____________________________

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

2 Participated in the morning session. 

MINUTES OF THE JUNE 13, 2016, MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

ATTENDANCE

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

on Monday, June 13, 2016. The Board conducted morning, afternoon, and executive sessions in the 

Regents’ Room in the Smithsonian Castle in Washington, DC. Board Chair John W. McCarter, Jr., called 

the meeting to order at 8:29 a.m. Also present were:

The Chief Justice1

Barbara M. Barrett

Representative Xavier Becerra

Senator John Boozman

Steve Case

Representative Tom Cole

John Fahey

Shirley Ann Jackson

Representative Sam Johnson2

Robert P. Kogod 

Risa Lavizzo-Mourey

Senator Patrick J. Leahy

Michael Lynton

Senator David Perdue

David M. Rubenstein

Robert MacDonald, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Alan Spoon, Advancement Committee Chair

Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, and Tim O’Neill were unable to attend the 

meeting. 

Also present were: 

David J. Skorton, Secretary

Patricia Bartlett, Acting Assistant Secretary 

 Education & Access

Greg Bettwy, Acting Chief of Staff to the Secretary 

Epin Christensen, Counsel to the Inspector General

Derrick Dickey, Assistant to Senator Perdue

Zully Dorr, Office of Advancement Deputy Director

Jim Douglas, Office of Human Resources Director

Jennifer Ehlinger, Office of the Regents Senior 

 Researcher & Writer (recorder)

Virginia Gomez, Assistant General Counsel

Amanda Hamilton, Assistant to Representative 

 Johnson

Tony-Marie Higgins, Assistant to Senator Boozman

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Albert Horvath, Under Secretary for Finance & 

 Administration/Chief Financial Officer 

Kirk Johnson, Director of the National Museum of 

 Natural History 

Richard Kurin, Acting Provost/Under Secretary for 

 Museums & Research

John K. Lapiana, Deputy Under Secretary for 

 Finance & Administration and Acting Assistant 

 Secretary Communications & External Affairs

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Era Marshall, Director for the Office of Equal 

 Employment and Minority Affairs

Grisella Martinez, Assistant to Congressman 

 Becerra

Kevin McDonald, Senior Adviser to Senator Leahy

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief Justice 

Sean Murphy, Assistant to Representative Cole

Rachel Parker, Deputy Chief of Staff to the 

 Regents

Nell Payne, Director of Government Relations 

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regent
2

MORNING SESSION

Call to Order and 

Introductions

Recognition of Regent 

Accomplishments

OREG Personnel Update

Smithsonian Presence in 

Armenia

REPORT OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR

The meeting began in open session. Board Chair John W. McCarter, Jr. welcomed 

Regents, Regent staff, and Smithsonian staff and called for introductions around 

the room. Mr. McCarter reminded the Board of the procedural modifications, 

which were adopted at the June 2015 meeting, and have been in use since the 

October 2015 meeting. The modifications allow for more time to be dedicated 

during toward strategic discussions and include the use of a consent agenda, 

comprehensive written Committee reports, and modified Committee Chair reports.

Mr. McCarter recognized recent accomplishments of the Regents, including Robert 

P. Kogod receiving the Keystone Award, Vice Chair Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson being 

awarded the National Medal of Science, and the approved design and beginning 

phases of the David M. Rubenstein Forum being built at the University of Chicago. 

Mr. McCarter noted that the Office of the Regents Special Assistant Will McDonnell 

would be leaving the Smithsonian in July. He thanked Mr. McDonnell for his 

service and wished him luck in his future endeavors. 

Mr. McCarter reported that the only item of business the Executive Committee has

to discuss with the full Board is the matter of the Smithsonian registering to carry 

out grant activities in foreign countries. He turned to General Counsel Judith 

Leonard to brief the Board on establishing a legal presence in Armenia. Upon

motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to approve the Smithsonian’s

establishment of a local legal presence in Armenia, which is required for the 

Smithsonian to enter into an interagency agreement with the United States Agency 

for International Development (“USAID”) to carry out a cultural sustainability and 

tourism project in Armenia. 

See attached Actions 2016.06.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A)

Approval of the

Consent Agenda

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. McCarter briefly reviewed the procedures of the Board’s use of the consent 

agenda: an item will remain on the Consent Agenda (“Agenda”) only by unanimous 

consent, and any Regent may ask the Office of the Regents to remove an item from 

the consent agenda for discussion by providing three-days’ notice in advance of the 

scheduled Board meeting. Action items listed on the present meeting’s Agenda 

include minutes of the April 11, 2016, and May 1, 2016, Regents’ meetings; the 

appointment and reappointment of candidates to seven Smithsonian Advisory 

Boards; and the approval of one proposed gift action, which complies with all 

Smithsonian policies. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to 

adopt the Agenda, constituting the approval of all action items listed therein. 

See attached Actions 2016.06.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).
3

Report of the Secretary

Trip to Cuba

National Academies Study

Zoo Discussion

Cultural Recovery Program

NASM Revitalization 

Update

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

Secretary David J. Skorton updated the Board on the state of the Smithsonian. He 

reported on his activities during his first few months in office and entertained 

questions from the Board. The Secretary reported on his recent trip to Cuba. The 

Smithsonian is currently working on two Memoranda of Understanding (“MOU”) 

with regards to Cuba: one umbrella MOU that would cover any number of 

partnerships and interactions; and one MOU specific to hosting Cuba at the 2017 

Folklife Festival. The Secretary briefly updated the Board on the status of a 

potentially sensitive proposed exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture 

Garden, including a scheduling and location change. 

The National Academies has asked the Secretary to lead a study lasting 18-24 

months on the integration of science, engineering, and medical education with the 

arts and humanities at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The study will 

provide the Smithsonian with an opportunity to demonstrate its leadership in 

those vital areas of scholarship and thought. 

The Secretary and the Board discussed the recent debate regarding the situation 

with the gorilla in the Cincinnati Zoo. The Smithsonian does not comment on the 

actions of other zoos in the cases of accidental or intention ingress to animal 

enclosures. The Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park (“Zoo”) and 

Conservation Biology Institute Dennis Kelly has reviewed the current systems at the 

Zoo and is confident that accidental ingress is highly unlikely; due to the installation 

of enhanced barrier systems, including railings, planters with thick foliage, mesh, 

and thick glass.

Lastly, the Secretary reported on the First Aid to Heritage in Times of Crisis cultural 

recovery program, organized by the Smithsonian together with the International 

Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property. 

Program participants include 21 representatives from across 18 countries, who 

have had first-hand experience protecting cultural heritage in emergency 

situations. 

REPORT OF FACILITIES COMMITTEE

Facilities Committee Chair Robert P. Kogod presented the report of the Committee 

and led the Board on a discussion of the National Air and Space Museum (“NASM”)

Revitalization Project. He reported that during the Committee’s last few meetings, 

a major focus has been on the complex and extensive revitalization of the 40-yearold museum, which is one of the most heavily visited museums in the world. Mr. 

Kogod detailed the scope and funding details of the project. He explained that the 

renovation would likely take place over five years, and would be done in such a 

way that portions of the museum would remain open to the public. The detailed 

scope of the project has now been fully developed and will include replacement of 

the building’s exterior envelope, modernization of the museum’s internal systems,

optimization of the building’s energy systems, expansion of the security vestibules 

and systems, and a functional upgrade to administrative spaces. 
4

Consolidated Headquarters 

Initiative Update

In order to accomplish this massive and necessary renovation, the museum will 

need $676 million in federal appropriations, in addition to the $250 million the 

Smithsonian seeks to raise in private funds to revitalize exhibitions. The 

Smithsonian intends to carry-out the renovation in phases, with the goal of keeping 

at least 50 percent of the museum open to the public at all times throughout the 

seven-year construction process. An additional $50 million will be needed to 

construct a module where collection items can be safely stored during the phased 

renovation. The project’s next milestone will be set for the end of calendar year, 

with the aim of having 65 percent of the renovation’s design complete. The Board 

discussed the revitalization and potential sources of funding for the project. 

Under Secretary for Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer Albert 

Horvath updated the Board on the status of the Consolidated Administrative 

Headquarters Initiative (“Initiative”). The Initiative will address the Smithsonian’s 

need for more administrative space, while also working to consolidate these areas 

to make for better functionality. The Smithsonian issued a non-binding Request for 

Proposals (“RFP”) in November 2014 to elicit responses from the commercial real 

estate sector with respect to both leased and owned space consolidation 

alternatives. Management has narrowed an initial group of 16 respondents down

to six shortlisted proposals, which have been evaluated and ranked. The 

Smithsonian intends to explore three different scenarios with one of the Offerors 

including various combinations of lease consolidation with purchase options. Next 

steps will include initiating detailed discussions with the Offeror; working with the 

Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) to resolve leasing authority issues; and 

exploring the potential of a purchases alternative with OMB and congressional 

staff.

REPORT OF THE STRATEGY, INNOVATION, AND TECHNOLOGY 

COMMITTEE

Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee Member Michael Lynton 

presented the report of the Committee. Several initiatives are underway to foster 

a culture of innovation and shape the Smithsonian’s strategic direction, including 

the Smithsonian Secretary’s Scholars initiative, which aims to enhance the 

Smithsonian’s creative and intellectual workforce by funding 40 new positions 

in the curatorial, conservation, research, and science fields. A number of other 

programs from the Office of the Acting Provost/Under Secretary for Museums and 

Research and the Office of the Acting Assistant Secretary for Education and Access

are also underway.

The Office of the Acting Provost/Under Secretary for Museums and Research 

highlighted the Smithsonian’s involvement with a successful event held on May 9, 

2016, entitled Dialogue on Exhibitions, which focused on controversy in museum 

exhibitions. The Smithsonian has also partnered with Yale University to focus on 

common interests in conservation and preservation of cultural heritage, digital 
5

Advisory Board Ethics 

Statement

Committee Charter 

Amendments

humanities, environment and climate change, race and human diversity, and 

material culture and object-based teaching and research.

The Office of the Acting Assistant Secretary for Education and Access produced the 

2015 Smithsonian Education Awards and effectively launched Word Expeditions, a 

program supported by a $1 million grant from the PNC Foundation. The office has 

also collaborated with the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Latino 

Center to produce the Sí se puede Dolores Huerta Family Day, highlighting the 

exhibition, One Life: Dolores Huerta.

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair Steve Case presented the report of 

the Committee. The Board was presented with a recommendation from the Office 

of the General Counsel (“OGC”) that all advisory board members adopt a set of 

ethical guidelines and sign an advisory board ethics statement on an annual basis. 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to approve OGC’s 

recommendation.

See attached Actions 2016.06.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

Next, the Board considered the proposed amendments to the Governance and 

Nominating Committee’s Charter, which was reviewed by the Governance and 

Nominating Committee during its meeting on May 9, 2016. The Committee’s 

Charter mandates that the Committee annually review and assess the Charter and 

that the Committee evaluate its own performance with respect to the Charter’s 

requirements. Two modifications were proposed, to revise the Charter’s language

in order to accurately reflect current Committee practices and bring it more in-line 

with language used by other Regent committees. The first modification is a change 

to the language that requires committee chairs to notify the Governance and 

Nominating Committee every November of their preferred membership. 

Membership conversations typically happen informally over the course of the year 

and this change reflects that practice.

The second modification is to the language requiring that all committees maintain 

a Regent majority. The Board had previously approved non-Regent majorities for 

committees like Investment and Advancement. The change to the Governance and 

Nominating Charter reflects the Board’s decisions with regards to these 

committees. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to approve 

the proposed Charter amendments. 

See attached Actions 2016.06.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).
6

Regent Search Mr. Case also updated the Board on the status of the search for new Regents to fill

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s and Robert Kogod’s seats since each of their Regent terms 

will expire in May 2017. Mr. Kogod’s seat must be filled by a DC resident and Dr. 

Jackson’s replacement can be from any state not already represented by a citizen 

Regent. The Office of the Regents has issued an RFP to find a search firm to assist 

with identifying candidates and should have a firm selected by mid-July.

In terms of timeline, the Governance and Nominating Committee hopes to provide

a slate of candidates for the Board’s review at the October 2016 meeting and the 

Board will vote on final candidates in January 2017.

Campaign Update

Gift Review

REPORT OF THE ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Advancement Committee Chair and Regent Emeritus Alan Spoon presented the 

Committee’s report. Mr. Spoon briefed the Board on the status of the Smithsonian 

Campaign (“Campaign”), reporting that the Smithsonian has raised $1.4 billion of 

the $1.5 billion total Campaign goal. Annual fundraising as of April 2016 has 

reached $135 million of the $250 million goal set for fiscal year 2016. 

He reported that the National Museum African American History and Culture

(“NMAAHC”) has raised $263 million toward its $270 million goal. NMAAHC has 

also raised another $10 million for the dedication and opening, as well as another 

$40 million in support of programming and endowed positions. 

Mr. Spoon presented one gift agreement for the Board’s review. Upon motion duly 

made and seconded, the Board voted to approve the gift and naming term of two 

spaces at NMAAHC.

See attached Actions 2016.06.05 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

Mr. Spoon noted that as the opening of NMAAHC gets closer, the Office of 

Advancement anticipates a few more gifts will require approval from the Board 

of Regents. Given that the Board will not meet again before the museum 

opens, the Office of Advancement will work with the Office of the Regents to 

secure approval from the Executive Committee on behalf of the full Board. 

Mr. Spoon reminded the Board that during the June 2014 meeting, a two-week 

notice was requested for any exceptions to the Smithsonian gift policy, to 

include the pre-approved exceptions on naming terms for Cooper-Hewitt and

NMAAHC. The Office of Advancement requested that the Board consider a 

temporary suspension of the two-weeks’ notice requirement for a period of 

three months, as it relates to the naming terms for NMAAHC. The temporary 

suspension would allow for the approval of gifts for NMAAHC to be expedited

in time for the museum’s grand opening. The Board agreed that given the 

timing of the opening, a temporary suspension of the two-weeks’ notice 

requirement for gift policy exceptions would be allowed. 
7

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

2017 Endowment Payout Committee Chair David Rubenstein presented the report of the Finance 

Committee. The fiscal year 2017 Endowment Payout was presented for the 

Board’s review. The Smithsonian’s long-standing policy is to pay out five 

percent of the trailing average market value of the portfolio over the previous 

five years. Since 2012, an additional annual payout has been included of up to 

one percent to pay for the costs of the Campaign on eligible funds. This

practice is expected to end in fiscal year 2017, following the conclusion of the 

Campaign. The projected payout to support the programmatic activity for 

fiscal year 2017 is $63.1 million and the campaign financing payout is projected 

at $5.8 million. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved 

the fiscal year 2017 Endowment Payout.

See attached Actions 2016.06.06 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix 

A).

REPORT OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Endowment Update

Investment Committee member David Rubenstein presented the Committee’s 

report and updated the Board on the status of the Endowment. As of March 

31, 2016, the Endowment stood at $1.28 billion. The Endowment’s one-year

return against the policy benchmark was -2.0% versus -3.5% for the policy

benchmark. 

Report from SNB Chair

REPORT OF THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL BOARD

Robert MacDonald presented the report of the Smithsonian National Board

(“SNB”). Mr. MacDonald presented a brief overview of the SNB’s current work and 

details from its spring meeting held on April 28 – 30, 2016. 

Between January and April of this year, 36 SNB members either attended or spoke 

at regional campaign events, or connected individuals or organizations in their 

communities with the Smithsonian. Seven National Board members hosted events 

in their home cities or brought groups to the Smithsonian here in Washington.

During the spring meeting, SNB members spent time in discussion with Secretary 

Skorton about issues of interest to the Smithsonian, including potentially 

controversial exhibitions, reasons controversy can develop, considerations for

evaluating potential areas of controversy, and safeguards and guidelines the 

Smithsonian currently has in place to prepare for and protect against potential 

controversies. The meeting also focused on the Smithsonian’s presence in 

communities across America. The objective was to educate SNB members about 

units whose mission is to take Smithsonian scholarship, collections, and research 

programs to communities in the Washington, DC region and across the country.

Members visited the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Director 
8

OGR Report

Camille Akeju provided an overview and arranged for behind-the-scenes tours with 

senior Anacostia Museum staff. The spring meeting concluded with a special 

performance produced by Smithsonian Associates. 

REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Director of Government Relations Nell Payne presented the report from the Office 

of Government Relations (“OGR”). Ms. Payne reported that Congressional and 

White House engagement has continued with a number of programs and events. 

Smithsonian management and OGR have conducted a series of briefings to update 

key Congressional Committees on the current status of important projects and 

initiatives, including the potential for a Smithsonian presence in London and the 

NASM revitalization. On June 14, 2016, the Smithsonian will host its annual 

Congressional Night for members of Congress, their families, and staff at NMAH. 

The event will feature programs, including activities for kids, special museum 

exhibitions, and a reception. This year’s Congressional Night is themed “The 

Nation We Build Together” and is made possible for the sixth year in a row by the 

support of Nissan North America.

Task Group 

Recommendations

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE TASK GROUPS

The Board heard a report from the leaders of each of the four task groups that 

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

transparency, unified compensation, contracting, and the use of funds. The task 

groups presented a number of reasonable recommendations to allow for 

appropriate flexibility and make day-to-day processes more effective and efficient.

REPORT FROM THE TASK GROUP ON TRANSPARENCY

Under Secretary for Finance & Administration and Acting Assistant Secretary for 

Communications & External Affairs John K. Lapiana presented the findings and 

recommendations of the task group on transparency. The task group was charged 

with the review of the Smithsonian’s transparency policies and procedures as they 

relate to the non-federal (Trust) funding of exhibits, research, collections, and 

publications. 

Following review and evaluation, the task group concluded that a fourth area--

public programming (e.g., lecture series, culture labs, “living” demonstrations, and 

pop-up displays)--should also be subject to this review. As a result, the task group

recommended that an appropriate policy should be developed to help ensure that 

Smithsonian public programming be subject to a process reflecting the spirit of 

Smithsonian Directive (“SD”) 603 to promote transparency, better identify sensitive 

issues and conflicts of interest, and anticipate and manage potential controversies. 

Regarding exhibitions, the task group recommended a modification of SD 603 to 

provide directors more concrete guidance on potential triggers for review, such as 

certain outside funding sources and the relationships with collectors whose objects 

will be displayed.
9

Regarding collections, the task group recommended a revision of the Smithsonian’s

collections management policy, SD 600, to more explicitly address the expectations 

for transparency regarding outside funding used to purchase objects and the 

objects’ provenance. 

Lastly, regarding research, the task group concluded that the recent revisions to SD 

103, requiring the disclosure of the source of non-federal funding greater than

$10 thousand adequately promotes transparency of sponsored research funding.

REPORT FROM THE TASK GROUP ON UNIFIED COMPENSATION

Director of the Office of Human Resources James Douglas presented the report of 

the task group on unified compensation. The task group was charged with 

reviewing the Smithsonian’s compensation policies for Trust executives in the areas 

of board service, compensation methodology, competitive recruitment 

requirement, and executive leave policies. Following review and evaluation, the 

task group determined that all of the current policies are adequate and should 

remain unchanged, except with regard to the policy on board service. The task 

group recommended that the current policy be reviewed by the Governance and 

Nominating Committee, with the possibility of permitting Smithsonian covered 

executives to serve on a for-profit board in limited circumstances. 

REPORT FROM THE TASK GROUP ON CONTRACTING

Mr. Horvath presented the report of the task group on contracting. The task group 

was charged with reviewing the Smithsonian’s use of federal contracting 

guidelines. The task group concluded that the principle of a consistent approach to 

contracting, regardless of whether the funding source is Federal or Trust, is not an 

inherent problem. The task group did note a few specific issues that if addressed, 

would result in a more efficient process for Smithsonian staff and would not 

undermine the guiding principles of the contracting policy. These areas include 

competition, the federal government’s System for Award Management (“SAM”),

and the RFP process. 

The task group determined that competition appears to serve no legitimate 

purpose when the market is known, the service is so specialized that it is generally 

provided by a select few vendors, and/or the vendors are requested by donors and 

artists who have been commissioned. Changes to procedures covering such 

specific cases would provide significant efficiencies for procurements that do not 

benefit from a traditional competition approach. 

The task group found that the process of registering in SAM, particularly for 

individuals and very small engagements, is cumbersome and inefficient. The group 

recommended identifying situations where contracting actions could be more 

effectively completed without the vendor being required to register in SAM.

Lastly, the task group concluded that the RFP process does not work for contracting 

actions that are very different from federal procurements and that the process 

precludes customary negotiation. The impact of using such an approach for 

“revenue” contracts, primarily impacting Smithsonian Enterprises, has been an 
10

Plans for NMAAHC Opening

obstacle to a number of possible business ventures that could have proved

beneficial to the Smithsonian.

The task group intends to form an ad-hoc working group to advise the contracting 

office and Smithsonian leadership on beneficial changes that could be pursued

with regard to the current issues as determined by the task group, and any other 

issues that may arise in the future. 

REPORT FROM THE TASK GROUP ON USE OF FUNDS

National Museum of Natural History Director Dr. Kirk Johnson presented the report 

of the task group on use of funds. The task group was charged with reviewing the 

Smithsonian’s use of funds policies, governing what can and cannot be purchased 

with Trust funds. The task group sent a survey to Smithsonian directors and 

financial staff on March 10, 2016, soliciting their feedback on the matter. 

Following review and evaluation, the group determined that the Smithsonian

should launch a wider assessment of the use of Trust funds in the realm of travel, 

contracting, and hiring with the intent of increasing efficiency and capitalizing on 

the opportunities that exist due to the Smithsonian being a trust instrumentality,

rather than a purely federal organization. 

The task group also determined that the current prohibition of using Trust funds to 

purchase modest items for common staff use such as food, bottled water, dish 

soap, and decisions regarding employee recognition should be allowed. Modest 

expenses to support memorial events for deceased staff, donors, and volunteers 

should be permitted. Modest gifts for potential donors should also be allowed to 

be purchased with Trust funds, in order to help foster the relationship with the 

potential donor. The task group recommended that the authority to approve these 

presently prohibited Trust purchases should fall under the purview of unit directors 

rather than the Under Secretary for Finance & Administration/Chief Financial 

Officer as a means of increasing efficiency. 

The Board discussed each of the task group’s findings and agreed that the 

recommendations were reasonable and would improve operations and make 

systems easier to navigate for staff. The Board agreed that a routine review of the 

policies is necessary and effective for best practices. 

LUNCHEON PRESENTATION

Founding Director of NMAAHC Lonnie G. Bunch III and Deputy Director Kinshasha 

Holman Conwill briefed the Board on the status of the new museum and plans for 

the grand opening. The Regents were presented with a breakdown of milestone 

dates and activities that will culminate in the public opening ceremony on 

September 24, 2016. Events will begin on Friday, September 23, with a celebratory 

festival; the dedication ceremony on Saturday, September 24; and celebratory 

activities will continue through Sunday, September 25. Programs will include 

musical performances, curated activities, and evening concerts that will explore 

and celebrate the museum’s rich content and stories. The public opening events 

will be designed to accommodate the vast crowds that are anticipated. 
11

AFTERNOON SESSION

 

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

 1:04 p.m.

 SMITHSONIAN VISION STATEMENT DISCUSSION

 

 The Board discussed the status of the plan for revising the Smithsonian’s strategic 

 plan, which is set to expire in 2017, and developing a complementary vision 

 statement. The Secretary reported that he has assembled a team from across the 

 Institution to assist in developing the next strategic plan. 

During the April 2016 Strategic Meeting, the Board provided its feedback regarding 

the future of the Smithsonian and how that could be reflected in a comprehensive 

vision statement. The Secretary and the Office of the Regents worked to compile all 

of the Regents’ comments and draft a working vision statement for the Board’s 

review. The Board discussed the draft and provided additional feedback, stressing 

the importance for the Smithsonian to be viewed as a convener, working to build 

important connections between the Institution and between other institutions for 

the benefit of the common good. 

The Secretary thanked the Board for the constructive feedback. He will work with 

the Office of the Regents and members of his newly assembled strategic planning 

committee to re-work the statement and present an updated draft to the Board at 

the October 2016 meeting. 

 STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

On May 1, 2016, the Board held a special teleconference and voted to approve the 

Secretary’s request to engage in a long-term collaboration with the Victoria & Albert 

Museum (“V&A”) to develop a jointly organized, permanent gallery space, to be 

housed in the new V&A East Building at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. On June 13, 

2016, the day of the Board of Regents’ Meeting, the Smithsonian and the V&A 

publically announced plans for the international collaboration to co-develop one of 

three permanent galleries in the new museum. 

The Secretary and Mr. Horvath updated the Board on plans for the future use of the 

Arts and Industries Building. Renovations to facilitate interim use of the building 

were complete in March 2016, and the space is currently being used as a special 

events venue, with a significant number of bookings. Management is currently in the 

process of hiring a project manager for the building, who would be responsible for 

the development and implementation of all plans, to include programming, 

exhibitions, and infrastructure. A design firm has also been retained to aid in the 

development of conceptual ideas that will be used to advance the long-term 

objectives of the project. 

 
12

 EXECUTIVE SESSION: SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL PUT OPTION UPDATE

 The Committee then conducted an executive session to discuss the status of the 

 Smithsonian Channel Equity Put Option. In 2011, the Smithsonian purchased 

 additional equity interest in the Channel. The joint venture agreement provided that 

 the Smithsonian could sell back (“put”) to its partner a portion, or all, of its 

 ownership interest in 2014, 2016, or 2018. Under the agreement, Showtime is only 

 obligated to execute against one of these possible dates. The Smithsonian declined 

 to exercise this option in January 2014. The milestone dates that remain are 2016 

and 2018. If the Smithsonian exercises the option in 2016, Showtime will not be 

obligated to exercise against a proposed put in 2018. 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: “GATEKEEPERS” REPORT

The Board then conducted an executive session with General Counsel Judith 

Leonard. 

Finally, the Board conducted a Regent-only executive session.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 3:13 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

David J. Skorton

Secretary

ADDENDUM

By email ballot completed on September 12, 2016, the Board of Regents voted to 

recognize the generosity of the William and Sue Gross Family Foundation to the 

National Postal Museum and extend the minimum naming of the William H. Gross 

Stamp Gallery for an additional five years, should the Smithsonian renew the lease for 

the Gallery space following the expiration of the current lease agreement and 

execution of the two five-year extensions provided for in the current lease 

agreement, or until the next major renovation of the Gallery, whichever occurs later. 

The gift action required approval prior to the next scheduled Board meeting in order 

to facilitate the timing of specific programs and announcements. The Board was 

provided with two-weeks’ advanced notice of the gift action due to the inclusion of an 

exception to the approved naming policy.

See attached Actions 2016.06.07 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

 
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

JUNE 13, 2016, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that upon the deliberation of the issue of establishing the Armenia branch of the 

Smithsonian Institution, the Board hereby decides to issue a resolution to: (1) establish the 

Armenia branch of the Smithsonian Institution (hereinafter, the “Branch”); (2) approve the 

charter of the Branch; (3) appoint Olivier Messmer (citizen of France) as the Country Director of 

the Branch and authorize him to implement all actions for the state registration of the Branch; 

and (4) approve the Power of Attorney attached hereto and issued for the Country Director of 

the Branch (“POA”) (collectively referred to hereinafter as the “Resolution”). [2016.06.01]

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

of all action items listed therein. [2016.06.02]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the April 11, 2016, Meeting 

of the Board of Regents.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the May 1, 2016, Special 

Telephonic Meeting of the Board of Regents

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

appointment or reappointment to seven Smithsonian advisory boards.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc. 

and accepts the terms of the sponsorship agreement.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Advisory Board Ethics Statement to be used 

with all Smithsonian Advisory Boards. [2016.06.03]

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

Nominating Committee’s Charter. [2016.06.04]

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Robert F. Smith to the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture and accepts the gift and names the Robert 

Frederick Smith Explore Your Family History Center and the Robert Frederick Smith Family 

Pavilion for 25 years or until the next major renovation, whichever occurs later. [2016.06.05]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves a five percent payout from the Smithsonian’s 

Endowment in fiscal year 2017 to support programmatic activity. The Finance Committee 

further recommends up to an additional one percent payout from eligible Smithsonian 

Endowment funds in fiscal year 2017 to cover expenses associated with the national fundraising 

campaign. The payout shall be calculated against the current five-year average market value of 

the Smithsonian Endowment. [2016.06.06]
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VOTED* that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of the William and Sue Gross 

Family Foundation to the National Postal Museum and extends the minimum naming of the 

William H. Gross Stamp Gallery for an additional five years, should the Smithsonian renew the 

lease for the Gallery space following the expiration of the current lease agreement and 

execution of the two five-year extensions provided for in the current lease agreement, or until 

the next major renovation of the Gallery, whichever occurs later. [2016.06.07]

*Approved via email ballot on September 12, 2016