____________________________

1 Participated in the morning session only

2 Participated in the Advancement Committee report and lunch program only

3 Participated in the afternoon session only

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 21, 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, October 21, 2019. The Board conducted morning, afternoon, and executive 

sessions at the National Museum of American History 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 Justice3

Senator John Boozman

Senator Patrick J. Leahy

Senator David Perdue3

Representative Doris Matsui

Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard

Representative John Shimkus

Steve Case, Vice Chair

John Fahey

Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.

Michael Govan1

Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey

Michael Lynton

John W. McCarter, Jr.

Dennis Keller, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Christine Udvar-Hazy, Advancement Committee Chair

The Vice President was unable to attend the meeting. Ambassador Barbara Barrett resigned from the 

Board of Regents on October 17, 2019, subsequent to her nomination by President Donald Trump and 

confirmation by the United States Senate as the 25th Secretary of the Air Force.

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

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary

Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary

Mackensie Burt, Office of Senator Boozman

Victor Castillo, Office of Representative RoybalAllard

John Davis, Provost and Under Secretary for 

Museums, Education, and Research

Farleigh Earhart,2 Associate General Counsel

Kate Forester, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Regents

Mallory Gianola, Special Assistant to the Regents

(recorder)

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Stephanie Lightfoot, Office of Senator Perdue

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications & External Affairs

Era Marshall, Director for the Office of Equal 

Employment and Minority Affairs

Mike McCarthy, Acting Chief Operating 

Officer/Under Secretary for Finance & 

Administration

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 Regents
2

MORNING SESSION

Governance and 

Nominating Committee 

Chair

Reappointments to the 

Board of Regents

2020 Board Leadership 

Elections

EXECUTIVE SESSION: CHAIR OF THE GOVERNANCE AND 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

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

Executive Committee Chair David M. Rubenstein called the executive session to 

order at 9:30 a.m. and briefed the Board on the recent resignation of Ambassador 

Barbara Barrett, who was confirmed as the 25thSecretary of the Air Force and is 

not permitted to serve as a Regent while in office. Regent John Fahey was 

presented as the proposed candidate to replace Ambassador Barrett as chair of

the Governance and Nominating Committee for the remainder of the calendar 

year 2019 term. Mr. Fahey recused himself from the Board’s discussion and vote.

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

committee assignment, and recommended that the Chancellor make the 

necessary appointment. 

See attached Actions 2019.10.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: BOARD OF REGENTS REAPPOINTMENTS

The Board then reviewed the Governance and Nominating Committee’s 

recommendations to renominate John Fahey and Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey to serve 

for a second term as Citizen Regent on the Board of Regents. Mr. Fahey and Dr. 

Lavizzo-Mourey’s first terms will expire on February 21, 2020. As proposed 

candidates for reappointment, Mr. Fahey and Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey recused 

themselves from the discussion and vote. Upon motion duly made and seconded, 

the reappointments were approved.

See attached Actions 2019.10.02 and 2019.10.03 (Minutes of the Board of 

Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 2020 BOARD LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS

Mr. Rubenstein then turned the meeting over to John Fahey, Chair-elect of the 

Governance and Nominating Committee, to lead the 2020 Board leadership 

elections. The Board reviewed the Governance and Nominating Committee’s

recommendations for the 2020 term. The Board discussed the election of Steve 

Case as Chair, Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey as Vice Chair, and David M. Rubenstein as a 

member of the Executive Committee. Mr. Fahey noted that Mr. Rubenstein’s 

service as Chair and Vice Chair of the Board met the Executive Committee’s sixyear term limit, however, the limitation could be waived by the Board’s approval

of his nomination. As candidates under consideration, Mr. Case, Dr. LavizzoMourey, and Mr. Rubenstein recused themselves from the discussion and vote. 

Upon motions duly made and seconded, the Board voted to elect the Chair, Vice 

Chair, and third member of the Executive Committee.
3

Election of New Regent

Update from the

Secretary

Welcome

Departure and 

Recognition of 

Ambassador Barbara 

Barrett

See attached Actions 2019.10.04, 2019.10.05, and 2019.10.06 (Minutes of the 

Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: ELECTION OF NEW REGENT

Next, Mr. Fahey led the Board’s discussion on the search for a new Citizen Regent

to fill the immediate vacancy on the Board, following Ambassador Barrett’s 

resignation. Mr. Fahey noted that the Governance and Nominating Committee 

will continue its search for a Citizen Regent to replace John McCarter, when his 

term expires in March 2020. 

Mr. Fahey presented the proposed priority candidate recommended by the 

Governance and Nominating Committee for nomination to the Board: Denise 

O’Leary. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved the 

Governance and Nominating Committee’s recommendation and voted to 

nominate Denise O’Leary of Colorado to succeed Barbara Barrett as a Citizen 

Regent. The Board asked its congressional Regents to introduce and support 

legislation appointing the newly nominated Regent. 

See attached Actions 2019.10.07 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: UPDATE FROM THE SECRETARY

To conclude, Secretary Lonnie Bunch joined the executive session to discuss 

personnel matters and a potential business opportunity.

OPEN SESSION

Smithsonian and Regent staff members entered the room and the meeting 

reconvened. Mr. Rubenstein called the open session to order at 10:40 a.m.

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mr. Rubenstein began his report by recognizing Ambassador Barbara Barrett for 

her service to the Smithsonian. Ambassador Barrett served with distinction on 

the Board of Regents since 2013 and was an active participant and leader on 

multiple Regent committees. Mr. Rubenstein noted that she also served as cochair of the Institution’s first capital campaign, and founding chair of the 

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

to recognize Barbara Barrett for her distinguished service as a Regent, and 

contributions to the Smithsonian Institution. 

See attached Actions 2019.10.08 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).
4

Recognition of SNB 

Chair Dennis Keller

Upcoming Events

Executive Committee 

Approvals

Consent Agenda

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

Next, Mr. Rubenstein welcomed Dennis Keller to his first Smithsonian Board of 

Regents meeting. Mr. Keller began his three-year term as the Chair of the 

Smithsonian National Board on October 1, 2019. Mr. Rubenstein expressed the 

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

Mr. Rubenstein highlighted a few upcoming events, including the Regents’ annual 

public forum immediately following the meeting, which will include an 

introduction of the new Board leadership, and a conversation with Secretary 

Bunch about his new book and his first months leading the Institution. He 

discussed the upcoming Installation Ceremony of the Fourteenth Secretary of the 

Smithsonian to be held on Friday, November 1. Mr. Rubenstein also informed the 

Board about the teleconference that he and the Secretary will host for the 

Smithsonian Advisory Board Chairs to provide the annual update on the state of 

the Smithsonian.

In conclusion, Mr. Rubenstein briefed the Board on the actions made by the 

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

between the June and October meetings. He noted that due to exigent 

circumstances the Executive Committee approved three actions: (i) the 

Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2020 Federal and Trust Consolidated Budget when 

signed into law by the President, (ii) the Smithsonian’s budget request for 

appropriated funds for fiscal year 2021 for presentation to the Office of 

Management and Budget, and (iii) the appointment of a Smithsonian National 

Board Vice Chair.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

items listed on the October 21, 2019, Agenda include: the approval of minutes 

from the June 10, 2019, Regents’ meeting; the appointment and reappointment 

of candidates to 13 Smithsonian Advisory Boards; amendments to the bylaws of 

the Anacostia Community Museum Advisory Board, the Smithsonian Institution 

Traveling Exhibition Service Advisory Board, and the Smithsonian Tropical 

Research Institute Advisory Board; 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 2019.10.09 (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 Audit and Review Committee; Facilities

Committee; Finance Committee; Investment Committee; Strategy, Innovation, 

and Technology Committee; Smithsonian National Board; and Office of 

Government Relations.
5

Report of the Audit and 

Review Committee

Report of the Facilities

Committee

Report of the Finance 

Committee

Report of the 

Investment Committee

Written Report of the Audit and Review Committee

The Audit and Review Committee met on July 18, 2019. During the meeting, the 

Committee approved additional non-audit services by the Smithsonian’s external 

auditor, KPMG, and the filing of the fiscal year 2018 Forms 990 and 990-T with the 

Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The Committee reviewed the Institution’s

integrated risk management and cybersecurity mitigation programs, KPMG’s 

audit plan for fiscal year 2018, the Smithsonian’s annual conflict of interest 

reporting, and the recent activities of the Inspector General. The Committee also 

performed its annual review of the Committee Charter.

Written Report of the Facilities Committee

The Facilities Committee met on July 18, 2019. During the meeting, the 

Committee received an update on the Consolidated Administrative Headquarters, 

and was briefed on the facilities capital and maintenance programs and funding

for fiscal years 2019 through 2021. The Committee reviewed the progress of 

three revitalization projects at the National Zoological Park and the Smithsonian’s 

ongoing major capital projects. The Committee also performed its annual review 

of the Committee Charter.

Written Report of the Finance Committee

The Finance Committee held a meeting on August 21, 2019. During the meeting, 

the Committee reviewed and voted to recommend that the Board approve two 

motions: (i) the fiscal year 2020 federal and trust consolidated budget, and (ii) the 

fiscal year 2021 federal budget for presentation to the Office of Management and 

Budget. The Committee also reviewed the fiscal year 2019 third quarter financial 

results, received an update on the Smithsonian Channel, was briefed on the

proposed administrative headquarters building, performed its annual review of 

the Committee Charter, and discussed a potential business opportunity.

Written Report of the Investment Committee

The Investment Committee met on June 19, 2019, and reviewed the top 

contributors, stock distributions, and liquidity of the investment portfolio. The 

Committee also discussed strategic roadmaps for significant market dislocation 

scenarios. The Smithsonian Endowment’s preliminary performance as of June 19, 

2019, over the one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year periods, generated 

returns against the policy benchmark of 9.9% versus 2.6%, 11.5% versus 6.7%, 

7.5% versus 3.6%, and 6.4% versus 6.7%, respectively. The Endowment continues 

to outperform peers within the Cambridge Associates’ peer universe of all 

endowments and foundations, and remains ranked in the first decile.
6

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

Written Report of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology

Committee 

The Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee met on September 26, 

2019. During the meeting, the Committee reviewed the exhibition calendar and 

received a report from the Provost and Under Secretary for Museums, Education, 

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

outreach programs. The Committee also discussed the Open Access Initiative and 

was briefed on the Smithsonian Channel programmatic review process.

Written Report of the Smithsonian National Board

The Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”) held its summer meeting from July 21-

26, 2019, in Alaska. The meeting focused on the work of scientists, curators, and 

researchers within Alaska. The meeting was the last for Smithsonian National 

Board Chair Bob MacDonald. Members devoted a significant portion of the 

business meeting to a guided discussion on membership and leadership changes, 

including the appointment of Dennis Keller as Chair and the election of Jorge 

Puente as a Vice Chair. The SNB also voted to recommend that the Board of 

Regents award the Order of James Smithson to Adrienne Mars.

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

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

Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2020 appropriations bill for 

the Department of Interior and Related Agencies on September 26. The 

Committee provided $1.47 billion for the Smithsonian, which includes $751.1 

million for Salaries and Expenses and $296.5 million for Facilities Capital. On June 

25, 2019, 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 $1.07 billion for 

the Smithsonian, with $852.3 million for Salaries and Expenses and $219.0 million 

for Facilities Capital. Conference to reconcile differences between the House and

Senate versions of the bill had not been scheduled.

In addition, OGR reported on Smithsonian related legislation, Congressional 

briefings, and four Congressional hearings that took place on: biodiversity, 

oversite of the Smithsonian Institution, the 50th anniversary and legacy of the 

Apollo 11 moon landing, and the impact of marine debris on ecosystems and 

species.

OGR has continued congressional engagement, hosting and participating in a 

number of programs and events. On July 23, the British American Parliamentary 

Group (“BAPG”) met in Washington DC for its biennial meeting. Among those 

participating in the event were Secretary Bunch and Congressional Regents 

Senator John Boozman and Senator Patrick Leahy. Notably, on September 21, 

2019, the National Museum of the American Indian hosted a groundbreaking 

ceremony for the National Native American Veterans Memorial. More than 250 
7

Report of the 

Governance and 

Nominating Committee

Report of the 

Compensation and 

Human Resources

Committee

Pay Equity Analysis 

Amendment to the 

Compensation and 

Human Resources 

Committee Charter

Order of James 

Smithson

guests attended, including Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie Jr. and 

Representative Deb Haaland (D-NM). 

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Chair-elect of the Governance and Nominating Committee John Fahey gave the 

Committee’s report and led discussions on the scheduling of Regent Committee 

meetings and best practices for the Smithsonian advisory boards. The recently 

developed best practices for the Smithsonian advisory boards are aimed at 

standardizing basic membership structure and guidance given to the advisory 

boards across the Institution. He also reminded the Board that the fiscal year 

2019 self-assessment will be distributed following the October meeting.

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

COMMITTEE

Chair of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee John Fahey gave 

the Committee’s report and led the Board’s discussion on a proposed pay equity 

analysis and a potential modification to the Committee Charter – both of which 

resulted from the Board’s review of the Smithsonian’s workplace culture earlier 

this year.

As part of an effort to promote an inclusive and respectful work environment 

at the Smithsonian, policies and procedures related to sexual harassment as 

compared to best practices were reviewed. Based on the results of this 

review discussed at the June 2019 meeting, the Board directed its 

compensation consultant to conduct a pay-equity analysis to ensure internal

pay equity among senior-level staff at the Institution, which will become 

standard practice as part of the Board’s annual assessment of senior-level 

compensation. 

Mr. Fahey then briefed the Board on a proposed amendment to the 

Compensation and Human Resources Committee Charter, which would assist the 

Board in clarifying the types of information related to sexual harassment that 

must be reported to the Regents. The Board will direct senior management to 

implement the appropriate reporting procedures. The Committee will review a 

formal amendment to the Charter at its meeting in December for presentation to

the Board in January.

REPORT OF THE ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Chair of the Advancement Committee Christine Udvar-Hazy presented one action 

item for the Board’s consideration, 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. Nominees for consideration are 

proposed to the Secretary by the Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”). At its July 
8

Smithsonian Gift 

Acceptance Policy

Smithsonian Campaign

Luncheon Program: 

Current Issues in 

Philanthropy

2019 meeting, the SNB voted to recommend that the Board award Adrienne B.

Mars with the Order of James Smithson, in appreciation for her long-standing 

support of the Smithsonian Institution. Upon motion duly made and seconded, 

the Board voted to approve the nomination of Adrienne B. Mars to the Order of 

James Smithson.

See attached Actions 2019.10.10 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Mrs. Udvar-Hazy then updated the Board on the recommendations of the 

working group (“Group”) established to review the policies and procedures 

related to the Smithsonian’s gift acceptance. The Group reviewed current 

Smithsonian policies against peer information and industry best practices and 

recommended no changes to the current policy. The Group did recommended

reporting to the Advancement Committee on gifts that have been elevated for 

consultation, further enhancing Smithsonian staff awareness of the gift 

acceptance policy, and developing guidelines for managing challenges that arise 

after a gift has been accepted.

To conclude, Assistant Secretary for Advancement Rob Spiller briefed the Regents 

on early planning efforts for the next Smithsonian Campaign. Over the next year, 

the Office of Advancement will engage staff and volunteers to define parameters 

and strategies for the next campaign. Mr. Spiller shared that to ensure a 

comprehensive, collaborative, and coordinated approach, “Campaign 

Workgroups” would be instituted around key areas and led jointly by leadership 

from individual units and the Office of Advancement.

Following the report of the Advancement Committee, the Board adjourned to the 

luncheon program at approximately 11:37 a.m.

LUNCHEON PROGRAM: CURRENT ISSUES IN PHILANTHROPY

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

issues in philanthropy. The program featured a conversation between Mr. 

Rubenstein and Assistant Secretary for Advancement Rob Spiller. The discussion 

focused on changing donor expectations, developing cases for philanthropic 

support that resonate with donors and serve the mission of the Institution, and 

addressing increased donor scrutiny and reputational risk.
9

Report of the Secretary

Smithsonian American 

Women’s History 

Initiative

2020 Earth Optimism 

Summit 

V&A Collaboration

Consolidated 

Administrative 

Headquarters

AFTERNOON 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 Bunch presented his inaugural report as the 14th Secretary of the 

Smithsonian Institution. The Secretary began his term in office on June 16, 2019. 

He reported on his activities during his first 120 days in office and entertained 

questions from the Board. The Secretary outlined his vision and priorities for the 

Smithsonian, which included diversity and inclusion, international positioning, 

and his plans for a virtual Smithsonian. The Secretary also provided updates on a 

series of meetings with chairs and ranking members of Congressional Committees 

with jurisdiction over the Smithsonian. 

Next, the Secretary asked Provost and Under Secretary for Museums, Education, 

and Research John Davis to update the Board on the Smithsonian American 

Women’s History Initiative. Dr. Davis presented the Board with an early copy of 

the book Smithsonian American Women: Remarkable Objects and Stories of 

Strength, Ingenuity, and Vision from the National Collection. The book offers a 

unique, panoramic look at women's history in the United States through the lens 

of more than 280 artifacts from 16 Smithsonian museums and archives, and more 

than 135 essays from 95 Smithsonian authors. The publication date is planned for 

October 29, 2019.

The Secretary also shared updates on the 2020 Earth Optimism Summit 

(“Summit”). In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Smithsonian 

will host the Summit on April 23-25, 2020, in Washington, DC. The Summit will 

showcase stories of both small- and large-scale actions that frame conservation 

science and programming from the conservation commons.

The Secretary discussed his upcoming visit to London as part of the Smithsonian’s 

collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum (“V&A”). The Secretary 

acknowledged the opportunities and some of the challenges facing the 

Institution. He noted that proposed recommendations for the collaboration

would be presented to the Board, following his visit and assessment.

Secretary Bunch concluded his report by turning the floor over to Acting Under 

Secretary for Finance and Administration/COO Mike McCarthy. Mr. McCarthy 

reported on the progress of a Smithsonian-owned consolidated administrative 

headquarters facility. The Smithsonian has conducted a series of site visits to the 

Capital Gallery Building and briefings to the Institution’s oversight committees

related to the potential consolidated administrative headquarters. Mr. McCarthy 

informed the Board he anticipates providing a formal update on the approval and 

transaction processes at the Regents’ meeting in January. 
10

Annual Public Forum

EXECUTIVE SESSION: “GATEKEEPER” REPORTS 

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

Gatekeepers, including the Secretary, Acting Under Secretary for Finance and 

Administration/COO, General Counsel, and Inspector General.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 2:11 p.m.

ANNUAL PUBLIC FORUM

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

Bros. Theater at the National Museum of American History. Chief of Staff to 

the Regents Porter Wilkinson opened the event with the introduction of the 

newly elected 2020 Board leadership. Chair-elect Steve Case delivered brief 

remarks about his vision for the Smithsonian. Board Chair David M. 

Rubenstein hosted a conversation with Secretary Lonnie Bunch about his new 

book, A Fool’s Errand, and his first months leading the Institution. Following 

the discussion, Ms. Wilkinson moderated a question and answer session. Mr. 

Rubenstein and Secretary Bunch entertained questions from audiences inperson and online. The event was open to the media and broadcast on the 

Smithsonian website.

Respectfully submitted,

Lonnie G. Bunch III

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

OCTOBER 21, 2019, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Board of Regents elects John Fahey as Chair of the Governance and Nominating 

Committee, and requests that the Chancellor makes the necessary appointment.1 [2019.10.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents renominates John Fahey 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.

2

[2019.10.02]

VOTED that the Board of Regents renominates Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey 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 her reappointment.

3

 [2019.10.03]

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

Board of Regents for a one-year term effective January 28, 2020.

4

[2019.10.04]

VOTED that the Board of Regents elects Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey as Vice Chair of the Smithsonian 

Institution’s Board of Regents for a one-year term effective January 28, 2020.

5

 [2019.10.05]

VOTED that the Board of Regents elects David M. Rubenstein as a member of the Smithsonian 

Board of Regents’ Executive Committee for a one-year term effective January 28, 2020.

6

 

[2019.10.06]

VOTED that the Board of Regents nominates Denise O’Leary of Colorado to succeed Barbara 

Barrett as a Citizen Regent on the Board of Regents and to serve a statutory term of six years. 

The Board asks its congressional members to introduce and support legislation to this effect. 

[2019.10.07]

VOTED that the Board of Regents expresses its deep appreciation and gratitude to Barbara M. 

Barrett for the outstanding service she has provided to the Smithsonian Institution as a Regent. 

[2019.10.08]

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

of all action items listed therein. [2019.10.09]

 

1

John Fahey recused from voting.

2

John Fahey recused from voting.

3 Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey recused from voting.

4

Steve Case recused from voting.

5 Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey recused from voting.

6 David M. Rubenstein recused from voting.
2

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the June 10, 2019, meeting 

of the Board of Regents.

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

appointment or reappointment to 13 Smithsonian advisory boards.

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

the Advisory Board of the Anacostia Community Museum.

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

the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

VOTED that the Board of Regents accepts the $10 million gift from an anonymous donor 

to support the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Leopoldo 

Arosemena to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and names the Tábatha and 

Simonetta Arosemena Matteo Classroom for 20 years or until the next major 

renovation, whichever occurs later.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves a gift to the Arts and Industries Building. At 

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

VOTED that the Board of Regents creates the Marilyn Link Fund, a quasi-endowment to 

support scholarships and/or fellowships for individuals training at the marine station in 

Ft. Pierce Florida. Further, the Board authorizes the transfer of the funds identified for 

this purpose.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the nomination of Adrienne B. Mars to the 

Order of James Smithson. [2019.10.10]