MINUTES OF THE JUNE 13, 2022, 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 13, 2022. The Board conducted morning, afternoon, and executive sessions at the National Museum 

of American History in Washington, D.C. Board and Executive Committee Chair Steve Case welcomed Regents and 

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

Senator John Boozman

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto 

Senator Patrick Leahy

Representative Doris Matsui

Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard

Representative Adrian Smith

Mr. Steve Case, Chair 

Mr. John Fahey

Mr. Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.

Mr. Michael Govan

Dr. Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, Vice Chair

Mr. Michael M. Lynton

Ms. Denise O’Leary

Mr. Franklin D. Raines

Ms. Kathryn Hall, Investment Committee Chair

Mr. Dennis Keller, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Mrs. Christine Udvar-Hazy, Advancement Committee Chair

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Vice President Kamala D. Harris, and Ambassador Barbara M. Barrett were unable 

to attend the meeting.

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

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary

Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary

Ngaire Blankenberg, Director of the National Museum 

of African Art1

Christopher Browne, John and Adrienne Mars Director, 

National Air and Space Museum1

Victor Castillo, Office of Representative Roybal-Allard

Ronald Cortez, Under Secretary for Administration

Trevor Dean, Office of Senator Cortez Masto

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

Becky Kobberod, Head of Digital Transformation2

Carol LeBlanc, President of Smithsonian Enterprises3

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Jeremy Marcus, Office of Representative Matsui

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs and Chief 

Marketing Officer

Kevin McDonald, Office of Senator Leahy

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief 

Justice

Meroë Park, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating 

Officer

Robert J. Spiller, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement 

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents

Kevin Young, Andrew W. Mellon Director, National 

Museum of African American History and Culture1

1 Participated in the lunch program only

2 Participated in the Virtual Smithsonian discussion only

3 Participated in the Strategic Plan discussion only
2

MORNING SESSION

New Regent Search

Regents-Only Executive 

Session

Welcome

Departure and 

Recognition of SNB 

Chair Dennis Keller

Upcoming Events

Executive Committee 

Approvals

EXECUTIVE SESSION: NEW REGENT SEARCH

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

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

citizen Regent to fill the vacancy when Steve Case’s term expires in April 2023.

The Governance and Nominating Committee is working to identify and evaluate 

potential candidates with expertise and characteristics that will complement the 

current Board.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: REGENTS ONLY

The Board continued its deliberations in a Regents-only executive session to 

consider proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the Board of Regents to create a 

Chair Emeritus status and review the duties and responsibilities of the Strategy, 

Innovation, and Technology Committee.

OPEN SESSION

Smithsonian and Regent staff members entered the room and the meeting 

reconvened. Mr. Case called the open session to order at 10:05 a.m.

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mr. Case began his report by acknowledging Smithsonian National Board Chair 

Dennis Keller’s last meeting. Mr. Keller joined the National Board in 2012 and has 

served as Chair since 2019. Mr. Case noted that Mr. Keller would remain involved 

as a National Board member and thanked him for his service and extraordinary 

dedication to the Smithsonian.

Mr. Case also highlighted upcoming events. The Board will host a dinner on 

October 23, honoring two former chairs—David Rubenstein and John McCarter—

and Senator Leahy, who has served as a Congressional Regent since 2001. The 

Regents will also host the annual public forum virtually on December 13. The 

public forum will focus on site selection for the two new museums and provide an 

opportunity to introduce the new members of the Executive Committee.

To conclude, Mr. Case noted that that there were no motions approved by the 

Executive Committee on behalf of the Board since the April meeting.
3

Consent Agenda

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

Written Report of the 

Advancement 

Committee

Written Report of the 

Facilities Committee

Written Report of the 

Governance and 

Nominating Committee

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

items listed on the June 13, 2022, Agenda included: the approval of minutes from 

the April 11, 2022, Board meeting and gifts and naming recognition. Upon motion 

duly made and seconded, the Board voted to adopt the Agenda, constituting the 

approval of all action items listed therein. 

See attached Actions 2022.06.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

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

meeting by the Advancement Committee; Facilities Committee; Governance and 

Nominating Committee; Smithsonian National Board; and Office of Government 

Relations.

Written Report of the Advancement Committee

The Advancement Committee held a meeting on April 20, 2022. During the 

meeting, the Committee received an update on fundraising for the two new

museums and discussed Campaign planning progress. The Committee also 

reviewed notable gifts and grants and was briefed on the progress of fiscal year 

2022 fundraising. As of February 28, 2022, the Smithsonian had raised $127.4 

million towards its $230 million goal.

Written Report of the Facilities Committee

The Facilities Committee held a meeting on May 12, 2022. During the meeting,

the Committee engaged in a strategic discussion on revitalization of the Historic 

Core and the developing program to address the space needs for the

Smithsonian’s collections. The Committee also reviewed the progress of site

selection for the new museums. The Committee had an opportunity to discuss the 

fiscal year 2024 capital budget, facilities resources, and major capital projects, 

including: National Air and Space Museum – Mall Building Revitalize Building 

Envelope and Infrastructure; National Air and Space Museum Integrated Bezos 

Learning Center (“BLC”); and Pod 6 Collections Storage Facility at the Museum 

Support Center.

Written Report of the Governance and Nominating Committee

The Governance and Nominating Committee conducted a meeting on May 10, 

2022. During the meeting, the Committee voted to approve appointments and 

reappointments to Smithsonian advisory boards and recognition of a former 

Regent. The Governance and Nominating Committee also discussed the search for 
4

Report of the 

Smithsonian National 

Board

Report of the Office of 

Government Relations

Smithsonian Legislation

Congressional 

Engagement

Report of the Finance

Committee

a new citizen Regent to fill the vacancy when Steve Case’s term expires in April 

2023.

Written Report of the Smithsonian National Board

The Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”) held its spring meeting in person in 

Washington, D.C. from April 28 – 30, 2022. The meeting focused on new 

exhibitions around the Smithsonian and National Board members had an 

opportunity to meet new leadership from across the Institution. The weekend 

events took place in partnership with the Regional Council Summit and Annual 

Smithsonian Weekend. 

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

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

submitted its fiscal year 2023 budget request to Congress in April 2022. The

request totals $1.175 billion to fund essential operating expenses, priority 

program increases, and revitalization of the Institution’s physical infrastructure.

In addition, OGR reported on Congressional hearings and Smithsonian related 

legislation. On June 8, 2022, Secretary Bunch testified at a hearing entitled “Fiscal 

Year 2023 Budget Request for the Arts and Humanities” before the House 

Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.

OGR is tracking H.R.3525, Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a 

National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act, which was 

introduced by Representative Grace Meng (D-NY) on May 25, 2021. The bill 

establishes a commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of 

Asian Pacific American History and Culture.

The Office of Government Relations continues its congressional engagement, 

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

April 7, OGR and the National Postal Museum arranged for two of the rarest

items from Jackie Robinson's rookie season to be shown in the U.S. Capitol's 

Lincoln Room to celebrate the historic 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's 1947 

debut at Ebbets Field as the first African American to play Major League Baseball 

since the nineteenth century. 

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 2023

Endowment Payout, and (ii) the fiscal year 2024 federal budget priorities.
5

Fiscal Year 2023 

Endowment Payout

Fiscal Year 2024 Federal 

Budget Priorities

Report of the Strategy, 

Innovation, and 

Technology Committee

Mr. Ferguson presented the fiscal year 2023 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 programs and 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 the projected payout to support programmatic 

activity for fiscal year 2023 is $93 million and the projected payout to fund 

advancement activities is estimated at $4 million. Upon motion duly made and 

seconded, the Board approved a five percent payout from the Smithsonian

Endowment in fiscal year 2023 to support programmatic activity. Further, the 

Board approved up to an additional 0.50 percent payout from eligible 

Smithsonian Endowment funds in fiscal year 2023 to support advancement 

activity.

See attached Actions 2022.06.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Mr. Ferguson also presented the fiscal year 2024 federal budget priorities, noting

that the fiscal year 2024 budget request is due to the Office of Management and 

Budget (“OMB”) in September. He reviewed the Institution’s priorities for 

building the fiscal year 2024 federal budget, which include: salaries and expenses; 

strategic priorities and program increases, including funding required for the two 

new Smithsonian museums; and 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 2024 federal budget 

priorities proposed by the Secretary

See attached Actions 2022.06.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE STRATEGY, INNOVATION, AND TECHNOLOGY

COMMITTEE

Chair of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee Michael Lynton 

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

consideration: the deaccession of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Mr. Lynton presented 

the Committee’s recommendation to the Board that 29 of the artworks in the 

National Museum of African Art collection be transferred to the Nigerian National 

Commission of Museums and Monuments. It was noted that the return of the 

bronzes follows the Smithsonian’s new policy of ethical returns. The Regents are 

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

pursuant to Smithsonian Directive 600, Collections Management. Upon motion 

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

See attached Actions 2022.06.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).
6

Smithsonian Campaign 

for Our Shared Future

Strategic Discussion on 

New Smithsonian 

Museums

New Museums 

Leadership and Events

New Museums Site 

Selection

UPDATE ON THE SMITHSONIAN CAMPAIGN FOR OUR SHARED 

FUTURE

Chair of the Advancement Committee Christine Udvar-Hazy, Secretary Bunch, and 

Assistant Secretary for Advancement Rob Spiller updated the Board on Campaign 

planning progress. The discussion focused on Campaign messaging and pillars, the 

timeline leading toward Campaign announcements and events, the proposed 

Campaign volunteer leadership structure, and progress and plans for identifying, 

recruiting, and appointing additional volunteer leadership. The campaign is based 

on four pillars that are intended to capture both Smithsonian-wide priorities and 

unit-specific priorities, identified as: Illuminating Our Nation’s Past, Opening 

Pathways to New Knowledge, Advancing Sustainability and Discovery, and 

Powering Creativity and Innovation. The Campaign will launch in two phases. The 

first phase—the focus phase—will run from 2022 to late 2024. The second, 

comprehensive phase will run from 2024-2026. The latter part of this phase will 

serve as a lead-in to the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Board will be asked to 

consider the Campaign budget and leadership structure as planning continues. 

STRATEGIC DISCUSSION ON NEW SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS

Mr. Case then introduced the strategic discussion on the two new Smithsonian 

museums: National Museum of the American Latino (“NMAL”) and the 

Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum (“SAWHM”). The discussion 

focused on leadership, fundraising strategies, and the progress of site selection 

since the April Regents’ meeting.

To begin, the Secretary shared an update on advisory boards, fundraising, the 

Molina Family Latino Gallery opening, and director searches. The Smithsonian is 

actively engaged in an executive search for a permanent director to lead the 

Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and expects to announce the 

selection of a founding director later this year. Jorge Zamanillo began his role as 

the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American 

Latino on May 2. The Secretary also reminded the Board that on June 18, 2022, 

the National Museum of the American Latino will open the 4,500-square-foot 

Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History. The 

Latino Gallery’s inaugural exhibition, ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United 

States, will provide an introduction to critical concepts, moments, and 

biographies that highlight the historical and cultural legacy of U.S. Latinas and 

Latinos.

Next, Under Secretary for Administration Ron Cortez briefed the Board on the 

progress of site selection for the two new museums. The location for each

museum is to be determined by the Regents no later than December 2022. Since 

the passage of the legislation, the Smithsonian has undertaken an extensive siteselection analysis and thorough review of more than 25 sites. The four sites now 

under further consideration are: Arts and Industries Building, Northwest Capitol 
7

New Museums 

Communications and 

Outreach

Luncheon Program: 

Conversation with New 

Smithsonian Directors

Strategic Report of the 

Secretary

site, South Monument site, and Tidal Basin site. Mr. Cortez informed the Board 

that each site will be further evaluated by the Smithsonian and the architecture 

engineering firm Ayers Saint Gross based on location, existing site conditions, 

transportation, environmental factors, costs, and acquisition potential. The Board 

is expected to continue discussion on site selection at the October meeting.

To conclude, Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs and 

Chief Marketing Officer Julissa Marenco briefly reviewed communications and 

public engagement focused on site selection for the two new museums. In 

addition to conducting surveys and focus groups with local and national 

stakeholders, the Smithsonian consulted with civic groups, government leaders, 

artists, and educators. The legislation establishing the two museums also calls for 

the consultation of the National Capital Planning Commission, the Commission of 

Fine Arts, House and Senate congressional committees and the Architect of the 

Capitol. On June 22, the four focus sites will be announced publicly. The Board 

and Smithsonian management are committed to ensuring a transparent, 

inclusive, and thorough site selection process.

Following the strategic discussion on the new Smithsonian museums, the Board 

adjourned to the luncheon program at approximately 11:31 a.m.

LUNCH: CONVERSATION WITH NEW SMITHSONIAN DIRECTORS

During lunch, Regents had an opportunity to meet and converse with three of the 

Smithsonian’s new directors: Ngaire Blankenberg, Director of the National 

Museum of African Art; Christopher Browne, Director of the National Air and 

Space Museum; and Kevin Young, Andrew W. Mellon Director of the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture. As each of these individuals 

began their directorship during a period of remote work, the program focused on 

each director’s vision for their respective museum and highlighted the rich and 

varied work conducted at the Smithsonian.

AFTERNOON SESSION

Board Chair Steve Case called the afternoon session to order at approximately 

1:00 p.m. and reviewed the remainder of the Board’s business agenda. 

STRATEGIC REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

To begin the Board’s afternoon session Secretary Bunch provided an update on 

the state of the Smithsonian. The Secretary’s update focused on the recent 

unveiling of the first image of the supermassive black hole at the center of the 

Milky Way galaxy, the Institution’s non-fungible token pilot program, the DC 

Music Festival, and the Smithsonian’s operating status. 
8

Unveiling Our Galaxy's 

Black Hole

NFT Pilot Program

Smithsonian Operations 

and DC Music Festival

Virtual Smithsonian: 

Accelerating Progress on 

Digital Transformation

The Secretary began by updating the Board on the unveiling of the first image of 

the black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. On May 13, scientists at the

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (“SAO”), in collaboration with hundreds of 

scientists across the world, unveiled the image providing the first direct visual 

evidence that the center of Earth’s galaxy is definitively a supermassive black 

hole. Secretary Bunch informed the Board that the scientific development was 

picked up by over 800 news outlets across North America and media reports 

showed that the story and image reached at least 2.2 billion readers. The Board 

concurred that this was a wonderful example of harnessing Smithsonian expertise 

to elevate science in the global discourse, further advancing one of the Strategic 

Focus Areas.

Next, the Secretary provided an update on the non-fungible token (“NFT”) pilot 

program. In early 2021, the Smithsonian set up two working groups to explore 

NFTs: one focused on NFTs as collection items and a second focused on the 

revenue generating potential of NFTs. Secretary Bunch informed the Board that 

following recommendations from the working groups, the Smithsonian launched 

a pilot program and entered into the NFT market. The pilot program began in 

spring 2022 and will go through December 2022, with the creation of five to ten

NFTs based on assets or moments unique to the Smithsonian. The pilot will

measure the revenue produced, costs incurred, energy consumed, and resources 

required for production of each NFT concept. In addition, it will assess brand 

impact and general feedback from the public and key internal and external 

stakeholders. The Secretary will update the Board on the results at the conclusion 

of the NFT pilot program.

Secretary Bunch concluded his report by briefing the Regents on Smithsonian 

operations and impacts to operating status. As of May 30, the Smithsonian 

returned to its traditional schedule with all but two museums open seven days a 

week. The National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall remains closed 

for renovations until the fall. The Arts and Industries Building, temporarily open 

through July 6, will maintain a reduced schedule. The Secretary informed the 

Board that due to road closures for the Something in the Water music festival, the 

Smithsonian will close the National Museum of the American Indian and the 

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden June 17 through June 19. All other 

museums on the National Mall will remain open to the public with regular 

operating hours. However, some entrances to the museums will be temporarily 

closed because of fencing and street closures associated with the festival.

VIRTUAL SMITHSONIAN: ACCELERATING PROGRESS ON DIGITAL 

TRANSFORMATION

Becky Kobberod, Head of the Smithsonian’s Office of Digital Transformation then

led a strategic discussion with the Board on the Institution’s digital

transformation strategy. The discussion focused on the vision for the new Office 

of Digital Transformation and the Smithsonian’s path forward to increase its 

digital presence and impact. Ms. Kobberod shared the external and internal focus 
9

Strategic Discussion: 

Strategic Plan 

Implementation

Executive Session:

Regents and Secretary

areas identified for digital transformation. Externally the Institution will focus on 

building a Smithsonian digital ecosystem, delivering a connected and seamless 

audience experience, and solidifying the Smithsonian as a trusted source for 

knowledge and understanding. The internal focus areas identified for digital 

transformation will leverage people, operations, platforms, and resources and 

prioritize efforts to build a digital-first Virtual Smithsonian while representing 

disciplines across the arts, sciences, history, culture, technology, and design.

Ms. Kobberod reminded the Board that nurturing a digital institutional culture has 

already begun, as the Smithsonian has worked to digitize its collections and 

launch Open Access to make them accessible to the public; piloted new 

technology, including The Searchable Museum at the National Museum of African 

American History and Culture to advance accessibility, scholarship, education, and 

audience engagement; and launched the beginning plans to build two new 

museums, which will initially launch virtually while the physical structures are 

being planned. The Board also reviewed the projected milestones for digital 

transformation at the Smithsonian over the next year.

STRATEGIC DISCUSSION: STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

To conclude the open session, the Board received an update on the progress of 

strategic plan implementation efforts. Secretary Bunch and Deputy Secretary and 

Chief Operating Officer Meroë Park outlined how the Smithsonian is advancing 

the 25 institutional initiatives and supporting, measuring, and tracking progress 

on the overarching goal to shape Our Shared Future within and outside of the 

Smithsonian. Since the Board’s last update, the Strategic Plan Implementation 

Team (“StratTeam”) has identified co-leads and developed snapshots for the 

initiatives, welcomed the inaugural participants in the StratTeam Rotation 

Program, and developed a strategic implementation tracking tool. Additionally, 

the team is preparing a Smithsonian-wide update on initiative progress. 

As part of the discussion, the Board was briefed on a sample initiative snapshot.

Assistant Secretary for Advancement Rob Spiller and President of Smithsonian 

Enterprises Carol LeBlanc previewed the Smithsonian’s efforts to develop and 

implement a universal membership model that integrates and improves the 

audience experience. Phase one of the initiative will launch in summer 2022 and 

will integrate separate programs of the Office of Advancement and Smithsonian 

Enterprises to unify the national membership model. Phase two will further build 

a more connected Smithsonian membership community and will be implemented 

in 2023. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

The Board moved into an executive session at approximately 2:14 p.m. to

discuss business and personnel matters, including personnel searches.
10

Executive Session:

“Gatekeeper” Reports

The Board concluded the June 13, 2022, meeting with an opportunity to hear

from each of the Smithsonian’s Gatekeepers, including the Secretary, Under

Secretary for Administration, General Counsel, and Inspector General.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 2:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lonnie G. Bunch, III

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

JUNE 13, 2022, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

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

of all action items listed therein. [2022.06.01] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the April 11, 2022, meeting 

of the Board of Regents. 

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

appointment or reappointment to eight (8) Smithsonian Institution Advisory Boards. 

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of T-Mobile USA, Inc. to the 

National Museum of Natural History and accepts the terms of the sponsorship 

agreement. 

VOTED that the Board of Regents creates a quasi-endowment for the benefit of the 

National Museum of Asian Art to support the acquisition of works of art for its 

permanent collection. Further, the Board of Regents authorizes the transfer of the funds 

identified for this purpose. 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves a 5 percent payout from the Smithsonian 

Endowment in fiscal year 2023 to support programmatic activity. The Board further approves

up to a 0.5 percent payout from the Smithsonian Endowment in fiscal year 2023 to support

advancement activity. The payout shall be calculated based on the trailing 20-quarter average

market value of the Smithsonian Endowment Fund. [2022.06.02] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the fiscal year 2024 federal budget priorities

proposed by the Secretary. [2022.06.03] 

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Secretary’s request to deaccession twentynine (29) Benin Kingdom court style artworks in the collection of the National Museum of 

African Art and transfer title and return the artworks to Nigeria’s National Commission for 

Museums and Monuments as the representative of the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

[2022.06.04]