____________________________

1 Participated in the afternoon session only

2 Participated in the lunch presentation only 

3 Participated in lunch presentation and afternoon session American Women’s History Initiative only

4 Participated in afternoon session World Economic Forum discussion only

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 22, 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, October 22, 2018. The Board conducted morning, afternoon, 

and executive sessions in the Regents’ Room and the Commons of the Smithsonian Castle in 

Washington, DC. Board Chair David M. Rubenstein welcomed Regents and staff and called the meeting 

to order at 9:33 a.m. Also present were Regents:

The Chief Justice1

Senator Patrick J. Leahy

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.

David M. Rubenstein

Robert MacDonald, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Christine Udvar-Hazy, Advancement Committee Chair

The Vice President, Senator John Boozman, Senator David Perdue, Representative Tom Cole, 

Representative Sam Johnson, and Investment Committee Chair Tim O’Neill were unable to attend 

the meeting. 

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

David J. Skorton, Secretary

Pamela Baker-Masson,2 Associate Director 

of Communications, Exhibits, and 

Planning at the National Zoological Park

Laura Baptiste,2 Chief of Communications 

and Public Affairs at the Smithsonian 

American Art Museum

Bethany Bentley,2 Assistant Director of 

Marketing and Communications at the 

National Museum of the American Indian

Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary

John Davis, Provost/Under Secretary for 

Museums, Education, and Research

Concetta Duncan,2 Public Affairs Specialist 

at the National Portrait Gallery

Molly Fannon,4 Director of the Office of 

International Relations

Kate Forester, Deputy Chief of Staff to the 

Regents 

Rachel Goslins,2 Director of the Arts and 

Industries Building

Amanda Hamilton, Office of Representative

Johnson
2

Lauren Hancock, Office of Senator Perdue

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Shrita Hernandez,2 Chief Public Affairs and 

Communications Officer at the National 

Museum of African American History and 

Culture

Albert Horvath, Under Secretary for Finance and

Administration/Chief Operating Officer 

Cheryl Johnson, Director of the Office of 

Government Relations

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Melinda Machado,2 Director of the Office 

of Communications and Marketing

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs 

Era Marshall, Director for the Office of Equal 

Employment and Minority Affairs

Carolyn Martin,2 Associate for the Office of 

Public Affairs

Kevin McDonald, Senior Adviser to Senator 

Leahy

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief Justice 

Jennifer Schommer,2 Assistant Director of 

Public Affairs at the Smithsonian

Mark Sklar,2 Director of Communications 

at the National Air and Space Museum

Robert J. Spiller, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement

Linda St. Thomas,2 Chief Spokesperson for 

the Office of Public Affairs

Stephanie Stebich,3 Director of the 

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents

Jim Wood,2 Assistant Director for 

Communications at the National 

Museum Natural History
3

MORNING SESSION

2019 Board Leadership 

Elections

2018 Governance 

Report

Welcome

Important Events

CALL TO ORDER AND EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Rubenstein called the meeting to order and began with a Regents-only 

executive session. He turned the meeting over to Barbara Barrett, Chair of the 

Governance and Nominating Committee, to lead the 2019 Board Leadership 

Elections. The Chair and Vice Chair are elected for a term of one year and may 

serve no more than three consecutive terms. As candidates under 

consideration, Mr. Rubenstein, Mr. Case, and Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey recused 

themselves from the discussion and vote. Upon motions duly made and 

seconded, the Board voted to reelect the current Chair, Vice Chair, and 

member of the Executive Committee. 

See attached Actions 2018.10.01–2018.10.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, 

Appendix A).

Next, Ambassador Barrett led the Board’s discussion of the proposed 2018 

Governance Report, which highlights the actions of the Board since the 

previous report that have continued to strengthen the management, 

governance, and transparency of the Institution from 2015 to 2017. 

Ambassador Barrett noted that the report would be made available on the 

Regents’ website following the Board meeting.

Mr. Rubenstein thanked Ambassador Barrett for leading the vote and 

discussion, and resumed his role presiding over the meeting.

The executive session adjourned at 9:42 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 9:47 a.m. 

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mr. Rubenstein highlighted a few important events, including the public 

announcement of the Smithsonian Year of Music immediately following the 

meeting, which will serve as the Regents’ annual public forum. On November 

28, Mr. Rubenstein and the Secretary will host the Biennial Advisory Board 

Chair Symposium, which will provide an opportunity for the advisory board 

chairs, directors, and senior leadership to meet. Mr. Rubenstein also shared 

his feedback on the Congressional dinner in September that was co-hosted by 

the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress as part of the Congressional 
4

Executive Committee 

Approvals

Consent Agenda

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports 

Dialogue series. The topic of the event focused on science at the Smithsonian, 

and gave the members of Congress an opportunity to learn more about the 

science-related work at both the Smithsonian and Library of Congress. 

Next, Mr. Rubenstein noted that due to exigent circumstances, the Executive 

Committee, on behalf of the Board, approved five actions between the June 

and October meetings. The Executive Committee voted by email ballot, on 

behalf of the Board pursuant to Board Bylaw 3.01, to approve one gift to the 

National Museum of American History, requiring expedited approval in order 

to accommodate the installation of naming recognition and facilitate the 

timing of announcements related to the opening of exhibitions and programs. 

The other actions taken by the Executive Committee were: the reappointment 

of Robert D. MacDonald as Chair of the Smithsonian National Board, approval 

of the Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2019 Federal and Trust Consolidated Budget, 

the Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2020 budget request due to the Office of 

Management and Budget, and the early redemption of the Smithsonian’s

Series 2013A taxable bonds and establishment of a liquidity facility.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

Congresswoman Doris Matsui recused herself from voting on the Agenda 

because she was a candidate for reappointment to the Smithsonian Asian 

Pacific American Center’s Board. Action items listed on the October 22, 2018, 

Agenda include: recognition of former Anacostia Community Museum 

Director Lori Yarrish; the approval of minutes from the June 11, 2018, 

Regents’ meeting; amendments to the Charters of the Executive, Audit and 

Review, and Facilities Committees; amendments to the Bylaws of the 

Smithsonian American Art Museum Commission; amendments to the Bylaws 

of the National Museum of African Art Board; the appointment and 

reappointment of candidates to 13 Smithsonian Advisory Boards; and gifts 

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

voted to adopt the Agenda, constituting the approval of all action items listed 

therein.

See attached Actions 2018.10.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

In an effort to maximize time for topics requiring Regent attention, Regent 

committee chairs and Smithsonian staff submit comprehensive written 

reports in lieu of oral reports, 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.
5

Report of the Audit and 

Review Committee

Report of the 

Compensation and 

Human Resources 

Committee

Report of the Facilities 

Committee

Facilities Capital and 

Maintenance Programs

Written Report of the Audit and Review Committee

The Audit and Review Committee met on July 17, 2018. During the meeting, 

the Committee performed its annual review of the Committee Charter, 

reviewed the draft of the required tax returns, and discussed the planned 

submission of fiscal year 2017 IRS Forms 990 and 990-T. The Committee also 

reviewed the Smithsonian’s insurance coverage, KPMG’s audit plan for fiscal 

year 2018, and the results of the fiscal year 2016 A-133 audit. The Committee 

discussed the Smithsonian’s integrated risk management and cybersecurity 

mitigation programs and was briefed on the Inspector General’s activities. 

Due to a lack of quorum, the Committee subsequently voted by email ballot 

to: (1) approve the proposed amendments to the Committee’s Charter, and 

(2) authorize additional audit services by KPMG related to Smithsonian 

Enterprises.

Written Report of the Compensation & Human Resources 

Committee

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee met on September 18, 

2018. As is routine for the Committee, the September meeting focused on 

the core decisions that guide the executive pay cycle, culminating with the 

compensation recommendations that the Committee and the Board will 

review in January. During the meeting, the Committee voted to approve the 

list of disqualified persons for 2019; the decision-making levels for the 2019

compensation process; updated compensation philosophies for 2019, 

including the new Augmented (“hybrid”) compensation category for Trust 

executive positions; the methodology for determining comparable 

compensation for Trust executive positions; and an amendment to the 

Investment Incentive Compensation Plan. The Committee also reviewed its 

Charter and the preliminary investment incentive payouts, which will be 

brought to the Board for discussion at the January 2019 Board meeting.

Written Report of the Facilities Committee

The Facilities Committee held a meeting on July 17, 2018, and received 

updates on the facilities capital and maintenance programs and funding, the 

status of the revitalization of the National Air and Space Museum (“NASM”), 

and the progress of the Smithsonian’s major capital projects. The Committee 

also performed the annual review of its Charter. 

The Committee was briefed on the Smithsonian’s facilities capital and 

maintenance plans for fiscal years 2018 through 2020. The Committee 

reviewed funding levels for the fiscal year 2018 appropriations, fiscal year 

2019 budget request, and fiscal year 2020 projected funding requirements. 

The Committee discussed the budget impacts of each fiscal year on facilities 

planning and design, revitalization projects, capital construction, and deferred 
6

NASM Revitalization

Report of the Finance 

Committee

Report of the 

Governance and 

Nominating Committee

maintenance. Although there were modest increases in the facilities 

maintenance requests in fiscal year 2018 and 2019, the maintenance 

requirements for fiscal year 2020 total $172.5M

Construction for the Dulles Collections Storage Module 1, which is adjacent to 

the Udvar Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, continues to progress on time and 

within budget. The final funding increment of $10 million, required to 

complete the facility, was received in the fiscal year 2018 appropriation. 

Construction is expected to be completed in January 2019. The preconstruction services effort for the NASM revitalization of the National Mall 

building continues with construction firm Clark Smoot Consigli (“CSC”). CSC 

submitted a Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal to the Smithsonian in May 

2018, which was followed by a series of value engineering proposals, scope 

clarifications, and a compressed schedule alternative. The fiscal year 2018 

appropriation included $198 million in revitalization funding, which will fund 

the start of artifact preparation for de-installation and preliminary work in the 

West End of the building to facilitate the removal of artifacts. 

Written Report of the Finance Committee 

The Finance Committee held a meeting on August 27, 2018. During the 

meeting, the Committee reviewed and voted to recommend that the 

Executive Committee approve three motions on behalf of the full Board: (1) 

the fiscal year 2019 federal and trust consolidated budget, (2) the fiscal year 

2020 federal budget for presentation to the Office of Management and 

Budget, and (3) the early redemption of Series 2013A taxable bond issuance 

and establishment of a liquidity facility. The Committee also reviewed the 

fiscal year 2018 third quarter financial results. Revenues for the period 

totaled $1,321.7 million; expenses totaled $1,166.7 million; and the Net 

Operating Revenue for the period was $155.1 million.

Written Report of the Governance and Nominating Committee

The Governance and Nominating Committee met on September 17, 2018. 

The Committee discussed the 2018 Governance Report, and reviewed and 

assessed the effectiveness of the 2017 Regents’ self-assessment. The 

Committee determined that the current format is effective in helping the 

Board to evaluate its performance and identify priorities for the year ahead. 

The Committee agreed that it will be utilized for the fiscal year 2018 selfassessment and will be distributed to the Board following the October 

meeting.
7

Report of the 

Investment Committee

Report of the Strategy, 

Innovation, and 

Technology Committee

Report of the Office of 

Government Relations

Federal Budget

Smithsonian Introduced 

Legislation

Written Report of the Investment Committee 

The Investment Committee met on June 27, 2018, and reviewed the 

Investment Portfolio, Private Equity Distribution Approach, and Portfolio 

Implementation and Operations. The Smithsonian Endowment’s preliminary 

performance as of March 31, 2018, over the trailing one-year, three-year, fiveyear, and ten-year periods, generated returns against the policy benchmark of 

12.7% versus 9.2%, 7.2% versus 4.9%, 8.3% versus 5.2%, and 6.2% versus 

3.7%, respectively. As of the end of first quarter 2018, the Smithsonian was 

ranked in the top quartile of endowments and foundations within the 

Cambridge Associates peer universe over the one, three, five, and ten-year 

periods.

Written Report of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology 

Committee’s Report

The Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee met on October 15, 

2018. During the meeting, the Committee received an update from the 

Provost/Under Secretary for Museums, Education, and Research John Davis 

on upcoming exhibitions, programming, events, and education and outreach 

programs. The Committee also reviewed the framework, priorities, and 

implementation plans for the Smithsonian Year of Music 2019. The 

Committee hosted a strategic discussion about the Smithsonian Strategic Plan 

goal of driving large, visionary, interdisciplinary research and scholarly 

projects, and the Institution’s contributions to scholarship and the support of 

scientific, scholarly, and educational collaborations.

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

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

completed five of the twelve annual appropriations bills for fiscal year 2019 

beginning October 1, 2018. Both the House and Senate voted on their 

respective versions of the Department of Interior and Related Agencies 

appropriations act, but did not complete negotiations on a final bill before the 

start of the fiscal year. The Smithsonian is being funded by a continuing 

resolution (“CR”) that will continue through December 7, 2018. 

The Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2019 request to Congress, submitted in January 

2018, includes a total of $957.4 million. Within that amount the request 

includes $737.9 million for Salaries and Expenses, and $219.5 million for 

Facilities Capital. The requested funding for Facilities Capital includes $127 

million for the multi-phased NASM revitalization.

OGR has also been monitoring pending legislation, H.R. 4009, the

Smithsonian National Zoological Park Central Parking Facility Authorization 

Act. On April 24, 2018, the House passed the legislation by unanimous 
8

Congressional Briefings 

and Meetings

Congressional, 

Administration, and 

Local Government

Engagement

Post-Campaign 

Advancement Structure

consent, on May 16, 2018, the Senate passed H.R. 4009 under unanimous 

consent, and on June 1, 2018, President Trump signed the bill into Public Law 

115-178.

In addition, OGR reported on three congressional briefings. On September 24, 

2018, Smithsonian staff from the Office of Government Relations, the National 

Air and Space Museum, and Smithsonian Facilities conducted a briefing for the

Committee on House Administration on the NASM Revitalization project. The 

Committee on House Administration visited the National Zoological Park on 

July 16, 2018, for a briefing on the perimeter fencing proposal. Secretary 

Skorton is also expected to meet with roughly 12 members of Congress to 

discuss the Smithsonian’s Strategic Plan and provide detailed information on 

major infrastructure priorities.

OGR has continued congressional, presidential administration, and local 

government engagement, hosting and participating in a number of programs 

and events. On September 5, 2018, the Smithsonian and the Library of 

Congress co-hosted a dinner for Members of Congress in the Library’s 

Jefferson Building. Smithsonian staff met with representatives of the 

Department of Interior to discuss the National Park Service’s (“NPS”) 

proposed revisions to regulations for demonstrations and special events at 

certain national parks, which would profoundly impact the character and 

continued feasibility of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. On August 3, 2018, 

more than 750 District of Columbia government employees toured the 

National Museum of African American History and Culture as part of a series 

of open houses in conjunction with Mayor Muriel Bowser. 

REPORT OF THE ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Since the conclusion of the Campaign, Smithsonian committees made up of 

staff and museum directors, external consultants, volunteers, and the 

Regents’ Advancement Committee have reviewed the Smithsonian 

advancement program and made recommendations regarding the future 

structure, scope, and funding of advancement. Advancement Committee 

Chair Christine Udvar-Hazy asked Assistant Secretary of Advancement Rob 

Spiller to report on the findings and advise on next steps

Mr. Spiller outlined initial recommendations and briefed the Board on 

advancement program plans for fiscal years 2019 through 2021. The

fundraising goal for fiscal year 2019 will be $220 million, an increase of $20 

million from fiscal year 2018. The overall fundraising budget for fiscal year 

2019 will be reduced by three percent. Mr. Spiller highlighted that an Office 

of Principal Gifts would be established to focus on gifts of $5 million and 

above, in addition to building the national volunteer and donor pipeline. An

Advancement Council made up of unit directors and senior central 

Smithsonian Advancement leaders will be created to help define fundraising 

priorities and share best practices. Mr. Spiller also presented the restructured 
9

Latina/o Representation 

at the Smithsonian

Succession Planning

International Relations

Year of Music

Office of Advancement organizational chart, which will support the new 

strategic approach to sustaining and growing giving to the Smithsonian. The 

Committee considered pan-Institutional fundraising priorities and discussed 

potential opportunities and challenges.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

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

including diversity and inclusion, succession planning, international relations,

and the Smithsonian Year of Music. 

On September 10, 2018, the Latino Policy & Politics Initiative and the Chicano 

Studies Research Center, both at UCLA, released a study on Latina/o 

representation within the Smithsonian’s workforce, programming, collections 

and exhibitions. The Secretary explained to the Board the report, Invisible No 

More, analyzed the Smithsonian’s progress on ten recommendations that 

were made in a 1994 task-force report on Latina/o representation, which was 

commissioned by the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian has made notable 

progress since the 1994 report was issued, particularly in curatorial staffing, 

public and educational programming, exhibitions, collections, and research 

and digital outreach. The Secretary recognized that there is still work to be 

done in developing a diverse workforce, and led a discussion on initiatives to 

promote equitable participation and greater inclusion.

Next, the Secretary informed the Board that the Smithsonian is continuing to 

develop an effective succession planning strategy. The Smithsonian is 

gathering additional information that will be critical to identifying internal 

staff capacity and position the Institution to respond to the loss of key talent. 

Secretary Skorton reported that the Smithsonian is assessing its current and 

future collaborations with Saudi Aramco, and has paused funding and 

communication following recent developments in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. 

The Smithsonian will continue to work broadly with international 

collaborators to foster important dialogues, build meaningful relationships, 

and expand scientific understanding within the global community.

The Secretary asked Provost John Davis to update the Board on the 

Smithsonian Year of Music (“SYoM”). Core programming for the SYoM will 

center on the theme “365 Days of Music at the Smithsonian.” Dr. Davis 

shared examples of programming being developed for the initiative, including 

exhibitions, podcast lectures, events, digital engagement, and collaborations 

with embassies. Frameworks for co-curating, co-branding, and co-promoting 

activities are being developed by the SYoM Program Committee.

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

program at approximately 11:17 a.m.
10

American Women’s 

History Initiative

Strategic Plan 

Implementation Update

LUNCH: CONVERSATION ABOUT SMITHSONIAN COMMUNICATIONS 

STRATEGIES

During lunch, Regents and Smithsonian staff convened for a luncheon 

program on current communications strategies at the Smithsonian. The 

program featured a conversation between Mr. Rubenstein, Director of the 

Arts and Industries Building Rachel Goslins, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs Julissa Marenco, and Director of the 

Smithsonian American Art Museum Stephanie Stebich.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The Chancellor called the afternoon session to order at approximately 1:02

p.m. and reviewed the Board’s afternoon business agenda. 

SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN WOMEN’S HISTORY INITIATIVE

Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Co-chair of the 

Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Initiative Stephanie Stebich 

provided an update on the implementation of the Initiative. Ms. Stebich 

outlined the internal framework that was set up to carry out the Initiative, 

comprising the work of specific committees that are focused on curation, 

digital strategy, and education. A call for proposals for collections care was 

sent out in June, and a call for proposals for digital projects is expected to be 

sent out in November. Ms. Stebich also gave an overview of the external 

components of the Initiative. The Initiative will amplify women’s voices 

through two anchor exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery in March 2019, 

Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence and the National Museum of 

American History in June 2020, Girlhood: It’s Complicated. A book to be 

published in 2019, Smithsonian American Women’s History 100, will offer a 

deep look at the wealth of objects related to women’s history in the 

Smithsonian’s collection. Ms. Stebich reviewed the proposed communications 

strategy, including target audiences, digital campaigns, and the public launch 

on November 13. 

STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

Secretary Skorton updated the Board on the implementation status of the 

Strategic Plan. The Secretary briefed the Regents on the recent Smithsonian 

leadership retreat, which focused on priority actions, timelines, and 

performance indicators for goals two through six. The Secretary also provided 

an overview of the 2019 priorities that were developed in support of the 

Strategic Plan. The Board discussed comprehensive accountability for 

collaboration and advancement of the Strategic Plan.
11

World Economic Forum

Annual Public Forum

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Director of the Office of International Relations Molly Fannon briefed the 

Board on the Smithsonian’s collaboration with the World Economic Forum. 

Ms. Fannon explained how the Smithsonian’s wider relationship with the 

World Economic Forum (“WEF”) including, the Institution’s presence at Davos, 

is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Smithsonian’s global programs 

and impact in service of the Strategic Plan. Since 2017, the WEF has invited 

the Smithsonian to the Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, as a featured 

arts and culture partner with exhibition space and speaking opportunities. 

Ms. Fannon highlighted Smithsonian global programs that are expanding the 

Institution’s reach, addressing complex worldwide challenges, and driving 

meaningful change. WEF topics like imagining the future of energy and 

infrastructure motivate and challenge projects like the Forest Global Earth 

Observatory. The partnership with the WEF provides year-round 

opportunities to contribute to these global programs by yielding new 

partnerships and identifying potential funding prospects. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: “GATEKEEPER” REPORTS 

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

Gatekeepers, including the Secretary, General Counsel, Chief Operating

Officer, and Inspector General.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 2:02 p.m., after which Regents and staff moved to the Meyer 

Auditorium at the Freer Gallery of Art (“Freer”) for the Annual Public Forum 

(“Public Forum”).

SMITHSONIAN YEAR OF MUSIC ANNOUNCEMENT AND ANNUAL 

PUBLIC FORUM

The Regents’ Public Forum began at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the Meyer

Auditorium at the Freer. Dr. Kenneth Slowik opened the event with a 

performance, playing the Smithsonian’s 1688 Stradivarius cello. Board Chair 

David M. Rubenstein hosted a panel discussion with the first Ambassador of 

the Smithsonian Year of Music Dionne Warwick, Co-Chair of the Smithsonian 

Year of Music and Curator of Music and Performing Arts at the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture Dwandalyn Reece, and CoChair of the Smithsonian Year of Music and Director of the Smithsonian 

Folkways Recordings Huib Schippers. The panelists entertained questions 

from Mr. Rubenstein about the Year of Music. Following the discussion, 
12

Deputy Chief of Staff to the Regents Kate Forester moderated a question and 

answer session for the benefit of the public and the press. The event 

concluded with a performance by Bing Xia on music for the qin, a classical 

Chinese instrument. 

Respectfully submitted,

David J. Skorton

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

OCTOBER 22, 2018, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Board of Regents reelects David M. Rubenstein as Chair of the Smithsonian 

Institution’s Board of Regents for a one-year term effective January 31, 2019.

1

[2018.10.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents reelects Steve Case as Vice Chair of the Smithsonian Institution’s 

Board of Regents for a one-year term effective January 31, 2019.

2

 [2018.10.02]

VOTED that the Board of Regents reelects Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey as a member of the Smithsonian 

Board of Regents’ Executive Committee for a one-year term effective January 31, 2019.

3

 

[2018.10.03]

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

of all action items listed therein. [2018.10.04]

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

Lori Yarrish, Director of the Anacostia Community Museum, an esteemed colleague and true 

friend of the Smithsonian Institution, and extends its heartfelt sympathies to her daughter 

Laila, her mother Myra, and extended family.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the June 11, 2018, meeting 

of the Board of Regents.

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

Committee’s Charter.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed amendments to the Audit and 

Review Committee’s Charter.

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

Committee’s Charter.

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

the Commission of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

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

the National Museum of African Art Board.

 

1 David M. Rubenstein recused from voting.

2

Steve Case recused from voting.

3 Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey recused from voting.
2

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

appointment or reappointment to 13 Smithsonian advisory boards.

4

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves a gift to the Smithsonian Latino Center. At the 

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

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC 

and accepts the terms of the sponsorship agreement.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of the Ford Motor Company 

Fund to the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service and accepts the terms of the 

sponsorship agreements.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Brock III 

to the National Museum of Natural History and names the John and Mary Brock Family 

Triassic Exhibit for 20 years or the next major renovation of the exhibit, whichever occurs 

later.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Cay III 

to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and names the Billings and John Cay Gallery for 

20 years or until the next comprehensive renovation of the gallery, whichever occurs later.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of the Volgenau Foundation to 

the National Zoological Park and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and names the 

Volgenau Academic Center for 20 years or the next comprehensive renovation of the 

academic center, whichever occurs later.

VOTED that the Board of Regents creates the Ralph Greenhouse Fund, a quasi-endowment 

for the benefit of the National Museum of Natural History to support a seminar series 

related to urgent topics in anthropology. Further, the Board of Regents authorizes the 

transfer of the funds identified for this purpose.

VOTED that the Board of Regents creates the Kristian Fauchald Fund, a quasi-endowment 

for the benefit of the National Museum of Natural History to support the study of 

polychaetes. Further, the Board of Regents authorizes the transfer of the funds identified 

for this purpose.

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

Zoological Park and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute to support elephant 

research, conservation, and welfare. Further, the Board of Regents authorizes the transfer 

of the funds identified for this purpose.

 

4 Congresswoman Doris Matsui recused from voting.
VOTED that the Board of Regents creates a quasi-endowment for the benefit of National 

Zoological Park and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute to support amphibian 

research and conservation. Further, the Board of Regents authorizes the transfer of the 

funds identified for this purpose.