MINUTES OF THE APRIL 3, 2023, 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, April 3, 2023. The Board conducted a site visit to the Suitland Collections Center, a 

morning business meeting, and an afternoon strategic session at the National Museum of American 

History in Washington, D.C. Regents present were: 

The Chief Justice1 

 Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

Senator Gary Peters

Representative Doris Matsui 

Representative Adrian Smith

Ambassador Barbara M. Barrett 

Mr. Steve Case 

Mr. John Fahey, Vice Chair

Mr. Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.

Mr. Michael Govan

Dr. Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, Chair

Mr. Michael Lynton

Ms. Denise O’Leary

Mr. Franklin D. Raines

Ms. Kathryn Hall, Investment Committee Chair

Mr. Jorge Puente, Smithsonian National Board Chair 

Vice President Kamala D. Harris, Senator John Boozman, and Representative Garret Graves were 

unable to attend the meeting. 

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

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary

Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary

Monique Chism, Under Secretary for Education

Ronald Cortez, Under Secretary for 

Administration

Robert M. Dow, Jr., Counselor to the Chief 

Justice

Farleigh Earhart, Acting General Counsel

Kate Forester, Deputy Chief of Staff to the 

Regents

Mallory Gianola, Special Assistant to the 

Regents (recorder)

Kevin Gover, Under Secretary for Museums and 

Research

Logan de La Barre-Hays, Office of 

Representative Graves

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Becky Kobberod, Head of Digital

Transformation1

Jeremy Marcus, Office of Representative Matsui

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs and Chief 

Marketing Officer

Meroë Park, Deputy Secretary and Chief 

Operating Officer 

Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars 

Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and 

Conservation Biology Institute2

Robert J. Spiller, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement 

Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and 

Research

Caitlyn, Stephenson, Office of Senator Peters

Josh Yearsley, Office of Senator Cortez Masto

1 Participated in the afternoon strategic meeting only 2 Participated in the lunch program only
2

MORNING SESSION

A National Institution: 

Collections Storage and 

Space Planning

Call to Order of the 

Morning Business 

Session

Report of the 

Chair of the Board

Executive Committee 

Approvals

A NATIONAL INSTITUTION: COLLECTIONS STORAGE AND SPACE 

PLANNING

The overarching theme of the April 3, 2023, meeting of the Board of Regents, was 

the national reach of the Smithsonian. Regents, liaisons, and Smithsonian 

leadership participated in a tour and overview of the Suitland Collections Center in 

Suitland, Maryland. The campus serves as the Smithsonian’s principal off-site 

storage and conservation facility, and is divided into four separate sectors, each 

developed independently over time: the Museum Support Center, the National 

Museum of the American Indian’s Cultural Resources Center, the Smithsonian 

Gardens’ Greenhouse, and the Paul E. Garber Facility. The program focused on the 

current and long-term requirements for stewardship of the Smithsonian’s vast 

collections, especially as the Institution continues to explore ways to reach 

audiences beyond Washington, D.C.

REGENTS’ BUSINESS SESSION

Chair Risa Lavizzo-Mourey called the morning business session to order at 11:08 

a.m.

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The meeting of the Board of Regents began with the Report of the Chair of the 

Board and Executive Committee. Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey began her report by 

acknowledging the final Regents’ meeting for Steve Case, who will conclude his 

second term on the Board at the end of April. She also reminded the Board that 

Nancy Yao has been named the founding director of the Smithsonian American 

Women’s History Museum and is expected to join the Smithsonian on June 5.

Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey then briefed the Board on two actions taken by the Executive

Committee on behalf of the Board, pursuant to Board Bylaw 3.01, between the

January and April meetings. The Executive Committee approved the 2023 Regent 

committee member assignments for the newly appointed Congressional Regents. 

Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey noted that the Executive Committee’s approval was requested 

on behalf of the Board to allow for their participation in Regent committee 

meetings prior to the April Board meeting. The Executive Committee also 

approved the fiscal year 2024 federal budget request to Congress because the 

submission to Congress was scheduled to be delivered on March 9, 2023, prior to 

the April 3, 2023, Board meeting.
3

Consent Agenda

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

Written Report of the 

Advancement

Committee

Written Report of the 

Facilities Committee

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

Action items listed on the April 3, 2023, Agenda included: the approval of minutes 

from the January 30, 2023, Board meeting; appointments and reappointments to 

four (4) Smithsonian Institution Advisory Boards; amendments to the Bylaws of the 

National Museum of African Art Board; and gifts and naming recognition. 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 2023.04.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

Next, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey provided an opportunity for Regent committee chairs 

and Smithsonian staff to answer questions about the written reports distributed

ahead of the meeting by the Advancement Committee, Facilities Committee, 

Smithsonian National Board, and Office of Government Relations.

Written Report of the Advancement Committee

The Advancement Committee held a meeting on January 11, 2023. During the 

meeting, the Committee reviewed notable gifts and grants, received an update on 

fundraising for the two new museums, reviewed Campaign progress, and

discussed the Ignite Tomorrow Campaign at the National Air and Space Museum. 

The Committee also was briefed on the progress of fiscal year 2023 fundraising. As 

of January 31, 2023, the Smithsonian had raised $107.6 million towards its $265 

million goal.

Written Report of the Facilities Committee

The Facilities Committee conducted a meeting on March 10, 2023. During the 

meeting, the Committee engaged in a strategic discussion on the progress of site 

selection for the new museums, was briefed on the Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2023 

and 2024 Capital and Maintenance budgets, and received an update on a potential 

right of first offer related to Capital Gallery. The Committee also received 

information on the Smithsonian’s climate resiliency and sustainability plans and 

major capital projects, including construction of Pod 6 at the Museum Support 

Center; revitalization of the building envelope and infrastructure at the National 

Air and Space Museum – Mall Building; and revitalization of the Historic Core.
4

Written Report of the 

Smithsonian National 

Board

Written Report of the 

Office of Government 

Relations

Congressional Briefings

and Smithsonian 

Related Legislation

Congressional 

Engagement

Report of the 

Governance and 

Nominating Committee

Written Report of the Smithsonian National Board

The Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”) held its winter business meeting on 

February 3, 2023. In light of the March 2023 Smithsonian Volunteer Leadership 

Weekend Events in Los Angeles, CA, the business meeting was hosted virtually. 

The meeting focused on discussions highlighting the Smithsonian Campaign for 

Our Shared Future, the Office of Advancement’s Smithsonian Legacy Challenge, 

and recent work at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. National Board 

members also received reports from working group and committee chairs. 

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

The Office of Government Relations (“OGR”) reported that on March 9, 2023, the 

President released the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. For FY 2024, the Smithsonian’s 

total request to fund essential operating expenses, priority program increases,

and revitalization of the Institution’s physical infrastructure is $1,241.0 million. The 

total amount includes $976 million for Salaries and Expenses and $265.0 million 

for Facilities Capital.

OGR provided a “Smithsonian 101” briefing for the new House Majority Staff on 

the House Appropriations Committee. OGR also engaged in five Congressional 

briefings between the January and April Board meetings. The briefings focused on 

the new museums, revitalization of the Castle, the fiscal year 2024 budget request 

to Congress, and the 2023 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The Office of Government 

Relations is tracking two pieces of legislation related to commemorative

Congressional Gold Medals, including H.R.703 and H.R.640/S.137. Both bills direct 

a medal to go to the Smithsonian for display and research.

The Office of Government Relations continues its congressional engagement, 

hosting and participating in a variety of programs and events. Most notably, 

monitoring appointments to key committee positions in the 118th Congress, 

engaging new Chairs and Ranking Members, and coordinating with House and 

Senate Leadership on the appointment and reappointment of Congressional 

Regents. On March 8, 2023, the Office of Government Relations, the Smithsonian 

American Women’s History Museum Advisory Council, and the Office of Special 

Events hosted a breakfast on International Women’s Day in the Capitol Visitor 

Center to commemorate the holiday and raise awareness of the SAWHM efforts.

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. gave 

the Committee’s report and presented three action items for the Board’s 

consideration: (i) the deaccession and return of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, (ii) a 

nomination to the Order of James Smithson, and (iii) proposed amendments to the 

Bylaws of the Board of Regents.
5

Deaccession and Return

of Benin Bronzes to 

Nigeria

Order of James 

Smithson

Proposed Amendments 

to the Bylaws of the 

Board of Regents

First, the Board of Regents was asked to consider the deaccession of 13 Benin 

Bronzes, a name that is used to cover a variety of artifacts ranging from brass 

plaques, carved elephant tusks, ivory leopard statues, and wooden heads. Mr. 

Ferguson presented the Committee’s recommendation to the Board that the 

artworks in the National Museum of Natural History (“NMNH”) collection be 

transferred to the National Commission of Museums and Monuments, as the 

representative of the Federal Government of Nigeria. It was noted that the return 

of the bronzes follows the Smithsonian’s new Shared Stewardship and Ethical 

Returns Policy and the recent return of 29 Benin Bronzes from the collections of 

the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art to Nigeria. The Regents are 

responsible for approving the deaccession due to the value of the collection 

pursuant to Smithsonian Directive 600, Collections Management. Upon motion 

duly made and seconded, the Board approved the proposed deaccession.

See attached Actions 2023.04.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Next, Mr. Ferguson presented a nomination to the Order of James Smithson, which 

was established by the Regents in 1983 to recognize inspirational and impactful 

contributions to the Smithsonian. At its meeting on March 6, 2023, the 

Governance and Nominating Committee voted to recommend that the Board 

award Robert P. Kogod with the Order of James Smithson, in appreciation for his 

exceptional, long-standing support and significant contributions to the Institution. 

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

nomination of Robert P. Kogod to the Order of James Smithson.

See attached Actions 2023.04.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

To conclude, Mr. Ferguson presented proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the 

Board of Regents. In January 2023, the Board of Regents approved the 

restructuring of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology (“SIT”) Committee to 

further focus on the Smithsonian’s digital transformation. The refocus included 

adjusting Regent and non-Regent membership and amending four duties and 

responsibilities in the SIT Committee’s Charter. Mr. Ferguson informed the 

Committee that as a result, conforming changes to the Bylaws of the Board of 

Regents are necessary to reflect the updated duties and responsibilities removed 

from the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee and reassigned to the 

Governance and Nominating Committee, the Finance Committee, and the 

Executive Committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved 

the proposed amendments to §4.05, §4.06, and §4.08 of the Bylaws of the Board 

of Regents.

See attached Actions 2023.04.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Board moved into an executive session at approximately 11:22 a.m. to

discuss business and personnel matters. 
6 

Executive Session: 

Advisory Board 

Reappointments

Luncheon Program: A 

National Institution: 

Smithsonian Science

Call to Order of the 

Afternoon Strategic 

Session

A National Institution: 

The Increase and 

Diffusion of Knowledge

Beyond the Beltway

Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. led a 

discussion regarding reappointments to Smithsonian Advisory Boards. He 

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

Steven G. Hoch as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Tropical 

Research Institute (“STRI”) for a two-year term of leadership service. The 

reappointment was proposed to ensure a continuity of board leadership during a 

period of transition in STRI executive leadership and as the STRI Advisory Board 

engages in deliberative succession planning. Mr. Ferguson noted that the two-year 

term of leadership service would not exceed the officer term limitation, but it

would exceed the membership term limitation set forth in the Advisory Board 

Bylaws of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the Smithsonian’s best 

practice guidelines for maximum service for board members. Upon motion duly 

made and seconded, the Board voted to approve the leadership term extension. 

See attached Actions 2023.04.05 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Following the executive session, the Board adjourned to the luncheon program at 

approximately 11:38 a.m.

LUNCHEON PROGRAM: A NATIONAL INSTITUTION: SMITHSONIAN 

SCIENCE

Regents and Smithsonian staff convened at the National Museum of American 

History for a luncheon program, the first in a series highlighting efforts to advance 

One Smithsonian. During lunch, the Secretary led a panel discussion with Director 

of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Brandie 

Smith, Assistant Secretary for Advancement Rob Spiller, and Under Secretary for 

Science and Research Ellen Stofan. The Regents had an opportunity to hear how 

they are collaborating on a pan-Institutional level and harnessing Smithsonian 

expertise to elevate science in the global discourse. 

AFTERNOON SESSION 

REGENTS’ STRATEGIC SESSION

The Chancellor called the afternoon session to order at 1:00 p.m. 

STRATEGIC DISCUSSION: A NATIONAL INSTITUTION: THE INCREASE 

AND DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE BEYOND THE BELTWAY

To begin the afternoon session, the Secretary and members of his leadership team

led a discussion on the ways the Smithsonian is expanding its reach beyond

Washington, D.C. to the broader national audience. The discussion was framed 

with an overview of the strategic plan implementation, followed by a deep dive on 
7

Strategic Plan 

Implementation

Education: Creating Our 

Shared Future Through 

Education

Virtual Smithsonian: 

Accelerating Progress on 

Digital Transformation

Executive Session: 

Regents-only

two strategic focus areas: education and digital transformation. 

Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Meroë Park first briefed the Board 

on the Initiative Tracking Dashboard, which is guiding progress toward enacting 

the Strategic Plan and tracking efforts for each of the 23 pan-Institutional 

initiatives. Deputy Secretary Park explained that the Dashboard is a living resource, 

designed to ensure transparency and foster collaboration. From the Dashboard, 

initiative snapshots can be downloaded by Smithsonian staff and used to support 

pan-institutional and unit-specific planning, fundraising, federal resource requests, 

and cross-collaboration efforts. The Deputy Secretary informed the Board that 

individual initiatives will be briefed at Regent committees and to the full Board 

throughout the year.

Next, Under Secretary for Education Monique Chism updated the Board on how 

the Smithsonian is building and enriching a national culture of learning. Dr. Chism 

reviewed annual metrics from the Smithsonian’s education outreach in fiscal year 

2022, including education programs that reached 5.9 million participants and the 

distribution of 13.7 million educator-created publications. The Board discussed 

two education focus areas as part of the Strategic Plan: Reach Every Classroom and 

Smithsonian, Where I Live. Dr. Chism showcased ways the Smithsonian is 

prioritizing direct engagement with pre-K–12 classrooms nationwide to provide 

services and resources that support a well-rounded education, cultivate creativity 

and imagination, and ignite a passion and appreciation for lifelong learning. Dr. 

Chism also highlighted case studies and major activities that the Office of the 

Under Secretary for Education has launched to engage with and amplify the voices 

of rural Americans to better serve local communities, raise the visibility of their 

cultural stories, exchange resources, and join in conversations about our shared 

future.

To close the strategic discussion, Head of Digital Transformation Becky Kobberod 

updated the Board on how the Institution is adapting the Virtual Smithsonian 

strategy and capturing opportunities enabled by digital technology. Ms. Kobberod 

reviewed annual metrics from the Smithsonian’s virtual engagement in fiscal year 

2022, including 168 million website viewers and 19.8 million social media 

followers. The Board discussed two focus areas as part of the Smithsonian’s digital 

transformation: social media and audience and data. Ms. Kobberod showcased 

ways the Institution is leveraging and expanding social media capabilities to 

amplify and enhance content and ensure the Smithsonian is competing in a rapidly 

changing digital landscape. Ms. Kobberod also shared new social media technology 

that has been implemented for pan-Smithsonian collaboration and tracking, and 

she highlighted recent collaborations and social media campaigns that have 

utilized audience-centered data to better serve unit-specific audiences.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Board moved into a Regents-only executive session at approximately 1:34 p.m. 

to discuss personnel matters and agendas for future Board meetings. 
8

Strategic Report of the 

Secretary

MOU between 

Smithsonian and U.S. 

Department of State

Congressional 

Engagement

The Exhibit: Finding the 

Next Great Artist

Administrative Matters

The executive session adjourned at 2:40 p.m.

STRATEGIC REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

Secretary Bunch updated the Board on the state of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Secretary first updated the Board on a new Memorandum of Understanding 

(“MOU”) with the United States Department of State. The MOU will serve to 

execute projects related to education and exchange, history, art, culture, science, 

research, and other similar activities. The Secretary reviewed potential areas of 

collaboration and highlighted how the MOU will provide increased access to 

Smithsonian content and resources.

Next, the Secretary briefed the Board on engagement with Congressional Regents 

and other Members of Congress. The Secretary reviewed how the Institution is

forging new relationships with the 118th United States Congress, specifically 

congressional committees and caucuses that have shared interests with the 

Smithsonian. The Secretary will expand on the discussion at the June meeting and 

further outline priorities for enhancing Congressional engagement.

The Secretary also updated the Regents on a partnership with the Smithsonian

Channel, MTV, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. The three units 

collaborated on a first-of-its-kind docu-competition series, The Exhibit: Finding the 

Next Great Artist, which premiered on March 3 on MTV and on March 7 on the

Smithsonian Channel. The series follows seven diverse artists as they vie for a cash 

prize and a career defining exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture 

Garden. The Secretary informed the Board that feedback from the six-episode 

series was positive, and the Board agreed that the pilot provided a good 

opportunity to explore different ways to push Smithsonian content beyond the 

walls of the physical museums.

To close, the Secretary provided updates on administrative matters, including 

working with the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest 

federal employee union that represents 750,000 Federal and D.C. government 

workers. The Secretary also informed the Board about a targeted email attack 

related to a fraudulent payment at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory 

(“SAO”). A thorough review of financial operations at SAO is underway, as well as 

an assessment of policies and practices, which will be brought to the Audit and 

Review Committee. The Secretary also announced that on March 29, the 

Partnership for Public Service and Boston Consulting Group joined the Washington 

Post to release the 2022 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government. The 

Smithsonian Institution ranked the 9th Best Place to Work in the Federal 

Government, among mid-size agencies. The Board then received an update on the 

Smithsonian’s hybrid telework approach. By June 1, 2023, all Smithsonian units are 

expected to have telework eligible staff on site at least two or three days per 

week.
9

Regent Retrospective

Executive Session:

“Gatekeeper” Reports

Adjournment

REGENT RETROSPECTIVE

To conclude the afternoon session, the Board asked departing Regent Steve Case 

to provide a retrospective on his 12-year tenure on the Board. Mr. Case shared his 

aspirations for the Smithsonian as the Institution continues to transform its 

approach to exhibitions, educational programming, research findings, and digital 

content. The Regents applauded Mr. Case for his commitment to digital innovation 

and his transformational leadership, extraordinary commitment to the Institution, 

and exceptional service on the Board of Regents.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: “GATEKEEPER” REPORTS

The Board concluded the April 3, 2023, meeting with an opportunity to hear

from each of the Smithsonian’s Gatekeepers.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 3:02 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,

Lonnie G. Bunch, III

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

APRIL 3, 2023, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

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

of all action items listed therein. [2023.04.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the January 30, 2023,

meeting of the Board of Regents.

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

appointment or reappointment to four (4) Smithsonian Institution Advisory Boards.

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

the National Museum of African Art (“NMAFA”) Board.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of NIKE, Inc. 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 Natural History to support the Anthropology Department and

library, specifically for Polynesian accessions. Further, the Board of Regents authorizes

the transfer of the funds identified for this purpose.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Secretary’s request to deaccession thirteen (13) 

works of art from the Benin Kingdom Royal Court, known as Benin Bronzes, in the collection of 

the National Museum of Natural History and return and transfer title of the objects to Nigeria’s 

National Commission for Museums and Monuments, as the representative of the Federal

Government of Nigeria. [2023.04.02]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the nomination of Robert P. Kogod to the Order of

James Smithson. [2023.04.03] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed amendments to §4.05, §4.06, and 

§4.08 of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents. [2023.04.04]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the reappointment of Steven G. Hoch as Chair of 

the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute for a two-year extension of 

leadership service, effective June 28, 2023. [2023.04.05]