MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 20, 2014, MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

ATTENDANCE

This scheduled meeting of the Board of Regents was held on Monday, October 20, 2014. The Board 

conducted morning, afternoon, and executive sessions in the Regents’ Room in the Smithsonian 

Castle Building. Board Chair John W. McCarter, Jr., called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Also 

present were: 

The Chief Justice 1 

Barbara M. Barrett 

Steve Case 

John Fahey 

Shirley Ann Jackson 

Sam Johnson 

Robert P. Kogod 

Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey 

Patrick J. Leahy 

Michael M. Lynton 

David M. Rubenstein 

Sakurako Fisher, Smithsonian National Board Chair 

Alan G. Spoon, Regent Emeritus and Advancement Committee Chair

Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Senator Thad Cochran, Representative Xavier Becerra, 

Representative Tom Cole, and Senator Jack Reed were unable to attend the meeting. 

Also present were: 

G. Wayne Clough, Secretary 

Patricia L. Bartlett, Chief of Staff to the Secretary 

Claudine K. Brown, Assistant Secretary for 

 Education and Access (ASEA) 

Amy Chen, Chief Investment Officer

Virginia B. Clark, Director of Advancement and 

 Philanthropic Giving 

Barbara Feininger, Senior Writer-Editor for the 

 Office of the Regents (recorder) 

Cathy Helm, Inspector General 

Albert Horvath, Under Secretary for Finance and

 Administration/Chief Financial Officer 

John Kress, Interim Under Secretary for Science 

Richard Kurin, Under Secretary for History, Art, 

 and Culture 

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Evelyn S. Lieberman, Director of Communications

 and External Affairs 

Christopher Liedel, President of Smithsonian 

 Enterprises 

Rachel Parker, Deputy Chief of Staff to the 

 Regents 

Nell Payne, Director of Government Relations 

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents 

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief Justice 

T.A. Hawks, Assistant to Senator Cochran 

Kevin McDonald, Assistant to Senator Leahy 

Moira Lenehan-Razzuri, Assistant to Senator Reed 

Grisella Martinez, Assistant to Representative 

Becerra 

Sean Murphy, Assistant to Representative Cole 

David Heil, Assistant to Representative Johnson 

Greg Bettwy, Associate Director of the Office of 

 Human Resources 2

Simar Bitar, Office of Visitor Services Director 3

Johnnetta Cole, Director of the National 

 Museum of African Art 4 

Erika Ferrin, Office of Communications and External 

Affairs (OCEA) Brand Marketing Manager 3

John Gray, Director of the National Museum of 

 American History 4

Kirk Johnson, Director of the National Museum 

 of Natural History 4

Sarah Sulick, OCEA Social Media Manager 3 

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

2 Mr. Bettwy participated in the report of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee. 

3 Mr. Bitar, Ms. Ferrin, and Ms. Sulick participated in a luncheon presentation to the Board. 

4 Dr. Cole, Mr. Gray, and Dr. Johnson participated in the Sixth Annual Public Forum with the Board of Regents 
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MORNING SESSION

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 

TRANSITION AND BOARD LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS

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

John W. McCarter, Jr., welcomed new Citizen Regent Michael Lynton to his first 

Board meeting. 

The Board discussed the pending leadership transition between the December 

2014 retirement of Secretary G. Wayne Clough and the July 2015 installation of 

Secretary-elect David Skorton. Upon two motions duly made and seconded, the 

Regents agreed to recommend that the Chancellor appoint an Acting Secretary and 

approved a compensation recommendation for the proposed executive.

See attached Actions 2014.10.01–2014.10.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, 

Appendix A).

The Regents discussed the current spousal travel policy. The Board then reviewed 

the Governance and Nominating Committee’s recommendation to reappoint Board 

Chair John McCarter, Vice Chair Shirley Ann Jackson, and Executive Committee 

member David Rubenstein to serve as the 2015 Board leadership team. Mr. 

McCarter, Dr. Jackson, and Mr. Rubenstein recused themselves from the 

discussion. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the reelections were approved 

en banc.

See attached Actions 2014.10.03–2014.10.05 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, 

Appendix A).

The executive session was adjourned at 8:55 a.m.

REPORT OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Board Chair John W. McCarter, Jr., called the open session to order at 9:00 a.m. 

Director of Advancement and Philanthropic Giving Virginia Clark was applauded for 

the success of the Smithsonian Campaign Launch held on October 17–19, 2014.

Recognition of 

Secretary G. Wayne Clough

Mr. McCarter noted that this was Secretary Clough’s last Regents’ meeting. He 

commented on the Secretary’s many accomplishments during his tenure, including 

his ability to provide sound leadership and stability; spearhead the Smithsonian’s 

exploration and utilization of 21st-century technology and resources; expand the 

reach of the Smithsonian and the public’s access to its resources; develop the 

strategic plan and Grand Challenges Consortia; oversee over $1 billion in new 
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building construction; support the opening of over 600 exhibitions; and launch the 

Smithsonian Campaign. The Secretary, whose term will end on December 31, 2014,

was recognized with a standing round of applause. 

Staff were introduced to Mr. Lynton, after which Mr. McCarter updated the 

Regents on efforts to identify candidates for several Smithsonian advisory boards.

Actions Between Meetings Mr. McCarter reported that, on behalf of the Board, the Executive Committee 

approved the Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2016 Federal budget request for submission 

to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Appointments to the advisory 

boards of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) and the National Museum of 

American History (NMAH) also were approved on behalf of the Board.

Regents’ Self-Assessment The Regents’ annual self-assessment will be distributed to the full Board in 

November 2014. 

Appreciation of 

Howard Baker

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved a motion to recognize 

the contributions and dedication of the late Senator Howard Baker. A former 

Citizen Regent, Senator Baker will be remembered for his invaluable support for

the nation and the Smithsonian.

See attached Action 2014.10.06 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Minutes of the June 23, 

2014, Board Meeting

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the draft minutes of the June 23, 2014, 

Board meeting were approved.

See attached Action 2014.10.07 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

Secretary Clough updated the Board on the state of the Smithsonian and reviewed 

many of the strategic initiatives launched during his tenure as the 12th Secretary of 

the Smithsonian Institution. 

Smithsonian Campaign 

Launch

Secretary Clough thanked the many Regents and staff who contributed to the 

successful activities held during the Smithsonian Campaign Launch weekend. The 

Chief Justice hosted a donor lunch at the Supreme Court of the United States and 

Regent Bob Kogod hosted a donor dinner at his home. 

The Campaign is the most ambitious campaign in history for any cultural 

organization, and funds raised during its quiet phase total more than $1 billion. 

Over 1,800 major gifts have been received from donors, of which over 700 are new 

to the Smithsonian and 132 are continuing their support. Twelve of the museums 

and research centers have received the largest gifts in their histories, and nearly 

$300 million has been raised to support permanent endowments.

Annual Fundraising Fiscal year 2014 annual giving to the Smithsonian totaled $222 million. The 

Smithsonian raised more than $220 million in gifts for three consecutive years, and 
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achieved the distinction of being the top grossing institution philanthropically for 

any cultural institution in the United States. Secretary Clough noted that annual 

giving in fiscal year 2009 totaled $126 million. In contrast, Federal support for the 

Smithsonian over the last six years has decreased from approximately 70 percent 

of the Institution’s annual budget to about 60 percent.

Strategic Initiatives The Secretary reviewed strategic initiatives that have supported, among other 

things, the launch of the Smithsonian Campaign. During his tenure, the strategic 

plan, which served as a template for Campaign case statements, and a resourcing 

framework were developed; the branding campaign was launched; and the Grand 

Challenge Consortia were formed. New pan-institutional efforts, such as the 

digitization initiative and cross-disciplinary research and education activities, 

strengthened the Smithsonian’s ability to expand access and outreach. 

A 2010 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provided funding for the 

Grand Challenge Consortia’s cross-disciplinary work. To date, more than $6.45 

million in awards have funded 132 research projects and generated $34.45 million 

in external awards. Signature programs have developed from these projects, 

including BioGenomics, Our American Journey, Living in the Anthropocene, Life in 

the Cosmos, and Marine and Forest Global Earth Observatories (GEO). 

IndigenousGEO, which involves forest observatories on tribal lands, recently 

launched. The Grand Challenges’ October 9, 2014, symposium “Living in the 

Anthropocene: Prospects for Climate, Economics, Health, and Security” was 

attended by nearly 400 representatives from the Smithsonian, universities, 

foundations, Federal agencies, policy development groups, and other organizations 

of influence.

Noted The Secretary also commented on the following:

Events

 The 2014 Smithsonian Magazine Ingenuity Awards

 The September 2014 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Smithsonian 

Environmental Research Center’s Mathias Laboratory

 The beam-signing ceremony at the National Museum of African American 

History and Culture (NMAAHC) construction site

Facilities

 The December 2014 scheduled reopening of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian 

Design Museum

 The spring 2015 scheduled opening of the Smithsonian Tropical Research 

Institute’s Gamboa Science Laboratory

 The July 2015, scheduled reopening of the newly renovated first floor of 

the NMAH west wing

 The South Campus Master Plan, the first-ever Smithsonian master plan, 

which will be presented to the public in November 2014

Partnerships

 A new Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Patent and Trademark 

Office
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 A Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Tennessee-Batelle 

to formalize a high-performance computing collaboration with the Oak 

Ridge National Laboratory

 The increased number of Smithsonian Affiliate museums (which have 

grown from 160 in 2008 to, currently, 196 in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and 

Panama) and the development of Lemelson Center–sponsored Spark!Lab 

discovery centers in several Affiliate museums

Digital Action Agenda 

 The Rapid Capture Digitization Pilot Program, which is moving into fullscale production, and 3D digitization activities

 The 3,900 volunteer transcribers from across the globe who support the 

work of the Smithsonian Transcription Center

 The October 2014 launch of the Smithsonian’s first Massive Open Online 

Course (MOOC) 

Education 

 The Youth Access Grants program, which has provided 68 grant awards 

totaling over $5 million and generated matching funds

 The opening of new education centers in multiple Smithsonian museums

Collections Care

 The Collections Space Framework Plan, and efforts to focus on collections 

preservation, storage, access, and digitization

Ongoing Challenges Secretary Clough reviewed ongoing issues facing the Smithsonian. Fundraising 

for the Giant Magellan Telescope continues to be a challenge; efforts are under 

way to secure both Federal and private funding. Federal funding for the 

Smithsonian’s basic infrastructure remains insufficient. It is hoped that the 

South Campus Master Plan will support private fundraising efforts. The 

stabilization of the Arts and Industries Building has resulted in a structure that 

could potentially support special events until its final purpose is determined. 

The facility, however, will need additional monies to become fully operational. 

Strengthening the Smithsonian’s collections and intellectual vitality remains a 

critical priority. 

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

Creation of a Subcommittee Strategic Planning and Programs Committee Chair Shirley Ann Jackson provided the 

committee’s report. On behalf of the committee, she proposed the creation of a 

subcommittee of the Strategic Planning and Programs and Finance committees to 

oversee Smithsonian Enterprises (SE) during the transition period to the new 

Secretary. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved a motion to 

create the subcommittee and appoint Regents Steve Case, Shirley Ann Jackson, 

Michael Lynton, and David Rubenstein as members.

See attached Action 2014.10.08 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Smithsonian Collections 

Space Framework Plan

The Regents reviewed the draft report of the Smithsonian Collections Space 

Framework Plan, which supports the strategic plan’s long-term pan-institutional 
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collections stewardship initiative. The report includes condition analyses of and 

recommendations for the Smithsonian’s 2.1 million square feet of collections 

space, which is housed in more than 35 properties and 90 buildings. The report is 

informing capital planning efforts and budget requests, and will support briefings 

with members of Congress, the Office of Management and Budget, and private 

donors, among others. The next collections stewardship update will include an 

update on the collections digitization initiative.

FISCAL YEAR 2014 FINANCIAL BUDGET

Under Secretary for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer 

Albert Horvath reported on the fiscal year 2014 budget. Staff are in the process 

of completing the Federal year-end financial report that will be submitted to 

the U.S. Treasury on November 15, 2014. Preliminary numbers indicate that 

budget targets were achieved for most revenue categories. Approximately 95 

percent of $805 million in Federal appropriations were expended by the end of 

the fiscal year. The remainder will be expended in fiscal year 2015.

Fiscal year 2014 fundraising will likely surpass target. Approximately two-thirds 

of the working goal for the Smithsonian Campaign has been raised. SE 

revenues will likely fall just below budget because of the October 2013 Federal 

shutdown, weather-related facility closures, and the soft print advertising 

market. The SE net gain budget, however, will exceed budget. 

Government grants and contract awards totaled $105 million, versus the fiscal 

year target of $125 million. Increased privately sponsored activities, which are 

reported in gift agreements, allowed the Smithsonian to achieve its overall goal 

of $150 million in new awards from public and private sources.

Total fiscal year 2014 Federal and Trust expenses were below budget versus 

plan. Major capital projects are proceeding on time and within budget. The 

Endowment’s value on September 30, 2014, was just under $1.3 billion. 

Moody’s reaffirmed the Smithsonian’s AAA credit rating in September 2014 

and moved the Institution’s outlook from negative to stable because of 

management’s response to sequestration and the shutdown uncertainty, 

stable financial results, and progress towards the National Museum of African 

American History and Culture (NMAAHC) fundraising goal. 

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Fiscal Year 2015 

Consolidated Budget

Finance Committee Chair David Rubenstein reviewed the status of the fiscal 

year 2015 Federal appropriation and highlights of the fiscal year 2015 Trust 

budget. The Board was asked to approve the budget of appropriated and Trust 

funds for fiscal year 2015, and to authorize expenditures by the Secretary in 

accordance therewith. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the motion was 

approved.
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See attached Action 2014.10.09 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Fiscal Year 2016 Federal 

Budget Request to OMB

Mr. Rubenstein reported on the fiscal year 2016 Federal budget request to 

OMB, the September 2014 submission of which was approved by the Executive 

Committee on behalf of the full Board . Per guidance from OMB, three 

scenario-based budget requests were submitted: a “full requirements” request 

($960.2 million, including $760.2 million for Salaries and Expenses and 

$200.0 million for Facilities Capital) that reflects the full needs of the 

Smithsonian and the priorities of the strategic plan; an “increase guidance” 

request ($892.5 million); and a “decrease guidance” request ($850.0 million). 

The Board discussed the Smithsonian’s facilities capital and maintenance 

requirements, and ongoing discussions with OMB and Congressional staff.

REPORT OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Investment Committee Vice Chair Steve Case presented the committee’s 

report. On June 30, 2014, the Endowment’s assets stood at $1.29 billion. The 

annual review of its performance was not final at the time of this meeting but 

the one-year return is anticipated to be greater than 15 percent. The 

Endowment has nearly doubled in value in the past 10 years and provided $500 

million to Smithsonian programs and operations. 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMITTEE

IRS Forms 990 and 990-T 

and Conflict of Interest 

Filing

Audit and Review Committee Chair Robert Kogod reported that the committee 

conducted final reviews of the Smithsonian’s IRS Forms 990 and 990-T at its 

meeting on July 28, 2014. No major changes were made from the prior year 

and no unusual disclosures were noted. He reminded the Regents that the 

draft Form 990 was previously made available for their review and that no 

changes were recommended. The returns were filed prior to the August 15, 

2014, deadline. The committee also was briefed on the conflict of interest filing 

process by General Counsel Judith Leonard. Ms. Leonard reported that there 

was full compliance by all Regents and senior administrators, and no major 

conflicts were identified.

Audits and Integrated Risk 

Management

At its meeting on October 1, 2014, the committee was briefed by KPMG, the 

Smithsonian’s external auditors, on the results of the fiscal year 2013 A-133 

audit. A clean opinion was issued. KPMG also discussed the audit plan for fiscal 

year 2014. Mr. Horvath updated the committee on the Integrated Risk 

Management Initiative, and new Inspector General Cathy Helm provided a 

briefing on current and planned projects of the Office of the Inspector General.

Mr. McCarter commended Mr. Kogod on his leadership of the committee and 

oversight of successful efforts to improve the Smithsonian’s internal controls.
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REPORT OF THE ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Smithsonian Campaign 

Update

Advancement Committee Chair and Regent Emeritus Alan Spoon provided the 

committee’s report. Mr. Spoon thanked his fellow Campaign cochairs, the 

Secretary, and staff for the success of the October 17–19, 2014, Smithsonian 

Campaign kickoff. At least 500 donors were hosted at kickoff events. Over twothirds of the Campaign goal was raised during its quiet phase, and over 60,000 

Americans have contributed to date. The campaign goal of $1.5 million will be 

announced at the Regents’ public forum scheduled to occur after this meeting. 

Mr. Spoon commented on several significant gifts to endow Smithsonian positions 

and programs. To date, 42 new endowed positions have been funded. Gifts of at 

least $1 million have been made by 183 donors, of which 34 were first-time donors 

to the Smithsonian and 67 made their first-ever gift at this level. Three 

Advancement Committee members were noted for their generous support of the 

Smithsonian’s intellectual leadership, and the contributions of retiring 

Advancement Committee member Travis Engen were noted.

Gift Actions Director of Advancement and Philanthropic Giving Ginny Clark presented five 

proposed gift agreements and three administrative actions for the full Board’s 

review. Ms. Clark noted that two gifts — one to Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design 

Museum and the second to the Renwick Gallery — conform to preapproved gift 

policy exceptions for gifts in support of the museums’ renovations. One 

administrative paper provided notification of a grant organization’s conflict of 

interest certification requirement. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the 

agreements were approved en banc.

See attached Actions 2014.10.10–2014.10.16 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, 

Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE FACILITIES COMMITTEE

Facilities Capital and 

Maintenance Requirements 

and Appropriations

Facilities Committee Chair Robert Kogod reviewed the Smithsonian’s facilities 

capital and maintenance requirements for fiscal years 2014–2020. He also 

discussed the history of Federal appropriations beginning in fiscal year 2008 and 

anticipated Federal budget requests up to fiscal year 2018. 

Federal appropriations for the Smithsonian’s facilities continue to fall short of 

funding necessary to support industry guidelines and practices. On an annual basis, 

current facilities capital requirements total $150 million and facilities maintenance 

requirements total $100 million, whereas fiscal year 2014 Federal appropriations 

totaled, respectively, $103 million and $69 million. The fiscal year 2015 Federal 

request includes $126.1 million for facilities capital and $75.2 million for facilities 

maintenance. The fiscal year 2016 Federal budget request to OMB reflects the 

unanticipated need to replace the facade of NASM. The Facilities Committee 

previously asked senior management to develop a strategic position statement 
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regarding the Federal government’s responsibility for the maintenance of 

Smithsonian facilities. A final draft will be presented to the full Board for its 

endorsement in January 2015. 

Update on Leased Space All of the Smithsonian’s leased spaces have termination dates in 2021. Mr. Kogod 

asked Mr. Horvath to update the Board on senior management’s development of a 

long-term leasing strategy for administrative space. Mr. Kogod, who has a financial 

interest in a public real estate and investment trust that includes space leased by 

the Smithsonian, then recused himself from the discussion.

The Smithsonian currently spends nearly $23.6 million each year on leases for 

0.5 million square feet of administrative space, and it is anticipated that rent 

expenses will increase to $28.31 million in 2021. Approximately 80 percent of the 

leased space is funded through Federal appropriations. The long-term leasing 

strategy is designed to achieve cost savings, improve administrative efficiencies, 

and support collaboration while enabling the Smithsonian to address such facilities 

revitalization projects as the renovation of the Smithsonian Castle Building. 

Several options have been explored, including extending expiring leases; 

consolidating leased spaces; acquiring or constructing a facility; or securing thirdparty lease/leaseback with reversion agreements. Extending expiring leases would 

be the most costly option and significant lead time is necessary to pursue any other 

option. The Smithsonian will soon issue a non-binding request for proposal (RFP) to 

third parties to gauge external interest in other options and to inform the 

Smithsonian’s cost estimates. The Facilities Committee will be briefed on the RFP 

results in February 2015, and the full Board will be updated at its April 2015 

meeting.

South Campus Master Plan A press event on the South Mall Campus Plan will be held on November 13, 2014. 

The Smithsonian will meet with National Capital Planning Commission on 

November 19, 2013.

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES 

COMMITTEE

Compensation and Human Resources Committee Chair Ambassador Barbara 

Barrett presented the committee’s report. The Board was briefed on the processes 

that will support its January 2015 compensation decisions. Market positions are 

being benchmarked and key process details are being finalized. Ms. Barrett 

reported that approximately 15 compensation decisions will be brought to the full 

Board for its review. Twenty compensation decisions will be made by the 

committee.

Smithsonian Enterprises 

Incentive Program

The Board reviewed a series of recommendations for the SE incentive plan. 

Developed by PricewaterhouseCoopers and refined by the committee, the 

proposed plan incorporates best practices, ensures that both short-term gain and 

long-term growth are incentivized, and recognizes market data while supporting 
10

the Smithsonian’s role as a public trust. Associate Director of the Office of Human 

Resources Greg Bettwy outlined proposed modifications to the SE short-term plan, 

which include normalizing SE manager participation, recalibrating target values, 

and replacing net gain metrics with revenue and cost-ratio metrics. 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Regents approved en banc the 

adoption of the modified short-term incentive plan and the proposed long-term 

incentive plan, both effective fiscal year 2015. The long-term plan will be evaluated 

at the conclusion of the initial plan year to ensure that the metrics are 

appropriately incentivizing organizational behavior that promotes long-term 

growth and contributions of unrestricted revenue to the Institution. 

See attached Actions 2014.10.17–2014.10.18 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, 

Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Advisory Board 

Appointments

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair Steve Case presented the 

committee’s report. Upon motion duly made and seconded, proposed 

appointments and reappointments to 13 Smithsonian advisory boards were 

approved en banc.

See attached Actions 2014.10.19–2014.10.31 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, 

Appendix A).

Bylaw Amendments Proposed amendments to the bylaws of the Smithsonian National Latino Board 

were presented. The amendments largely reflect the intention to standardize the 

bylaws to better align with those of other Smithsonian advisory boards. Mr. Case 

also directed the Regents’ attention to a continuity resolution that, if approved, 

will provide for the extension of members’ terms until their successors are 

appointed and noted precedence for such action. 

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the proposed amendments were approved.

See attached Action 2014.10.32 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Advancement Committee 

Appointment

Mr. Case presented the Governance and Nominating Committee’s 

recommendation to appoint Christine Udvar-Hazy to the Regents’ 

Advancement Committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board 

approved the proposed nomination and requested that the Chancellor make 

the necessary appointment.

See attached Action 2014.10.33 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Renomination of David 

Rubenstein

Citizen Regent David Rubenstein’s first term will expire on May 7, 2015. Upon 

motion duly made and seconded, the Board renominated Mr. Rubenstein for a 

second term on the Board and requested that the Congressional Regents 

introduce and support legislation leading to his reappointment. 
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See attached Action 2014.10.34 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Regent Committee Term 

Limits

Mr. Case noted that most of the Regent committee charters state that Regents 

or non-Regents may serve on a committee for up to six years and that Regents 

Emeriti may serve up to three years. Because many of the charters were last 

updated in 2008, as many as 25 committee members could be impacted in 

2015 if term limits were to be enforced. 

The Governance and Nominating Committee recommends extending the 

committee terms of Regents to 12 years, while maintaining current limits on 

the committee membership of non-Regents and Regents Emeriti. To provide 

for a mechanism that ensures new perspectives are brought to the 

committees, no waivers would be permitted for non-Regents and Regents 

Emeriti. In addition, the committee proposes grandfathered terms for all 

existing committee members. Current Advancement Committee member 

terms would be grandfathered until 2017 (the length of the Smithsonian 

Campaign) and all other committee member terms would be grandfathered 

until 2016. The committee also recommended that each Regent committee 

revise its respective charter before January 2015 to reflect these changes.

Following discussion, the Board concurred with the committee’s proposals.

Committee Charter 

Amendments

At its June 2014 meeting, the Board of Regents expressed support for changing 

the name of the Strategic Planning and Programs Committee to the Strategy, 

Innovation, and Technology Committee. Changing the name and amending the 

committee’s charter will better reflect the committee’s commitment to the 

oversight of the Smithsonian’s innovation and technology initiatives, as well as 

oversight of strategic investments, partnerships and collaborations, and SE. Mr. 

Case presented a proposed motion to rename the committee and amend its 

charter. The motion was seconded and approved.

See attached Action 2014.10.35 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Proposed amendments to the charter of the Compensation and Human Resources 

Committee were presented for the Board’s consideration. The recommended 

changes reflect compensation best practices and the positions reviewed annually 

by the committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the amendments were 

approved.

See attached Action 2014.10.36 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Board Bylaw Amendments The Regents reviewed proposed amendments to the Board Bylaws that reflect 

changes to the Strategic Planning and Program Committee’s name and charter. 

As amendments to the Bylaws require 30-days’ notice, an email ballot will be 

sent to the Regents in late November 2014.
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REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Office of Government Relations Nell Payne updated the Board on recent 

congressional engagement and legislative activities. The House and Senate 

Oversight and Appropriations committees were briefed on the overall facilities plan 

and the South Mall Campus Master Plan. The annual Congressional Night, which 

was held at the National Museum of the American Indian and again sponsored by 

Nissan North America, attracted more than a dozen members of Congress and 

more than 2,600 congressional staff and their families. A hearing on the proposed 

National Museum of the American Latino was postponed and may be held in the 

lame duck session. A hearing on the Smithsonian’s facilities may be held in early 

2015. A bill to discuss the feasibility of a national women’s museum, including its 

possible inclusion in the Smithsonian, has passed the House and is pending in the 

Senate. 

LUNCHEON PRESENTATION 

Office of Communications and External Affairs (OCEA) Director Evelyn S. Lieberman 

introduced a luncheon presentation on the Smithsonian’s new communications 

initiatives and strategies, many of which target millennial and digital audiences. 

OCEA Brand Marketing Manager Erika Ferrin discussed the Smithsonian’s brand 

market research and highlighted new tools employed to measure marketing 

audiences. To date, the brand marketing campaign has generated at least 

350 million impressions across multiple digital platforms. OCEA Social Media 

Manager Sarah Sulick spoke of the social media platforms currently used by the 

Smithsonian to engage and educate audiences, as well as explorations of emerging 

platforms that will reach new audiences. Office of Visitor Services Director Simar 

Bitar discussed five new visitor services that are strengthening the Smithsonian’s 

ability to better serve its visitors. He also discussed his team’s use of research and 

analytics to inform visitor services strategies.
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AFTERNOON SESSION

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Chancellor called the afternoon session to order at about 1:10 p.m. The Board 

held an executive session to discuss an opportunity for the Smithsonian to have a 

presence in London. It also conducted an executive session with the General Counsel.

The executive session adjourned at about 2:30 p.m., after which Mrs. Lieberman

provided a briefing for public forum participants.

SIXTH ANNUAL PUBLIC FORUM WITH THE BOARD OF REGENTS

The Regents’ sixth annual public forum was held in the Ring Auditorium of the 

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Mr. McCarter and Dr. Jackson reviewed the 

Regents’ business meeting and noted the Board’s appreciation for the service of 

Secretary Wayne Clough, who reported on the state of the Smithsonian.

Smithsonian Campaign Cochair David Rubenstein then moderated a conversation 

about the Smithsonian Campaign with Ms. Barrett, Mr. Spoon, National Museum of 

African Art Director Johnnetta Cole, NMAH John Gray, and National Museum of 

Natural History Director Kirk Johnson. The campaign video Today. Tomorrow. Forever. 

was screened and a question and answer session was held.

ADJOURNMENT

The public forum was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,

G. Wayne Clough

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

OCTOBER 20, 2014, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Board of Regents recommends to the Chancellor the appointment of an Acting 

Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution until June 30, 2015, or until Secretary-elect Skorton 

arrives. [2014.10.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed salary recommendation for the Acting 

Salary appointed by the Chancellor pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 47. [2014.10.02] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents reelects John W. McCarter, Jr., as Chair of the Smithsonian 

Institution’s Board of Regents for a one- year term effective January 27, 2015. [2014.10.03] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents reelects Shirley Ann Jackson as Vice Chair of the Smithsonian 

Board of Regents for a one-year term effective January 27, 2015. [2014.10.04]

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

Board of Regents’ Executive Committee for a one-year term effective January 27, 2015.

[2014.10.05]

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

Honorable Howard H. Baker, Jr., former Regent, esteemed statesman, and friend of the 

Smithsonian Institution, and extends its heartfelt sympathies to his wife, the Honorable Nancy 

L. Kassebaum Baker, and family. [2014.10.06]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the June 23, 2014, meeting of the 

Board of Regents. [2014.10.07]

VOTED that the Board of Regents creates a temporary Regents’ subcommittee to oversee 

Smithsonian Enterprises and appoints Steve Case, Shirley Ann Jackson, Michael Lynton, and 

David Rubenstein to serve on the subcommittee. [2014.10.08] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the budget of appropriated funds for fiscal year 

2015 when signed into law by the President, the institutional budget for Trust funds for fiscal 

year 2015 reflected in this report, and authorizes expenditures by the Secretary in accordance 

therewith. Any material changes in program plans incorporated into this budget shall be made 

only with the approval of the Board of Regents or its Executive committee. [2014.10.09] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of the Chatterjee Charitable 

Foundation to Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and names the Amita and 

Purnendu Chatterjee Gallery for 40 years. [2014.10.10]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the relocation of the naming of Cooper Hewitt, 

Smithsonian Design Museum’s Lisa Roberts and David Seltzer Room, the museum shop, to its 

new location in the former Carnegie Picture Gallery. [2014.10.11] 
2 

VOTED that the Board of Regents creates and names the Fund for the Arabian Peninsula, a 

quasi-endowment for the benefit of the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery to 

support initiatives that shed light on the art, culture, and history of the Arabian Peninsula. 

Further, the Board authorizes the transfer of the funds identified for this purpose. [2014.10.12] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of A&E Television Networks, LLC, to 

the National Museum of American History and accepts the terms of the gift agreement. 

[2014.10.13]

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Friends of the National Zoo to 

the National Zoological Park and names the FONZ Discovery Classroom for 20 years or until the 

next comprehensive renovation of the space, whichever occurs last. [2014.10.14] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of the Walter and Lucille Rubin 

Foundation to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and names each of two adjoining 

galleries the Walter and Lucille Rubin Gallery in the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a 

period of 20 years or until the next major renovation, which occurs last. [2014.10.15] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of the James Renwick Alliance to 

the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and names the James Renwick 

Alliance Gallery until the next comprehensive renovation of the Renwick Gallery. [2014.10.16] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves PwC’s proposed modifications to the short-term 

incentive plan for Smithsonian Enterprises beginning in fiscal year 2015. [2014.10.17] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed long-term incentive plan for 

Smithsonian Enterprises beginning in fiscal year 2015 and that an evaluation be conducted at 

the conclusion of the initial plan year to ensure that the metrics are appropriately incentivizing 

organizational behavior that promotes long-term growth and contributions of unrestricted 

revenue to the Institution. [2014.10.18] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Alma R. Candelaria to the Advisory Board of the 

Anacostia Community Museum for a three-year term effective immediately. [2014.10.19] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Gautam Chandra to the Advisory Board of the Asian 

Pacific American Center for a three-year term effective immediately. [2014.10.20] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints Amita Chatterjee to the Board of Trustees of 

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum for a three-year term effective immediately. 

[2014.10.21] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Orlando P. Carvalho to the Board of the National Air 

and Space Museum for a three-year term effective immediately. [2014.10.22] 
3 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints George Levert to the Advisory Board of the National 

Museum of African Art for a three-year term effective immediately. [2014.10.23] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Kim Baird, danah boyd, Kristopher Easton, Sven 

Haakanson , Richard Luarkie, Loretta Tuell, and Deacon Turner and reappoints Andrew Lee to 

the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Indian for three-year terms 

effective January 1, 2015. [2014.10.24] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Tommie Pegues to the Board of Commissioners of 

the National Portrait Gallery for a four-year term effective immediately. [2014.10.25] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Michelle Smith to the Commission of the 

Smithsonian American Art Museum for a four-year term effective January 1, 2015. [2014.10.26] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints Myra Hart and Colin Masson to the Advisory 

Board of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for three-year terms effective January 28, 

2015. [2014.10.27] 

VOTED that Board of Regents reappoints Kevin Compton and Jeanne Grasso to the Advisory 

Board of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center for three-year terms effective 

immediately. [2014.10.28] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Maureen Conners, Stephen Koval, Dennis Manning, 

and David Bruce Smith, and reappoints Roland DeSilva, Nancy Eaton, Barbara Joynt, Bruce 

Lisman, and Lowell Robinson to the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries for 

three-year terms effective January 1, 2015. [2014.10.29] 

VOTED that Board of Regents appoints Thomas E. Chávez and Yolanda Rodriguez Stemer to the 

Smithsonian National Latino Board of the Smithsonian Latino Center for three-year terms 

effective immediately. [2014.10.30] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints Simone Acha, Morad Fareed, Jeffrey Martin, 

Michelle Moore, Fredericka Stevenson, and Peter Vesterbacka to the National Advisory Board 

of the Smithsonian Science Education Center for three-year terms effective immediately.

[2014.10.31] 

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

Smithsonian National Latino Board of the Smithsonian Latino Center. [2014.10.32] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed nomination of Christine Udvar-Hazy 

to the Regents’ Advancement Committee and requests that the Chancellor make the necessary 

appointment. [2014.10.33] 
4 

VOTED that the Board of Regents renominates David M. Rubenstein for a second term as a 

Citizen Regent on the Board or Regents. The Congressional Regents are asked to introduce and 

support legislation leading to his reappointment. [2014.10.34] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the renaming of the Strategic Planning and 

Programs Committee to the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee, as well as 

approves the proposed amendments to the committee charter. [2014.10.35] 

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

Compensation and Human Resources Committee. [2014.10.36]