and ten-year periods. 
6

Budget

Congressional Briefings

Smithsonian Introduced 

Legislation

Written Report of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology

Committee 

The Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee met on December 12, 2017. 

During the meeting the Committee reviewed information on education activities 

and discussed upcoming exhibits, including the American Women’s History 

Initiative. The Committee was also briefed on four upcoming exhibits that were 

expected to generate greater than normal stakeholder interest.

Written Report of the Smithsonian National Board

The Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”) held its fall meeting from October 26-28, 

2017, in Washington, D.C. During the meeting, SNB focused on the first goal of 

the Smithsonian’s new strategic plan, Be One Smithsonian. Members received an 

overview of the implementation strategy for the One Smithsonian goal, with 

emphasis on the role leadership volunteers can play in working with the 

Institution to advance the goal. 

The SNB was also updated on changes related to two working groups. Having 

achieved its goal of advising the Smithsonian in the area of leadership 

development, the SNB’s Human Capital Working Group was dissolved. A new 

working group was created to focus on the Arts and Industries Building Initiative.

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

The Office of Government Relations (“OGR”) has continued to monitor the federal 

budget. As of January 22, 2018, the Smithsonian is being funded by a continuing 

resolution (“CR”) at the fiscal year 2017 enacted funding level. This funding will 

continue through February 8, 2018.

The Office of Government Relations reported on two congressional briefings. On 

August 24, 2017, National Zoological Park Director Dennis Kelly and staff from the 

Smithsonian Offices of Facilities, Real Estate, and General Counsel updated staff 

from the Committee on House Administration, Senate Committee on Rules, and 

House Transportation Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings 

and Emergency Management on the central parking facility project. The briefing 

was an opportunity for all Congressional stakeholders to learn about the state of 

the project in advance of considering the legislation.

In addition, on November 2, 2017, the Smithsonian Offices of Planning, 

Management, and Budget; General Counsel; and Real Estate met with staff from 

the House Transportation Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public 

Buildings and Emergency Management to follow up on concerns raised at the July 

6, 2016, hearing on Federal Leasing Authority. The Subcommittee was updated 

on ongoing conversations with the General Services Administration regarding the 

Institution’s ability to enter into long-term leases.
7

Report of the 

Governance and 

Nominating Committee

Committee Assignments 

and Chairmanships

Review of 2017 Regents’ 

Self-Assessment

Report of the Finance 

Committee

On December 13, 2017, the Committee on House Administration approved H.R. 

4009, a bill to authorize the Board of Regents to plan, design, and construct a 

central parking facility on the National Zoological Park property in Washington, 

D.C. The legislation will move to consideration by the full House of

Representatives. No action has been taken on the accompanying Senate

legislation.

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Governance and Nominating Committee (“GNC”) Chair Ambassador Barbara M. 

Barrett presented the Committee report including one action item for the Board’s 

consideration: the 2018 Regent committee chairmanships and memberships. 

Each January, the Governance and Nominating Committee recommends to the 

Board of Regents committee chairmanships and memberships. By tradition, 

Citizen Regents typically serve on three Regent committees and chair at least one 

committee, and the Congressional Regents serve on two committees. 

Ambassador Barrett reviewed the proposed Regent committee membership 

roster and matrix. She noted that members and chairs would serve in their roles 

until January 2019. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to 

approve the proposed 2018 committee assignments and chairmanships and 

recommended that the Chancellor make the necessary appointments. 

See attached Actions 2018.01.05 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A). 

The Board then reviewed the preliminary results from its 2017 annual selfassessment, which serves to evaluate the performance of the Board and to 

identify priorities for the year ahead. A full review of the self-assessments and 

specific recommendations will be made to the Board at the April 2018 meeting. 

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Chair of the Finance Committee John Fahey gave the Committee’s report and 

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

year 2019 federal budget submission to Congress. As a result of negotiations with 

OMB during the fiscal year 2019 passback process, the Smithsonian will submit to 

Congress a total budget request for fiscal year 2019 of $957.4 million. The 

Smithsonian’s requested budget includes $737.9 million for Salaries and Expenses, 

and $219.5 million for Facilities Capital. The Institution’s federal budget request is 

due to Congress on February 5, 2018. 

See attached Actions 2018.01.06 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).
8

Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

Report of the 

Advancement 

Committee

Smithsonian Campaign

Volunteer Engagement 

Regional Outreach 

Group

Secretary’s Update

Upcoming Exhibitions

Federal funding for fiscal year 2018 is currently being provided through a CR that 

runs through February 8, 2018. The funding level is equal to the appropriations 

provided in fiscal year 2017. The Smithsonian had requested a special increase in 

capital funds for the NASM revitalization. 

REPORT OF THE ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Advancement Committee Chair Alan Spoon updated the Board on changes in 

Advancement Committee membership, presented preliminary results of the 

Smithsonian Campaign, and addressed post-Campaign questions from the Board. 

The Smithsonian Campaign kicked off in 2014. It was the Smithsonian’s first 

comprehensive Institution-wide fundraising campaign. As of January 7, 2018, the 

Smithsonian had raised $1.87 billion for the Campaign, surpassing the fundraising 

goal of $1.5 billion. Mr. Spoon highlighted that more than 500,000 donors 

participated, representing all 50 states and 107 countries. Approximately 46 

percent of the Campaign contributors were first-time donors. Mr. Spoon also 

celebrated the opening of the National Museum of African American History and 

Culture, a $406 million endeavor made possible through the Smithsonian 

Campaign.

Next, Mr. Spoon shared initial recommendations from the Volunteer Engagement 

Regional Outreach Working Group, which were presented at the Committee’s 

January 9, 2018, meeting. Citing that more than 1,450 volunteers served on 

boards and regional committees, Mr. Spoon reported that the working group and 

committee have recommendations for the Smithsonian to sustain this momentum 

and engagement following the Campaign. The working group is incorporating the 

Committee’s feedback into a report, which will be presented to the Board of 

Regents for final review.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

Secretary Skorton updated the Board on the state of the Smithsonian, including 

upcoming exhibitions, executive hiring, recent Congressional visits, and capital 

funding.

The Secretary briefed the Board on an upcoming exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum 

and Sculpture Garden (“HSMG”) that is expected to garner increased attention. 

The HSMG will present a three-night outdoor projection and restaging of the 

Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, 1988–2000 by artist Krzysztof Wodiczko. 

The artwork features symbolic images that speak powerfully to socio-political 

issues of both the 1980s and present-day. Hirshhorn staff and Smithsonian 

leadership are taking proactive steps to ensure the work is understood to be an 

archival restaging and to remain sensitive to the subject matter displayed in the 

piece. 
9

Update on Personnel 

Searches

World Economic Forum

Congressional Meetings

Strategic Project 

Updates

Next, the Secretary provided an update on four personnel searches across the 

Smithsonian. Cheryl Johnson has been appointed the Director of the Office of 

Government Relations, succeeding Nell Payne who retired from the Smithsonian. 

Ms. Johnson most recently served as the Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to the 

Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She 

assumes her tenure on February 5, 2018. The Secretary thanked Maura Reidy 

who has served as Acting Director of Government Relations since December 2016. 

Secretary Skorton announced the appointment of Julissa Marenco as Assistant 

Secretary for Communications and External Affairs. Ms. Marenco most recently 

served as the Chief External Affairs Officer and Senior Advisor at the Federal 

Communications Commission. She will oversee the Offices of Public Affairs, 

Government Relations, Visitor Services, and Special Events and Protocol. Her first 

day at the Smithsonian will be February 12. The Secretary shared his appreciation 

for John Lapiana who served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Communication and 

External Affairs from April 2015 to August 2017 and to Carolyn Martin who is 

currently serving in the position. 

Secretary Skorton also reported that Robert J. Spiller has been named Assistant 

Secretary for Advancement, succeeding Ginny Clark who departed from the 

Smithsonian in March 2017. Mr. Spiller is currently the Associate Vice President 

for Development and Alumni Relations at Johns Hopkins University, a position he 

has held since 2011. He assumes his tenure at the Smithsonian on March 12. The 

Secretary offered his gratitude to Zully Dorr for serving as the Acting Assistant 

Secretary for Advancement since Ginny’s departure in 2017. 

Secretary Skorton provided highlights of the Smithsonian’s recent involvement in 

the World Economic Forum (“WEF”) Annual Meeting, which took place January 

22-26 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The Smithsonian delivered a co-branded 

collaborative exhibition, MASTERWORKS, where international artisans 

demonstrated their crafts and invited guest participation. Secretary Skorton also 

emphasized the Institution’s representation in panel discussions on empowering 

women, addressing political correctness, and American socioeconomic optimism. 

The Secretary gave an update on his and Mr. Rubenstein’s meetings with various 

appropriators of the Senate and House to discuss the Smithsonian’s federal 

funding and the impacts that limited funding could have on capital projects, most 

immediately the revitalization project of the National Air and Space Museum.

Secretary Skorton updated the Board on two strategic projects the Smithsonian 

continues to explore. The Smithsonian’s collaboration with the Victoria and 

Albert Museum in London will support the new strategic plan’s push to broaden 

the Institution’s reach in new ways. Teams from both institutions continue to 

discuss programmatic, fundraising, and partnership terms. A final binding 

agreement is expected to be completed and presented to the Board in April. The 

Secretary also reported on a potential collaboration between Saudi Arabia and a 

variety of Smithsonian units. The Secretary cited the Institution’s previous 

collaboration with Saudi Arabia regarding artifacts from the Roads of Arabia: 
10

April Strategic Meeting 

Follow-up

Federal Funding

Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exhibit, which was 

featured at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery from November 2012 to February 2013.

Secretary Skorton reported on the success of the April 3, 2017, Regents’ Strategic 

Meeting. He highlighted the demonstration by SoftBank Robotics, a technology 

company that designs and produces interactive humanoid robots. At the April 

meeting, SoftBank Robotics demonstrated robotic facilitation using the first

personal robot called “Pepper.” Following this interaction, the Smithsonian 

received a donation of 100 “Pepper” robots, for use throughout the Institution. 

The Secretary shared his enthusiasm for deploying these emerging technologies 

across units and optimizing the use of next-generation technology to enhance inmuseum experiences at the Smithsonian. 

Lastly, the Secretary reminded the Board that despite the federal government 

shutdown, which began on January 20, 2018, and ended on January 22, 2018, the 

Smithsonian was able to use fiscal year 2017 carry-forward funds to maintain 

normal operations. 

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

program at approximately 11:34 a.m.

LUNCH: CONVERSATION WITH SMITHSONIAN EDUCATION LEADERS

Regents and Smithsonian staff convened for a luncheon program, the third in a 

series that began at the Regents’ quarterly meeting in June 2017. Smithsonian

science directors were featured at the inaugural lunch in June 2017, and art 

directors were featured at the second lunch in October 2017. The January 29, 

2018, luncheon program featured a conversation between Mr. Rubenstein and 

four of the Smithsonian’s education leaders. Director of Digital Learning at the 

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Amy Homma, Associate Director for 

Education and Public Engagement at the National Air and Space Museum Mark 

Kornmann, Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center Carol O’Donnell, 

and Lunder Education Chair at the Smithsonian American Art Museum Carol 

Wilson discussed their respective unit’s role in providing learning programs at the 

Smithsonian and advancing education initiatives within the community.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The Chancellor called the afternoon session to order at approximately 1:04 p.m. 

and reviewed the remainder of the Board’s business agenda. 

STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

Under Secretary for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer Al Horvath 

provided an update on the implementation of the strategic plan. Since the 

Board’s last meeting in October, the strategic plan has been shared internally at 
11

an all-staff meeting in November and announced publicly at the “Short 

Conversation” in December. 

Mr. Horvath has been working with a core team to outline planning objectives 

and identify strategies to achieve the seven mission goals. Through this work, the

core team identified eight actionable focus areas to drive the strategic plan 

implementation going forward: positioning the Smithsonian Institution as a 

trusted, recognized source; building and deploying digital competency; engaging

audiences in new, meaningful ways; creating a more unified visitor experience; 

leveraging strategic partnerships; being more strategic with physical assets; 

increasing pan-institutional collaboration and agility; and promoting diversity and 

inclusion. 

The Board reviewed the proposed strategic plan implementation oversight 

structure. Mr. Horvath outlined four key teams that will oversee the 

implementation of the strategic plan over the next five years: strategic plan 

champions, overall plan leads, focus area component leads, and 

operations/logistics leads. The Board’s feedback will be incorporated into the 

implementation oversight structure. Next steps include finalizing staffing for the

implementation oversight team and establishing team roles and responsibilities 

for year one.

CAPITAL FACILITIES PROJECTS

Mr. Horvath also led the discussion on capital facilities projects, including the 

status of Smithsonian facilities, growing challenges, and the ongoing efforts to 

increase funding available for capital renewal. 

The Smithsonian oversees the operation and maintenance of 12 million square 

feet of owned and leased space. A considerable amount of this space has reached 

a point of requiring major revitalization. Mr. Horvath has reported to the Board 

that federal funding for both renovations and maintenance has been well below 

industry benchmarks and has caused a gradual increase in the level of deferred 

maintenance that must be addressed. He reviewed the history of federal and nonfederal capital obligations per facility for fiscal years 2007 to 2017, and the 

facilities capital and maintenance investment requirements for fiscal years 2017 

to 2028.

The House and Senate passed a CR for fiscal year 2018, which provides funding for 

the Institution’s operations at the fiscal year 2017 level. The legislation prohibits 

the use of CR authority to initiate or resume activities for which funds were not 

available in fiscal year 2017. Mr. Horvath summarized several fiscal year 2018 

federal funding scenarios for the Board, including the impact on the NASM 

revitalization.
12

SPECIAL EVENTS POLICY

Secretary David Skorton and Director of Special Events and Protocol Karen Keller 

reviewed the Smithsonian’s special events policy, which currently provides for 

treating certain outside events as “co-sponsored” donor celebrations. Secretary 

Skorton and his team have analyzed potential modifications to the policy, which 

the Secretary presented to the Board. Based on the Board’s feedback, the 

Secretary will continue to refine the policy and will report back to the Board when 

the policy is finalized.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: “GATEKEEPER” REPORTS 

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

Gatekeepers, including the Secretary, General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer, 

and Inspector General.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 3:11 p.m., after which Mr. Rubenstein and the Secretary moved to 

a separate room at NMAI to address questions from the media.

Respectfully submitted,

David J. Skorton

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

JANUARY 29, 2018, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

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

Committee’s compensation recommendations for senior executive positions. [2018.01.01]

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

Committee’s compensation recommendation for the Secretary. [2018.01.02]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed employment contract for Secretary 

Skorton. [2018.01.03]

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

of all action items listed therein. [2018.01.04]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the October 23, 2017, 

meeting of the Board of Regents.

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

appointment or reappointment to 14 Smithsonian advisory boards.

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

the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Advisory Council.

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

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

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Alaska Air Group and 

accepts the terms of the sponsorship agreement.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of JetBlue Airways 

Corporation and accepts the terms of the sponsorship agreement.

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

National Museum of American History to support the development of the most 

innovative and impactful exhibitions and programs that expand intellectual and 

technological boundaries across the fields of museums and public history, at the 

discretion of the Elizabeth MacMillan Director of the National Museum of American 

History. Further, the Advancement Committee recommends that the Board of Regents 

authorizes the transfer of the funds identified for this purpose.
2

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

member assignments for 2018 and requests that the Chancellor make the necessary 

appointments. [2018.01.05]

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

budget request for appropriated funds for fiscal year 2019 as part of the President’s budget in 

the amount of $957.4 million, as negotiated with the Office of Management and Budget, and 

authorizes the Secretary to inform OMB and Congress fully about the implications of the 

President’s budget for the mission and priorities of the Smithsonian. [2018.01.06]