MINUTES OF THE APRIL 12, 2021, VIDEOCONFERENCE MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

ATTENDANCE

This scheduled meeting of the Board of Regents (“Board”) of the Smithsonian Institution (“Smithsonian”) was held on 

Monday, April 12, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Board conducted its scheduled meeting

via videoconference. Board and Executive Committee Chair Steve Case welcomed Regents and staff and called the 

meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Participating were Regents:

Senator John Boozman

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

Senator Patrick J. Leahy

Representative Doris Matsui

Representative Adrian Smith

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

Mr. David M. Rubenstein

Ms. Kathryn Hall, Investment Committee Chair

Mr. Dennis Keller, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Mrs. Christine Udvar-Hazy, Advancement Committee Chair

Chancellor John G. Roberts, Jr.; Vice President Kamala D. Harris; and Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard were unable 

to participate.

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

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary

Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary

Victor Castillo, Office of Representative Roybal-Allard

Trevor Dean, Office of Senator Cortez Masto

Monica Didiuk, Office of Representative Smith 

Mary Elliott, Museum Curator, National Museum of 

African American History and Culture1

Kate Forester, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Regents

Mallory Gianola, Special Assistant to the Regents

(recorder)

Kevin Gover, Under Secretary for Museums 

and Culture

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Toni-Marie Higgins, Office of Senator Boozman

Janice Lambert, Chief Financial Officer

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

1 Participated in Virtual Smithsonian strategic discussion only

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs and Chief 

Marketing Officer

Era Marshall, Director of the Office of Equal 

Employment and Supplier Diversity

Adam Martin, Chief Digital Officer, National Museum of 

African American History and Culture1

Mike McCarthy, Under Secretary for Administration

Kevin McDonald, Office of Senator Leahy

Jeffrey P. Minear, Counselor to the Chief 

Justice

Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar, Acting Under 

Secretary for Education

Meroë Park, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating 

Officer

Jill Roberts, Program Manager-Searchable Museum, 

Digital Operations, National Museum of African 

American History and Culture1
2

Vernon L. Simms, Director of the Office of 

Government Relations

Robert J. Spiller, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement 

Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and 

Research

Kyle Victor, Office of Representative Matsui

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents

Josh Yearsley, Office of Senator Cortez Masto

Kevin Young, Andrew W. Mellon Director of the 

National Museum of African American History and 

Culture1
3

BUSINESS MEETING

Welcome and Regent

Transitions

Smithsonian Staff

Transitions

Recognition of Former 

Regent

Consent Agenda

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Board and Executive Committee Chair Steve Case began his report by providing 

an update on newly appointed Congressional Regents. He welcomed Senator 

Catherine Cortez Masto and Representative Adrian Smith to their first meeting of 

the Board of Regents. The Regents joined the Chair in welcoming the new 

Regents. Mr. Case also acknowledged the final Board meeting for outgoing 

Regent David M. Rubenstein. The Regents expressed their gratitude to Mr. 

Rubenstein for his twelve years of service as a Regent to the Smithsonian and his 

willingness to continue to support the Institution through service on Regents’ 

committees.

Mr. Case also recognized recent staff transitions. He welcomed Under Secretary 

for Science and Research Ellen Stofan to her first meeting of the Board. Dr. Stofan 

assumed her new role on March 14 and will oversee the Smithsonian’s collective 

scientific initiatives and commitment to research across the Institution’s science 

research centers as well as the National Museum of Natural History and the 

National Zoo. Mr. Case also acknowledged the final Regents’ meeting for Mike 

McCarthy, who will be stepping away from his role as Under Secretary for 

Administration in May. The Regents expressed their appreciation to Mr. 

McCarthy for his service, including overseeing the Institution’s finances during the 

pandemic, establishing a COVID-19 response team, and completing the purchase 

of the Capital Gallery building for the Smithsonian’s Consolidated Administrative 

Headquarters.

To conclude his report, Mr. Case presented one action item for the Board’s 

consideration: the recognition of former Regent France A. Córdova as a Regent 

Emerita. She served on the Board from September 2009 until March 2014 when 

she was appointed as the 14th director of the National Science Foundation.

Pursuant to Board bylaw 2.11, the Regents may confer the title of Regent Emerita

on former Regents “who accept responsibilities for continuing activities in the 

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

the Board unanimously voted to confer the title of Regent Emerita on the 

Honorable France A. Córdova.

See attached Actions 2021.04.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

Action items listed on the April 12, 2021, Agenda included: the approval of 

minutes from the February 1, 2021, meeting of the Board of Regents;

appointments and reappointments to eight Smithsonian Institution Advisory 

Boards; and gifts and naming recognitions. Upon motion duly made and 
4

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

Written Report of the 

Advancement

Committee

Written Report of the 

Investment Committee

Written Report of the 

Office of Government 

Relations

Smithsonian Introduced 

Legislation

seconded, the Board voted to adopt the Agenda, constituting the approval of all

action items listed therein.

See attached Actions 2021.04.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

Next, 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, Investment Committee,

Office of Government Relations, and Smithsonian National Board.

Written Report of the Advancement Committee

The Advancement Committee conducted a meeting on March 2, 2021. During the 

meeting, the Committee reviewed notable gifts and grants and voted to 

recommend two gift actions to the Board of Regents. The Committee was briefed 

on fundraising progress for fiscal year 2021 and received an update on fundraising 

for the new museums and the next Smithsonian fundraising campaign. As of

January 31, 2021, the Smithsonian had raised $78.55 million towards its $200 

million goal. 

Written Report of the Investment Committee

The Investment Committee met on March 24, 2021. During the meeting, the 

Committee approved the recommended long-term policy targets and allowable 

ranges, the revised policy benchmarks, and the 2021 private commitment 

budgets. The Smithsonian Endowment’s one-year return as of December 31, 

2020, was 17.5% versus 10.6% for the policy benchmark. Against the Cambridge 

Associates peer universe of endowments and foundations, the Smithsonian ranks 

in the top decile for all periods, including trailing one, three, five and ten‐year 

periods.

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

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

submitted its fiscal year 2022 budget request to the Office of Management and

Budget (“OMB”) on September 9, 2020. The OMB Passback, or summary funding 

decision for the Smithsonian’s request, was received in March 2021. The 

Smithsonian’s budget submission to Congress will follow in early May.

OGR also reported on legislation introduced by the Smithsonian. On February 23, 

2021, Senator Patrick Leahy and Senator John Boozman introduced S.J.Res.8, a 

joint resolution providing for the appointment of Barbara M. Barrett as a citizen

Regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. On February 25, 

2021, Representative Doris Matsui and Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard

introduced H.J.Res.27, an identical resolution. The Senate bill was referred to the 
5

Smithsonian Related 

Legislation

White House 

Engagement

Congressional Hearings, 

Briefings, and 

Engagement

Written Report of the 

Smithsonian National 

Board

Committee on Rules and Administration, and the House bill was referred to the 

Committee on House Administration.

The Office of Government Relations is tracking seven pieces of legislation related 

to commemorative Congressional Gold Medals, including H.R.1085, H.R.323, 

H.R.896, H.R.707, H.R.734/S.181, H.R.674, and S.321/H.R.1012. Each of the bills 

directs a medal to go to the Smithsonian for display and research.

The Office of Government Relations worked closely with the White House and the 

Office of the First Lady’s staff to bring objects from the National Museum of

American History (“NMAH”) to the White House for a temporary display

commemorating Women’s History Month. The objects highlight women’s 

accomplishments in education, business, sports, the military, and science. This 

relationship will continue with additional opportunities related to additional

Heritage Months and other commemorations.

Despite enhanced telework for most Smithsonian and Congressional staff, regular 

oversight meetings, Congressional briefings, and hearings have continued. Since 

April 3, 2020, OGR has issued a bi-weekly newsletter to all members of Congress 

and congressional staff, which provides educational content and resources for 

teachers, parents, and students including lesson plans, current events, new 

Smithsonian content, and a host of creative activities. The Office of Government 

Relations is also working to share digital Learning Labs, a series of educational 

guides structured to specific state standards that learners of all ages may use to 

tailor educational content and resources.

 

Written Report of the Smithsonian National Board

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

February 4–5, 2021. The meeting theme was “Smithsonian at 175: Serving the 

Nation,” and focused on the work the Institution has done for 175

years in collecting and research activities aimed at helping current and future 

audiences better understand the current moment in our nation’s history. In 

addition to the business meeting, the meeting of the SNB included working group 

and committee meetings, a virtual program with the Smithsonian Libraries

and Archives, a virtual planetarium experience with educators from the

National Air and Space Museum, and two spotlight sessions. The first spotlight 

session highlighted the efforts of the National Museum of African American 

History and Culture and the National Museum of American History to collect 

significant objects related to social justice, COVID-19, and democracy. The second 

spotlight session focused on the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s 

Global Health Program and its ongoing study of coronaviruses and emerging 

infectious diseases that impact humans, animals, and the environment.
6

Report of the Facilities

Committee

Report of the 

Governance and 

Nominating Committee

The Secretary’s Vision, 

Retrospective, and 

Achievements

REPORT OF THE FACILITIES COMMITTEE

Chair of the Facilities Committee John Fahey gave the Committee’s report and 

presented one action item for the Board’s consideration: a proposed five-year 

lease extension. The Board of Regents was asked to approve the Secretary’s 

request for authority to execute a new five-year lease extension for a portion of 

the existing leased premises consisting of approximately 58,888 square feet of 

administrative office, laboratory, and support space for continued occupancy by 

the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (“SAO”) at 100 Discovery Park in

Cambridge, MA. The new lease extension would result in a cost avoidance of

approximately $12.0 million over the five-year period, plus an annual savings of 

approximately $1.5 million per year. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the 

Board approved the SAO Cambridge, MA Discovery Park Lease Renewal.

See attached Actions 2021.04.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Representative Doris Matsui delivered the report of the Governance and 

Nominating Committee and asked the Board of Regents to consider the proposed 

amendments to the Audit and Review Committee Charter. The proposed Charter 

amendments reflect current practices and include updates to language that 

would ensure consistency between the Audit and Review Committee Charter and 

the Inspector General Act. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board 

voted to approve the proposed amendments to the Audit and Review Committee 

Charter.

See attached Actions 2021.04.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

THE SECRETARY’S VISION, RETROSPECTIVE, AND ACHIEVEMENTS 

Secretary Lonnie Bunch led a strategic discussion focused on his vision for the 

Smithsonian’s future. The Secretary outlined five strategic focus areas that will 

guide the Institution’s work moving forward: (1) be a trusted source that explores 

what it means to be an American, (2) harness Smithsonian expertise to elevate 

science in the global discourse, (3) engage with education systems nationwide to 

build and enrich a national culture of learning, (4) ensure Smithsonian virtual 

content reaches every home and classroom, and (5) work together to build a 

nimble and effective Smithsonian. The Secretary also highlighted

accomplishments of the past two years, which have created a foundation for 

future growth, including virtual initiatives, education programming, and efforts to 

elevate science and the future of the Smithsonian’s impact. 
7

Status Report on the 

Smithsonian’s COVID-19 

Response

Reopening Timeline

Vaccine Deployment

Vaccine Public 

Education Programming

Strategic Discussion on 

New Smithsonian 

Museums

STATUS REPORT ON THE SMITHSONIAN’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

Secretary Bunch then briefed the Board on the Smithsonian’s ongoing response 

to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The update focused on three main 

priorities: the Institution’s reopening timeline, vaccine deployment, and vaccine 

education programming.

Secretary Bunch updated the Board on the Smithsonian’s phased reopening. 

Since April 2020, the Institution’s COVID-19 response and reopening activities

have been conducted through the Reopening Task Force, which develops the 

strategies and logistics for reopening Smithsonian facilities. The Secretary 

informed the Board that the Reopening Task Force is working to identify public 

health triggers and societal indicators—while also working within the guidelines 

set forth by local and national governments—that will allow the Smithsonian to 

increase internal operations, resume public programs, and reopen museums and 

the National Zoo in spring 2021. 

Next, the Board received an update on the Smithsonian’s efforts to obtain doses 

of the COVID-19 vaccine. In coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services (“HHS”), the Smithsonian will be hosting and supporting a multiagency vaccination effort for government employees. Secretary Bunch shared 

that hundreds of government employees in the National Capital Region, including 

Smithsonian federal and trust staff and embedded contractors will be eligible to 

receive the vaccine at the National Museum of Natural History. The Secretary also 

informed the Board that a smaller vaccination effort will be conducted at the 

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute located in Front Royal, Virginia. The 

Board applauded the Secretary’s efforts to ensure that the Smithsonian 

community have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

To conclude the discussion on COVID-19, the Secretary turned to Under Secretary 

for Science and Research Ellen Stofan to brief the Board on efforts to launch 

public education programming related to vaccines. Dr. Stofan previewed the 

launch of a new nationwide initiative, Vaccines & US: Cultural Organizations for 

Community Health. This Smithsonian-led initiative will bring together museums, 

libraries, and cultural institutions across the country to support the national effort 

to provide Americans with accessible, trustworthy information about vaccines.

The online hub of free resources related to COVID-19 include: the safety, efficacy,

and value of COVID-19 vaccines; advice for starting conversations about 

vaccination; America’s communities’ and cultures’ response to the pandemic; and 

the history of pandemics and vaccination in the U.S.

STRATEGIC DISCUSSION ON NEW SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS

The Secretary then led a strategic discussion on the establishment of two new 

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

and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum (“SAWHM”). The 

discussion focused on three priorities: advisory board candidates, site selection, 
8

New Museum Site 

Selection

New Museum Virtual 

Presence

Strategic Discussion on 

Virtual Smithsonian and 

Digital Initiatives

NMAAHC: Searchable 

Museum Project

and creating a virtual presence. The Secretary shared that interim leadership has

been selected for both museums. Lisa Sasaki, currently the Director of the 

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, will serve as the Interim Director of 

SAWHM. Eduardo Díaz, Director of the Smithsonian Latino Center, will be the 

Interim Director of NMAL. The legislation dictates that board members are to be

appointed by the Board of Regents within 180 days of enactment. The Board is 

expected to consider approval of the final candidates for each advisory board at 

its June meeting.

Next, Under Secretary for Administration Mike McCarthy briefed the Board on the 

site selection process. The legislation passed by Congress calls for the museum 

locations to be designated by December 2022. The selection of two museum 

sites simultaneously will add to the complexity of the process. The Smithsonian 

will engage staff and consultants that represent both constituencies in the 

museum planning process with consideration given to those with expertise in 

museum programming. The Smithsonian expects the site selection process to 

begin in May 2021.

To conclude the strategic discussion on new museums, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer Julissa Marenco

provided an update on the messaging and branding efforts underway for both 

NMAL and SAWHM. Early messaging will focus on educating audiences about the 

process of establishing the museums and demonstrating action, including the 

nomination of advisory board members, site selection, and the creation of a 

virtual presence for each museum.

STRATEGIC DISCUSSION ON VIRTUAL SMITHSONIAN AND DIGITAL 

INITIATIVES

The Secretary also led a discussion on forming strategic partnerships to leverage 

the Smithsonian’s digital capabilities and help the Institution achieve greater 

reach, greater relevance, and profound impact through a Virtual Smithsonian.

Secretary Bunch explained that by establishing a broad network of partnerships 

with organizations that have data and insights complementary to the

Smithsonian’s, the Institution can leverage existing platforms, expertise, and 

resources to develop future-focused strategies. 

The Secretary asked Kevin Young, Andrew W. Mellon Director of the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture (“NMAAHC”), to brief the 

Regents on one particular case study to support digital transformation, the

Searchable Museum project. The Searchable Museum will make the full body of 

knowledge collected and curated by NMAAHC accessible to a global, online 

audience. The goal of the project is to create a complementary but unique digital

experience that recreates the in-person experience for online audiences, while 

maintaining the integrity of NMAAHC’s exhibitions. The project also will expand

the museum’s reach beyond the physical walls of the building while capturing 

centuries of history in a moment to tell stories in a compelling way. The project is 
9

Strategic Discussion on 

One Smithsonian

Executive Session: 

Regents and Secretary

Executive Session: 

“Gatekeeper” Reports

Executive Session: 2021 

Committee Assignments 

for Newly Appointed 

Congressional Regents

Adjournment

slated to launch in fall 2021, in conjunction with the five-year anniversary of the 

opening of NMAAHC.

STRATEGIC DISCUSSION ON ONE SMITHSONIAN

To conclude the open session, the Secretary updated the Board on paninstitutional efforts that are helping to advance the One Smithsonian strategic 

priority, including the Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past

initiative. The initiative will formally launch in May with a social media campaign 

aimed at creating spaces for informed conversations addressing race and equity. 

Each phase of the initiative will include dialogue from public input that will inform 

and shape other phases and future communications. The Secretary informed the 

Board he will give a broader presentation at the June meeting, which will dive

deeper into content, the online platform, engagement, and the Smithsonian’s 

approach in order to demonstrate how this effort could transform the 

Smithsonian’s audience engagement on contemporary, relevant issues.

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

The Board moved into an executive session at approximately 12:05 p.m. to 

receive an update from the Secretary on active personnel searches for various

leadership positions at the Smithsonian.

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

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

Administration, General Counsel, and Inspector General.

The Board concluded the April 2021 meeting with a Regents only executive 

session. Representative Matsui presented one action item for the Board’s 

consideration: the 2021 Regent committee assignments for newly appointed 

Congressional Regents, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Representative 

Adrian Smith. By tradition, Congressional Regents typically serve on two Regent 

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

the proposed committee assignments, and recommended that the Chancellor 

make the necessary appointments.

See attached Actions 2021.04.05 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 12:21 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lonnie G. Bunch, III

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

APRIL 12, 2021, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Board of Regents confers the title of Regent Emerita on France A. Córdova with 

deep gratitude for the outstanding service she provided, and will continue to provide, to the 

Board of Regents and the Smithsonian Institution. [2021.04.01]

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

of all action items listed therein. [2021.04.02]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the February 1, 2021,

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 Verizon Communications, 

Inc. 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 Natural History in support of its mission. Further, the Board 

authorizes the transfer of the funds identified for this purpose.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Secretary’s request to execute a lease

amendment for a new five-year lease extension for a portion of the existing leased premises 

consisting of approximately 58,888 square feet of administrative office, laboratory, and support 

space for continued occupancy by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (“SAO”) at 100 

Discovery Park Cambridge, MA. [2021.04.03]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed amendments to the Audit and Review 

Committee Charter. [2021.04.04]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the 2021 proposed committee member

assignments for Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Representative Adrian Smith, and

requests that the Chancellor make the necessary appointments. [2021.04.05]