____________________________

1 Participated in the afternoon session only

2 Participated in the lunch program only

3 Participated in the Institutional Culture session only

 MINUTES OF THE JUNE 10, 2019, 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, June 10, 2019. The Board conducted morning, afternoon, and executive sessions at 

the Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C. Board Chair David M. Rubenstein welcomed Regents and 

staff and called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Also present were Regents:

The Chief Justice1

Senator John Boozman

Senator Patrick J. Leahy

Representative Doris Matsui

Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard

Representative John Shimkus

Ambassador Barbara M. Barrett

Steve Case, Vice Chair

John Fahey

Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.

Michael Govan

Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey

Michael Lynton

John W. McCarter, Jr.

Robert MacDonald, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Christine Udvar-Hazy, Advancement Committee Chair

The Vice President and Senator David Perdue were unable to attend the meeting. 

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

David J. Skorton, Secretary

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary-elect

Charles R. Alcock,2 Director, HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary

Victor Castillo, Office of Representative RoybalAllard

Lisa J. Damon,3 Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP

John Davis, Provost and Under Secretary for 

Museums, Education, and Research

Farleigh Earhart,3 Associate General Counsel

Kate Forester, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Regents

Mallory Gianola, Special Assistant to the Regents

(recorder)

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Toni-Marie Higgins, Office of Senator Boozman

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Stephanie Lightfoot, Office of Senator Perdue

Laura J. Maechtlen,3 Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP 

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications & External Affairs

Mike McCarthy, Acting Chief Operating 

Officer/Under Secretary for Finance & 

Administration

Era Marshall, Director for the Office of Equal 

Employment and Minority Affairs

Kevin McDonald, Senior Adviser to Senator Leahy

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief Justice

Craig Roberts, Office of Representative Shimkus

Robert J. Spiller, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement 

Kyle Victor, Office of Representative Matsui

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

MORNING SESSION

New Regent Search

Smithsonian 

Consolidated 

Administrative 

Headquarters

Smithsonian Channel

EXECUTIVE SESSION: NEW REGENT SEARCH

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

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair Ambassador Barbara M. Barrett

briefed the Board on the status of the search process to identify and recruit a new 

Regent to replace John McCarter when his term expires in March 2020. Following 

a competitive process, executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates (“RRA”)

was retained to assist with the identification, vetting, and selection of a new

citizen Regent. The Governance and Nominating Committee will work with RRA

to identify and evaluate potential candidates with the expertise and 

characteristics to complement the current Board.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: SMITHSONIAN CONSOLIDATED 

ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS

Facilities Committee Chair John McCarter, Finance Committee Chair Roger 

Ferguson, and Acting Under Secretary for Finance and Administration/Chief 

Operating Officer Mike McCarthy led the Board’s discussion of a proposed 

Smithsonian-owned consolidated administrative headquarters facility. The

proposal would enable the Smithsonian to consolidate multiple leased spaces and 

realize cost savings and operational efficiencies. Upon motion duly made and 

seconded, the Board voted to authorize the Smithsonian Institution to negotiate 

and effect the purchase of Capital Gallery for consolidated administrative 

headquarters.

See attached Actions 2019.06.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL

Finance Committee Chair Roger Ferguson also updated the Board on the 

Smithsonian’s agreement with Showtime Networks Inc. (“Showtime”), a joint 

venture established in 2006 between the SNI/SI Network LLC (“Smithsonian 

Channel”) and Showtime. The Smithsonian exercised an option to buy an 

additional equity interest in 2011. In May of 2016, the Smithsonian initiated the 

option to sell back a portion of its equity stake in the Channel. The Board was 

asked to consider the sale of the remaining equity interest. The Smithsonian 

would maintain its interest in licensing and programming. Upon motion duly 

made and seconded, the Board agreed with management’s recommendation and 

voted to approve the sale of the remaining equity interest in the Smithsonian 

Channel.

See attached Actions 2019.06.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).
3

Welcome

Departure and 

Recognition of Secretary 

David Skorton

Recognition of 

Secretary-elect Lonnie 

Bunch

Departure and 

Recognition of SNB 

Chair Robert MacDonald

Smithsonian Gift 

Acceptance Policies and 

Procedures

Smithsonian 

Descendants Tour

Consent Agenda

The executive session adjourned at 10:17 a.m.

OPEN SESSION

Smithsonian and Regent staff members entered the room and the meeting 

reconvened. Mr. Rubenstein called the open session to order at 10:22 a.m.

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mr. Rubenstein began his report by recognizing the final meeting of Secretary 

David Skorton. Secretary Skorton has served as the 13th Secretary of the 

Smithsonian Institution since July 2015. Mr. Rubenstein expressed the Board’s 

appreciation for his dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the 

advancement of the Institution as Secretary.

Next, Mr. Rubenstein welcomed Secretary-elect Lonnie Bunch to his first 

Smithsonian Board of Regents meeting. Mr. Bunch will assume his position as the 

14th Secretary of the Smithsonian on June 16, 2019. Mr. Rubenstein expressed 

the Board’s enthusiasm for working with Mr. Bunch in his new leadership role.

Mr. Rubenstein also acknowledged Smithsonian National Board Chair Robert 

MacDonald’s last meeting. Mr. MacDonald joined the National Board in 2007 and 

has served as Chair since 2015. Mr. Rubenstein noted that Mr. MacDonald would

remain involved as a National Board member for another three years, and 

thanked him for his service and extraordinary dedication to the Smithsonian.

Mr. Rubenstein turned to Advancement Committee Chair Christine Udvar-Hazy to 

update the Board on the Advancement Committee’s proposed review of the 

policies and procedures related to fundraising and gift acceptance at the 

Smithsonian. In response to the Executive Committee’s request for an in-depth 

analysis, the Advancement Committee has established a focused workgroup and 

will report back to the full Board at the October meeting.

In conclusion, Mr. Rubenstein shared with the Board that the Institution had the 

privilege of welcoming the Hungerford family, descendants of Smithsonian 

founder James Smithson’s maternal family. The family visited for an official tour

for the first time in the Smithsonian’s 173-year history. 

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

items listed on the June 10, 2019, Agenda include: recognition of the Honorable 

Thad Cochran; the approval of minutes from the April 8, 2019, Regents’ meeting; 

and the appointment and reappointment of candidates to 12 Smithsonian 

Advisory Boards. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to 
4

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

Report of the 

Advancement 

Committee

Report of the Facilities

Committee

Report of the 

Investment Committee

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

See attached Actions 2019.06.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Rubenstein 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; Facilities Committee;

Governance and Nominating Committee; Investment Committee; Strategy, 

Innovation, and Technology Committee; Smithsonian National Board; and Office 

of Government Relations.

Written Report of the Advancement Committee

The Advancement Committee held meetings on March 12, 2019, and May 14, 

2019. During the meetings, the Committee voted to recommend three gift 

actions and one administrative action to the Board of Regents. The Committee 

received a preliminary overview of the Smithsonian advancement program for 

volunteers. The Committee was briefed on major advancement projects, 

including the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden sunken garden 

revitalization project and the National Native American Veterans Memorial at the 

National Museum of the American Indian. The Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement also provided an update on the progress of fiscal year 2019 

fundraising. As of March 31, 2019, the Smithsonian had raised $106.43 million 

towards the fiscal year 2019 goal of $220 million.

Written Report of the Facilities Committee

The Facilities Committee met on May 15, 2019. During the meeting, the 

Committee received updates on the facilities capital and maintenance planning, 

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

reviewed the deferred maintenance backlog and was briefed on the proposed 

revitalization of the Historic Core, which encompasses the Arts and Industries 

Building (“AIB”) and the Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”).

Written Report of the Investment Committee

The Investment Committee met on March 26, 2019, and reviewed the investment 

portfolio performance, asset allocation, and governance. The Committee also 

voted on the long-term policy portfolio targets and ranges, and revised the policy 

portfolio. The Smithsonian Endowment’s preliminary performance as of 

December 31, 2018, over the one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year 

periods, generated returns against the policy benchmark of 4.8% versus 4.1%, 

8.6% versus 5.0%, 7.0% versus 3.0%, and 9.0% versus 6.4%, respectively. Against 
5

Report of the Strategy, 

Innovation, and 

Technology Committee

Report of the 

Smithsonian National 

Board

Report of the Office of 

Government Relations

Smithsonian Legislation

Congressional 

Engagement

the final report of Cambridge Associates peer universe of endowments and 

foundations, the Smithsonian was ranked in the first decile for all periods.

Written Report of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology

Committee 

The Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee met on February 25, 2019. 

During the meeting, the Committee reviewed the exhibition calendar and 

received an update from the Provost and Under Secretary for Museums, 

Education, and Research on new exhibitions, programming, events, and 

education and outreach programs. The Committee also engaged in a strategic 

discussion about a potential Open Access strategy at the Smithsonian to make 

data and content freely available and accessible to the public.

Written Report of the Smithsonian National Board

The Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”) held its winter meeting from January 31-

February 1, 2019, in Washington, D.C. The meeting focused on the recently 

adopted SNB Diversity and Inclusion Statement. Members devoted a portion of 

the meeting to a guided discussion that explored a shared understanding of what

diversity and inclusion means for the National Board and considered strategies to 

achieve the goals set forth in the Diversity and Inclusion Statement. 

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

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

Appropriations Committee approved the Department of Interior, Environment 

and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2020 beginning October 1, 

2019. The appropriations bill includes $1.071 billion for the Smithsonian, with 

$852.3 million for Salaries and Expenses, and $219 million for Facilities Capital,

which includes funding for continued renovation of the National Air and Space 

Museum, revitalization efforts at the Udvar-Hazy Center, the National Zoological 

Park, the Smithsonian Castle, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

In addition, OGR reported on Congressional hearings, Smithsonian related 

legislation, including a Joint Resolution of Congress enabling a commemoration of 

the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission on the National Mall.

OGR has continued congressional engagement, hosting and participating in a 

number of programs and events. Most notably, on March 28, the National 

Portrait Gallery celebrated the centennial of U.S. women winning the right to vote 

with the exhibit Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence. Several notable 

members of Congress, who served on the honorary host committee for the 

opening, participated in the historic evening including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 

Smithsonian Congressional Regent Doris Matsui, and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
6

Report of the Finance

Committee

Fiscal Year 2021 Federal 

Budget Priorities

Report of the Audit and 

Review Committee

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Chair of the Finance Committee Roger Ferguson gave the Committee’s report and 

presented two action items for the Board’s consideration: (i) the fiscal year 2021

federal budget priorities, and (ii) the fiscal year 2020 Endowment Payout.

Mr. Ferguson noted that the fiscal year 2021 budget request is due to the Office 

of Management and Budget (“OMB”) on September 9, 2019. He reviewed the 

Institution’s priorities for building the fiscal year 2021 federal budget, which 

include: salaries and expenses, facilities maintenance and security, research and 

museum program infrastructure, and major capital projects. Upon motion duly 

made and seconded, the Board approved the fiscal year 2021 federal budget 

priorities proposed by the Secretary

See attached Actions 2019.06.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Next, Mr. Ferguson presented the fiscal year 2020 Endowment Payout 

recommendation. The Smithsonian’s historical policy is to pay out five percent of 

the trailing average market value per share over the previous five years in order 

to support programmatic activities. In the past, the Regents have also approved 

an additional annual payout of up to one percent to support advancement 

activity. Mr. Ferguson noted this additional payout has been reduced to 0.50% 

for fiscal year 2020. The projected payout to support programmatic activity for 

fiscal year 2020 is $74.2 million and the payout to fund advancement activities is 

estimated at $3.2 million. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board 

approved a five percent payout from the Smithsonian Endowment in fiscal year 

2020 to support programmatic activity. Further, the Board approved up to an 

additional 0.50 percent payout from eligible Smithsonian Endowment funds in 

fiscal year 2020 to support advancement activity.

See attached Actions 2019.06.05 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMITTEE

Chair of the Audit and Review Committee Risa Lavizzo-Mourey gave the 

Committee’s report and presented one action item for the Board’s consideration: 

approval of a contract for external auditor services. Ms. Lavizzo-Mourey

presented the Committee’s recommendation regarding the selection of an 

external auditor for the procurement of financial audit services and noted that 

the Committee’s decision to recommend KPMG, LLP was based on several factors, 

including experience, technical rating, capabilities, cost, and overall value. Upon 

motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the proposed motion to 

appoint KPMG, LLP as the Smithsonian Institution’s external independent auditors

for a one-year period beginning July 2019 with four one-year option periods. 

See attached Actions 2019.06.06 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).
7

Institutional Culture at 

the Smithsonian

Collaboration with V&A

Following the report of the Audit and Review Committee, the Board adjourned to 

the luncheon program at approximately 11:34 a.m.

LUNCH: LANDMARK SCIENCE AT THE SMITHSONIAN 

ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY

During lunch, Regents and Smithsonian staff convened for a program on the 

central role the Smithsonian played in capturing the first-ever image of a black 

hole, which was released to the public on April 10, 2019, and the Institution’s

continued study of the most extreme objects in the Universe. The program 

featured a conversation between Mr. Rubenstein, Director of the HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics Charles Alcock, and Director of the Event 

Horizon Telescope Sheperd Doeleman.

AFTERNOON SESSION

Board Chair David M. Rubenstein called the afternoon session to order at 

approximately 1:00 p.m. and introduced the Board’s next agenda item. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: INSTITUTIONAL CULTURE AT THE 

SMITHSONIAN

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

Following the preliminary working session on institutional culture held at the 

January 2019 meeting, the Smithsonian’s policies, procedures, and training 

related to sexual harassment were reviewed as compared to best practices. The 

Board discussed its role as well as management’s responsibilities in minimizing 

the risks associated with sexual harassment in the workplace and in promoting an 

inclusive and respectful work environment at the Smithsonian. 

OPEN SESSION

The Chancellor called the open session to order at approximately 1:52 p.m. and 

reviewed the remainder of the Board’s business agenda. 

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

Secretary Skorton delivered his final report as 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian. 

He began by updating the Board on the Smithsonian’s collaboration with the 

Victoria and Albert Museum (“V&A”). In April 2018, the Board approved the 

execution of a Joint Programmatic Agreement with the V&A for the purpose of 

developing and delivering Smithsonian-branded exhibitions and programming in a 

new museum to be built at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Private
8

50th Anniversary of the 

Apollo 11 Mission 

National Native 

American Veterans 

Memorial 

Final Report of the 

Secretary

Report of the Secretaryelect

philanthropy will support this project and will be primarily generated through the 

Foundation for FutureLondon.

Next, the Secretary thanked Congressional Regents for their support in 

introducing a Joint Resolution of Congress enabling a commemoration of the 50th

anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission. The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space 

Museum (“NASM”), in collaboration with NASA and the National Space Council, 

are leading the country’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Apollo missions, 

culminating in a weeklong commemoration of Apollo 11 on the National Mall in 

July 2019. Secretary Skorton informed the Board that NASM and its partners will 

contextualize the legacy of Apollo 11 within the past, present, and future of space 

exploration through the display of NASA and Smithsonian artifacts, digital 

content, and film footage, as appropriate, in and around the vicinity of the 

National Mall. 

The Secretary also provided updates on the National Native American Veterans 

Memorial at the National Museum of the American Indian. Congress enacted 

legislation establishing the memorial for members of the armed services only. 

The museum is considering other ways to acknowledge the contributions of the 

commissioned corps following the request by the Commissioned Officers 

Association to amend the legislative language to include the United States Public 

Health Service (“USPHS”) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (“NOAA”) in the memorial.

Secretary Skorton concluded his report by thanking the Regents for their support 

and guidance during his tenure as Secretary. The Secretary discussed his 

experiences and acknowledged the opportunities and some of the challenges 

facing the Institution. The Board thanked him for his outstanding service as the

13th Secretary of the Smithsonian.

Secretary-elect Lonnie Bunch then thanked the Board for their confidence in his 

ability to lead the Institution and delivered brief remarks. He reported on his 

activities during his first few weeks as Secretary-elect and entertained questions 

from the Board.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: “GATEKEEPER” REPORTS 

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

Gatekeepers, including the Secretary, Secretary-elect, General Counsel, and 

Inspector General.
9

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 2:11 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

David J. Skorton

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

JUNE 10, 2019, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Board of Regents accepts the joint recommendation by the Facilities 

Committee and Finance Committee, and authorizes the Smithsonian to negotiate and effect the 

purchase and acquisition of a building to be used primarily for purposes of administrative office 

space, subject to the following conditions: (1) that the Congress enact legislation authorizing 

the Smithsonian to deposit into the general trust funds of the Institution Federal appropriations 

designated for lease or rent payments, to the extent that federally supported activities will be 

housed in the Building, for use for expenses associated with the purchase of the Building; (2) 

that the Institution secure financing for the costs of acquiring the Building and other expenses 

associated with the purchase of the building; and (3) that the Secretary consult with the 

Facilities Committee and the Finance Committee after final terms of the purchase are 

negotiated and before the purchase is effected. The Board further authorizes the Secretary to 

secure financing up to a level approved by the Facilities and Finance Committees, such 

financing to be inclusive of the costs for moving to, and building out, the newly acquired space.

[2019.06.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves management’s recommendation that the 

Smithsonian Institution sell its remaining equity interest in the Smithsonian Channel. 

[2019.06.02]

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

of all action items listed therein. [2019.06.03]

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

the Honorable Thad Cochran, former Regent and Regent Emeritus, esteemed 

statesman, and friend of the Smithsonian Institution, and extends its heartfelt 

sympathies to his family.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the April 8, 2019, meeting of 

the Board of Regents.

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

appointment or reappointment to 12 Smithsonian advisory boards.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the fiscal year 2021 federal budget priorities 

proposed by the Secretary. [2019.06.04]
2

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

Endowment in fiscal year 2020 to support programmatic activity. The Board further approves 

0.50 percent payout from the Smithsonian Endowment in fiscal year 2020 to support 

advancement activity. The payout shall be calculated against the trailing five-year average 

market value of the Smithsonian Endowment. [2019.06.05]

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints KPMG, LLP as the Smithsonian Institution’s external 

independent auditors for a one-year period beginning July 2019 with four one‐year option 

periods. [2019.06.06]