DRAFT MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 2020, TELECONFERENCE 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 6, 2020. In light of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Board conducted the scheduled 

business meeting telephonically. Board Chair Steve Case welcomed Regents and staff participating by phone and 

called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Also participating were Regents:

Senator John Boozman

Senator Patrick J. Leahy

Senator David Perdue

Representative Doris Matsui

Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard

Representative John Shimkus

Mr. John Fahey

Mr. Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.

Mr. Michael Govan

Dr. Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, Vice Chair

Mr. Michael Lynton

Mr. David M. Rubenstein

Ms. Denise O’Leary, Nominated Regent

Ms. Kathryn Hall, Investment Committee Chair

Mr. Dennis Keller, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Mrs. Christine Udvar-Hazy, Advancement Committee Chair

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. and Vice President Michael R. Pence were unable to participate in 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

Roger Brissenden, Acting Lead for Science and 

Research

Victor Castillo, Office of Representative Roybal-Allard

Kate Forester, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Regents

Mallory Gianola, Special Assistant to the Regents

(recorder)

Kevin Gover, Acting Provost and Director of 

the National Museum of the American Indian

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Toni-Marie Higgins, Office of Senator Boozman

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Stephanie Lightfoot, Office of Senator Perdue

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs and Chief 

Marketing Officer

Era Marshall, Director for the Office of Equal 

Employment and Minority Affairs

Mike McCarthy, Under Secretary for Administration

Kevin McDonald, Senior Adviser to Senator Leahy

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief 

Justice

Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar, Acting Lead for 

Education

Meroë Park, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating 

Officer

Craig Roberts, Office of Representative Shimkus

Vernon L. Simms, Director of the Office of 

Government Relations

Robert J. Spiller, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement 

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents
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BUSINESS MEETING

Welcome

New Leadership

Positions

New Director of the 

Office of Government 

Relations

Recognition of Regent 

Representative John 

Shimkus

Executive Committee 

Approvals

Consent Agenda

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Board and Executive Committee Chair Steve Case began the meeting of the Board 

of Regents by delivering his inaugural report as Chair. Mr. Case noted that April is 

typically the Regents’ strategic meeting, which was delayed in light of the

circumstances surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The Regents’ will continue to 

monitor stay-at-home orders and social-distancing guidelines to determine if the 

Board can proceed with an in-person meeting in June. Mr. Case acknowledged 

that despite the various challenges in the current environment, the Smithsonian

has continued to move forward on two key strategic initiatives: building a more 

unified and collaborative “One Smithsonian” and integrating a digital first strategy 

to create the Virtual Smithsonian.

Next, Mr. Case introduced four individuals who are serving in new leadership 

positions as the Institution pivots towards a new organizational structure to be 

approved by Congress. These roles will work with Deputy Secretary and Chief 

Operating Officer Meroë Park on pan-Institutional initiatives. He welcomed Acting 

Lead for Science and Research Roger Brissenden, Acting Provost Kevin Gover,

Acting Lead for Education Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar, and Under Secretary for 

Administration Mike McCarthy. 

Mr. Case also welcomed the Smithsonian’s new Director of the Office of 

Government Relations Vernon L. Simms. Mr. Simms will oversee and continue to 

strengthen the Smithsonian’s relationship with Congress, the White House, the 

Office of Management and Budget, and government officials at the state and local 

levels.

Mr. Case then recognized Regent Representative John Shimkus for his donation of 

a unique nano copy of the US Capitol to the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian 

accepted the object, 10 times smaller than a human cell, which was presented to 

Regent Shimkus by the Embassy of Lithuania to recognize 30 years of friendship 

between the two countries.

In conclusion, Mr. Case briefed the Board on one action taken by the Executive 

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

January and April meetings. He noted that due to exigent circumstances, the 

Executive Committee approved a gift from the Cunniffe Family Foundation to the 

Smithsonian American Art Museum.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

items listed on the April 6, 2020, Agenda include: the approval of minutes from 

the January 27, 2020, Regents’ meeting; the appointment and reappointment of 
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Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

Written Report of the 

Advancement

Committee

Written Report of the 

Governance and 

Nominating Committee

Written Report of the 

Smithsonian National 

Board

candidates to eight (8) Smithsonian Advisory Boards; bylaw amendments to the 

National Museum of African American History and Culture Advisory Council; 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 2020.04.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Case provided an opportunity for Regent committee chairs and Smithsonian 

staff to answer questions on the written reports distributed in advance of the 

meeting by the Advancement Committee; Governance and Nominating

Committee; Smithsonian National Board; and Office of Government Relations.

Written Report of the Advancement Committee

The Advancement Committee held a meeting on February 25, 2020. During the 

meeting, the Committee reviewed notable gifts and grants received since the 

January 8, 2020, meeting and voted to recommend four gift actions to the Board 

of Regents. The Committee also received an update on planning for the next 

Smithsonian fundraising campaign. The Assistant Secretary for Advancement 

briefed the Committee on the progress of fiscal year 2020 fundraising. As of

January 31, 2020, the Smithsonian had raised $90.68 million towards its $230 

million goal.

Written Report of the Governance and Nominating Committee

The Governance and Nominating Committee met on March 4, 2020. During the 

meeting, the Committee voted to approve appointments and reappointments to

eight (8) Smithsonian advisory boards, and a proposed amendment to the bylaws 

of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Council. 

Additionally, the Committee proposed the election of a new Regent and one 

reappointment to the Board of Regents.

Written Report of the Smithsonian National Board

The Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”) held its winter meeting January 30

through February 1, 2020, in Washington, D.C. The meeting and corresponding 

activities focused on the Smithsonian’s strategic priority: to catalyze new 

conversations and address complex challenges. SNB members heard from Kevin 

Gover, Director of the National Museum of the American Indian, about how the 

museum engages with and tells the stories of Native American communities. 

Members devoted a significant portion of the business meeting to exploring how 

leaders across the Smithsonian are creating new forums and putting forth 

solutions to address important national and global issues.
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Written Report of the 

Office of Government 

Relations

Smithsonian Introduced 

Legislation

Smithsonian Related 

Legislation

Congressional 

Engagement

Report of the Secretary

Workplace Culture

Consolidated 

Administrative 

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

The Office of Government Relations (“OGR”) reported that February 4, 2020, the 

Smithsonian submitted its fiscal year 2021 budget request to Congress. The 

request totals $1.11 billion, and includes $820 million for Salaries and Expenses, 

and $290 million for Facilities Capital.

In addition, OGR reported on legislation introduced by the Smithsonian. On 

March 2, 2020, the President signed S.J. Res. 65 and S.J. Res. 67 providing for the

reappointment of John Fahey and Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, respectively, to a 

second six-year term on the Smithsonian Board of Regents. S.J. Res. 66, 

appointing Denise O’Leary to a first six-year term on the Board of Regents has not

yet been considered by the House of Representatives.

On February 11, 2020, the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum Act was passed 

by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 374 to 37. It awaits action in the 

U.S. Senate. If passed into public law, both bills will call for the establishment of a 

comprehensive women’s history museum as part of the Smithsonian.

OGR engaged in several Congressional briefings and hearings on the pandemic 

prevention and response related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Latino initiatives, 

expansion of the Institution’s global brand in new markets, space-based research 

through the Smithsonian’s Space on the Hill partnership with the American 

Astronomical Society, and the Smithsonian’s event and public programming 

planned to mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment recognizing 

women’s right to vote. 

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

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

The Secretary expressed his gratitude to the Board and thanked Vice Chair Risa J. 

Lavizzo-Mourey for her leadership and ability to assist with the COVID-19 

pandemic response given her expertise in public health.

The Secretary also briefed the Regents on his efforts to enhance and maintain a 

workplace that is conducive to safety and success for all. The Smithsonian hired 

Workplace Violence Prevention Coordinator Amanda Jones in an effort to ensure 

that all Smithsonian employees and affiliated persons are treated equitably in an 

environment that is free from discrimination and workplace harassment. Ms. 

Jones began her tenure at the Smithsonian in February and will work to further 

develop Smithsonian policies and procedures related to workplace harassment, 

diversity, inclusion, and equal employment.

Next, the Secretary reported on the progress of the Consolidated Administrative 

Headquarters. The Smithsonian is still engaged in long-term planning on 

utilization of the Capital Gallery building. The detailed due diligence process 
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Headquarters

National Air and Space 

Museum Rebuilding

Smithsonian Open

Access

Smithsonian American 

Women’s History 

Initiative

found no environmental or major infrastructure issues in the building condition 

assessment. The Secretary reported that the Smithsonian is monitoring long-term 

debt issuances and the current rate environment in a fast-moving and quickly 

evolving commercial real estate marketplace, given the market volatility due to 

COVID-19 (Coronavirus). 

To conclude, the Secretary briefed the Board on the National Air and Space 

Museum (“NASM”) rebuilding. Major capital projects at the Smithsonian have 

been impacted as a result of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). While construction at 

NASM has continued through social distancing and staggered work shifts, among 

other safe practices, the overall availability of materials and labor will ultimately 

influence the final timeline and budget of the NASM rebuilding.

STATUS REPORT ON SMITHSONIAN OPEN ACCESS

Secretary Bunch then updated the Board on Smithsonian Open Access, a 

signature initiative of the virtual Smithsonian strategic priority. In February, the 

Smithsonian released 2.6 million high-resolution 2D and 3D images from across its 

collections onto an open access online platform, featuring data and material from 

all 19 Smithsonian museums, nine research centers, libraries, archives, and the 

National Zoo. Between February 20 and April 6, almost 15 million Open Access 

digital assets had been viewed. The Secretary shared his enthusiasm for the 

opportunity to create powerful Smithsonian collaborations and partnerships in 

support of advancing the initiative. Throughout the remainder of 2020, the 

Smithsonian will continue to release more images and resources, as the 

Institution continues to digitize its collection of 155 million items and counting. 

STATUS REPORT ON THE SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN WOMEN’S 

HISTORY INITIATIVE

Secretary Bunch next provided a progress report on the American Women’s 

History Initiative (“AWHI”). The AWHI website re-launched with new information 

and a digital compendium to the publication Smithsonian American Women. The 

compendium provides information, collections, and videos on activism, 

education, work, and more. The Secretary also informed the Board that the 

opening of Girlhood (It's Complicated) would be delayed due to COVID-19 

(Coronavirus). The signature exhibition was scheduled to open in June 2020 at the 

National Museum of American History and begin its national tour beginning in 

March 2023. While many AWHI events were cancelled, the Smithsonian launched 

new ways to participate in Women's History Month from home during March 

through a digital first strategy, and plans to release online resources for educators 

including content from the Smithsonian Libraries and Smithsonian Archives 

featuring Sally Kristen Ride who became the first American woman in space in 

1983.
6

Executive Session: 

Impact of COVID-19 

(Coronavirus) on the 

Smithsonian

Executive Session: 

Update on Smithsonian 

Advancement and 

Fundraising 

Executive Session: 

Investment Committee 

Report

Executive Session: 

Update on the Proposed 

New Organizational 

Structure

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Board moved into an executive session at 10:16 a.m. to discuss personnel and 

business matters relating to the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on the 

Smithsonian, and to vote on the appointment and reappointment of Citizen 

Regents.

Mr. Case turned the meeting over to Secretary Lonnie Bunch, to brief the Board

on the Institutional impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). All Smithsonian museums 

in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and New York City, including the 

National Zoo, have been closed to the public since March 14. The Secretary 

detailed the efforts taken by the Smithsonian’s COVID-19 Response Team to 

actively monitor, plan, and respond to the impact on Smithsonian staff, visitors, 

and operations. In addition to focusing internally, the Smithsonian continues to 

serve the public including new and enhanced virtual outreach and programming 

including the formation of the Smithsonian Education Response team to support 

schools facing closure due to the stay-at-home orders.

Next, Assistant Secretary for Advancement Rob Spiller reviewed the current

status of advancement and fundraising at the Smithsonian amid the changing 

philanthropic landscape. He updated the Board on revised planning efforts for 

launching a multi-year, Institution-wide comprehensive fundraising campaign. 

The Board will continue to be apprised of the Institution’s fundraising strategies 

as current events evolve.

Investment Committee Chair Katie Hall reviewed the investment portfolio 

performance, amid the global financial crisis resulting from COVID-19 

(Coronavirus) and discussed the Committee’s plan of action to navigate significant 

market dislocations. She noted that the portfolio was fairly resilient to the recent 

market turmoil since it is managed to have less volatility to the broader market 

through its diversification across public and private investments.

The Board then discussed the Secretary’s proposed new organizational structure, 

which is awaiting Congressional approval. The new structure identifies four 

Under Secretary positions reporting to the Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating 

Officer: Acting Lead for Science and Research Roger Brissenden (Acting Under 

Secretary for Science and Research, once approved), Acting Provost Kevin Gover 

(Acting Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, once approved), Acting Lead 

for Education Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar (Acting Under Secretary for Education, 

once approved), and Under Secretary for Administration Mike McCarthy. The 

acting leads would provide necessary support as the Institution navigates 

significant changes. 
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Executive Session: 

Election of New Regent

Executive Session: 

Reappointment to the 

Board of Regents

Executive Session: 

“Gatekeeper” Reports

Adjournment

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair John Fahey then led the Board’s 

discussion on the search for a new Citizen Regent to fill the immediate vacancy on 

the Board, following the expiration of the term of John W. McCarter, Jr., in March

2020. Mr. Fahey presented the proposed priority candidate recommended by the 

Governance and Nominating Committee for nomination to the Board: Franklin D. 

Raines. 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the Governance and 

Nominating Committee’s recommendation and voted to nominate Franklin D. 

Raines of Washington, D.C. The Board asked its congressional Regents to 

introduce and support legislation appointing the newly nominated Regent.

See attached Actions 2020.04.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

The Board then reviewed the Governance and Nominating Committee’s 

recommendation to renominate Michael M. Lynton to serve for a second term as

a Citizen Regent on the Board of Regents. Mr. Lynton’s first term will expire on 

September 29, 2020. As a proposed candidate for reappointment, Mr. Lynton 

recused himself from the discussion and vote. Upon motion duly made and 

seconded, the reappointment was approved. 

See attached Actions 2020.04.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

The Board concluded the executive session with an opportunity to hear from each 

of the Smithsonian’s Gatekeepers, including the Secretary, Under Secretary for 

Administration, General Counsel, and Inspector General.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 11:18 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lonnie G. Bunch, III

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

APRIL 6, 2020, TELECONFERENCE 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. [2020.04.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the January 27, 2020,

meeting of the Board of Regents.

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

for appointment or reappointment to eight (8) Smithsonian advisory boards.

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

bylaws of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Council.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of The Andrew W.

Mellon Foundation to the National Museum of African American History and

Culture and names the museum director the Andrew W. Mellon Director.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Disney Worldwide

Services, Inc. and accepts the terms of the sponsorship agreement.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Richard A. Brodie

to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and names the Joanne and Richard

Brodie 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 James S. and

Elizabeth A. Eisenstein to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and names the

Eisenstein Family Gallery for 20 years or until the next comprehensive

renovation of the Gallery, whichever occurs later.

VOTED that the Board of Regents nominates Franklin D. Raines of Washington, D.C. to fill the 

immediate vacancy as a Citizen Regent on the Board of Regents and to serve a statutory term of 

six years. Furthermore, the Board asks its congressional members to introduce and support 

legislation to this effect. [2020.04.02]

VOTED that the Board of Regents renominates Michael M. Lynton for a second term as a Citizen 

Regent on the Board of Regents. The Congressional Regents are asked to introduce and support 

legislation leading to his reappointment, following approval by the Board of Regents.

[2020.04.03]