MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 24, 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, October 24, 2022. The Board conducted morning, afternoon, and executive sessions at the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture 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:

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Chancellor1

Senator John Boozman

Senator Patrick Leahy

Representative Doris Matsui

Ambassador Barbara M. Barrett

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. Jorge Puente, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Mr. Mitchell Schear, Facilities Committee Member2

Vice President Kamala D. Harris, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, and 

Representative Adrian Smith 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

Monique Chism, Under Secretary for Education

Victor Castillo, Office of Representative Roybal-Allard

Ronald Cortez, Under Secretary for Administration

Trevor Dean, Office of Senator Cortez Masto

Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty, Director of

Smithsonian Libraries and Archives3

Mallory Gianola, Special Assistant to the Regents 

(recorder)

Kevin Gover, Under Secretary for Museums and 

Research

Cathy Helm, Inspector General

Toni-Marie Higgins, Office of Senator Boozman

Judith Leonard, General Counsel 

Jeremy Marcus, Office of Representative Matsui

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs and Chief 

Marketing Officer

Grisella Martinez, Office of the Vice President

Kevin McDonald, Office of Senator Leahy

Maria Nicanor, Director of the Cooper Hewitt,

Smithsonian Design Museum3

Meroë Park, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating 

Officer

Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars Director of

 the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation

 Biology Institute3

Robert J. Spiller, Assistant Secretary for 

Advancement 

Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and 

Research

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents

Jorge Zamanillo, Director of the National Museum of

the American Latino3

1 Participated in the afternoon business meeting only

2 Participated in the New Museums discussion only

3 Participated in the lunch program only
2

BUSINESS MEETING

Recognition of SNB 

Chair and Smithsonian 

Liaisons

Recognition of 

Departing Regents and 

Smithsonian Liaisons

Regents’ Public Forum

Naming of a Director 

Position at the 

Anacostia Community 

Museum

Executive Committee 

Approvals

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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

the new Smithsonian National Board Chair and two new Smithsonian liaisons to 

their first Board of Regents meeting. Jorge Puente began his three-year term as 

the Chair of the Smithsonian National Board on October 1, 2022. Mr. Case also 

welcomed Grisella Martinez, the Smithsonian Liaison for the Vice President, and 

Judge Robert M. Dow, Jr., who was appointed as the new Counselor to the Chief 

Justice and will begin his position at the Supreme Court on December 5, 2022.

The Board expressed its enthusiasm for working with Dr. Puente and the new 

Smithsonian liaisons in their new roles.

Mr. Case also acknowledged the final Regents’ meeting for Senator Patrick Leahy 

and Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard. Both members of Congress did not seek 

reelection and will retire from Congress in January 2023. The Regents expressed 

their gratitude to the Senator and Congresswoman, as well as their Smithsonian 

Liaisons Kevin McDonald and Victor Castillo, for their service to the Smithsonian

and the nation.

Mr. Case then previewed the Regents’ annual public forum. The Board will host 

the public forum virtually on December 13. The 2022 public forum will provide an

opportunity to introduce the new Executive Committee and also will focus on the 

Institution’s strategic priorities. 

The Board was asked to consider one action item: the naming of the director 

position at the Anacostia Community Museum. The Board of Regents is 

responsible for approving the naming of positions that report to the Secretary 

and members of the Secretary’s senior management team. Mr. Ferguson recused 

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

Board unanimously voted to approve the establishment of an endowment to 

support the Anacostia Community Museum (“ACM”) director position and name 

the ACM director the Roger Ferguson and Annette Nazareth Director.

See attached Actions 2022.10.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A)

To conclude his report, Mr. Case briefed the Board on five actions taken by the 

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

between the June and October Board meetings. The Executive Committee

approved the recognition of a former Regent, specifically conferring the title of 

Regent Emeritus on David Rubenstein and awarding him the Regents’ Gold Medal 

for Exceptional Service, and the naming of the Secretary’s Parlor in honor of 

Senator Leahy. Mr. Case noted that the Executive Committee’s approval was 

requested on behalf of the Board to accommodate the timing of related public 

announcements. The Executive Committee also approved appointments or

reappointments to 14 Smithsonian Institution Advisory Boards in order to
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Consent Agenda

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

Written Report of the 

Advancement

Committee

Written Report of the 

Audit and Review 

Committee

accommodate appointment terms and mitigate delays in onboarding new 

advisory board members. The Executive Committee also approved two budget 

actions: (i) the Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2023 Federal and Trust Consolidated

Budget when signed into law by the President, and (ii) the Smithsonian’s budget

request for appropriated funds for fiscal year 2024 for presentation to the Office

of Management and Budget. Both required approval prior to the October 24, 

2022, Board meeting.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

Action items listed on the October 24, 2022, Agenda included: recognition of 

Vernon Simms; the approval of minutes from the June 13, 2022, Regents’ 

meeting; the appointment and reappointment of candidates to six (6)

Smithsonian Advisory Boards; and gifts and naming recognitions. Upon motion 

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

approval of all action items listed therein. 

See attached Actions 2022.10.02 (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; Audit and Review 

Committee; Compensation and Human Resources Committee; Facilities 

Committee; Investment Committee; Strategy, Innovation, and Technology 

Committee; and Office of Government Relations.

Written Report of the Advancement Committee

The Advancement Committee conducted a meeting on September 15, 2022. 

During the meeting, the Committee reviewed notable gifts and grants, received 

an update on fundraising for the two new museums, discussed efforts related to

endowment fundraising, and reviewed Campaign planning. The Committee was 

briefed on the progress towards the fiscal year 2022 fundraising goal of $230 

million.

Written Report of the Audit and Review Committee

The Audit and Review Committee met on July 21, 2022. During the meeting, the 

Committee approved the filing of the fiscal year 2021 Forms 990 and 990-T with 

the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and approved the Smithsonian’s external 

auditor, KPMG, performing audit and non-audit services related to the 

preparation and submission of forms to the IRS. The Committee also reviewed 
4

Written Report of the 

Compensation and 

Human Resources 

Committee

Written Report of the 

Facilities Committee

Written Report of the 

Investment Committee

KPMG’s audit plan for fiscal year 2022, received an update on the Inspector 

General’s activities, evaluated the progress of addressing the fiscal year 2020 and 

2021 audit deficiencies, was briefed on the Smithsonian’s Enterprise Risk 

Management program, received an update on IT security programs, reviewed the 

Smithsonian insurance program, and discussed the annual conflict of interest 

reporting.

Written Report of the Compensation and Human Resources

Committee

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee conducted a meeting

on September 21, 2022. As is routine for the Committee, the September meeting

focused on the core decisions that guide the executive pay cycle, culminating with

the compensation recommendations that the Committee and the Board will

review in January 2023. During the meeting, the Committee voted to approve the

list of disqualified person positions for 2023; the decision-making levels for the

2023 compensation process; updated compensation philosophies for 2023; and

the methodology for determining comparable compensation for Trust executive

positions. The Committee also reviewed the preliminary investment incentive

payouts, which will be brought to the Board for discussion at the January 2023

Board meeting and discussed senior level performance-based pay and award 

ranges. The Committee received updates on strategic initiatives for the Office of 

Human Resources and key searches for Smithsonian positions and personnel. 

Written Report of the Facilities Committee

The Facilities Committee held meetings on July 27 and September 20, 2022. 

During the meetings, the Committee discussed efforts to revitalize the Naos 

Facility at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. The Committee also 

discussed the Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2024 Capital Budget and the progress of 

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

major capital projects, including the National Air and Space Museum Integrated 

Bezos Learning Center (“BLC”), National Air and Space Museum Mall Building, 

Historic Core, and Pod 6 Collections Storage Facility at the Museum Support 

Center. Additionally, the Facilities Committee performed its annual review of the 

Committee Charter.

Written Report of the Investment Committee

The Investment Committee met on June 21, 2022. During the meeting, the

Committee reviewed the investment portfolio performance, asset allocation, and

changes due to recent market conditions. The Smithsonian Endowment’s oneyear return as of March 31, 2022, was 11.9% versus 12.7% 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 period.
5

Written Report of the 

Strategy, Innovation, 

and Technology 

Committee

Written Report of the 

Office of Government 

Relations

Congressional Briefings

and Smithsonian 

Related Legislation

White House 

Engagement

Congressional 

Engagement

Report of the 

Governance and 

Nominating Committee

Written Report of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology 

Committee

The Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee conducted meetings on July 

11 and September 30, 2022. During the meetings, the Committee received an 

update on the Smithsonian’s Non-Fungible Token Pilot Program, engaged in a 

strategic discussion on the virtual museum framework for the Smithsonian 

American Women’s History Museum, and reviewed upcoming exhibitions and 

public programming. The Committee also approved the Smithsonian Institution 

Strategic Plan for 2022-2027. Additionally, the Strategy, Innovation, and 

Technology Committee performed its annual review of the Committee

Charter and proposed amendments to the Charter reflecting the refocus of the 

Committee.

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

The Office of Government Relations (“OGR”) reported that on September 30, 

2022, a Continuing Resolution was signed into law, after being passed by the U.S. 

Senate and House of Representatives. The measure funds the Smithsonian 

Institution at current levels through December 16, 2022. 

In addition, OGR reported on Congressional briefings and Smithsonian related

legislation. The first briefing focused on the development of a Non-Fungible 

Token (“NFT”) program at the Smithsonian. The second briefing was related to 

progress made by federal agencies that manage financial assets in improving the

diversity of asset managers.

In May, the White House announced a conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and 

Health. The conference took place on September 28, 2022, and the Smithsonian 

contributed information about programs and activities at the Anacostia

Community Museum, National Museum of American History, and Smithsonian 

Science Education Center.

The Office of Government Relations continues its congressional engagement, 

hosting and participating in a number of programs and events, most prominently

related to site selection for the two new museums and the reopening of the 

National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall.

 

REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee Ambassador Barbara M.

Barrett gave the Committee’s report and presented one action item for the

Board’s consideration: the reappointment of Magdalene Johnson Obaji as

Chair of the Advisory Board of the National Museum of African Art (“NMAfA”) for 

a second exceptional one-year term of leadership service. The reappointment was 

proposed to ensure a continuity of board leadership during a period of transition 
6

Report of the Finance 

Committee

Executive Session: New 

Regent Search

Executive Session:

Reappointments to the

Board of Regents

in NMAFA executive leadership and as the NMAFA Advisory Board engages in 

deliberative succession planning. Ambassador Barrett noted that the one-year 

term of leadership service would exceed the officer term limitation and 

membership term limitation set forth in the Advisory Board Bylaws of the 

National Museum of African Art, but it would not exceed the Smithsonian’s best 

practice guidelines for maximum service for board members. Upon motion duly 

made and seconded, the Board voted to approve the leadership term extension.

See attached Actions 2022.10.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A)

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Finance Committee Chair Roger Ferguson led the discussion and vote on a 

proposal to make withdrawals totaling up to $30 million from the Smithsonian’s 

Central Trust unrestricted quasi-endowment. Mr. Ferguson informed the Board 

that: (i) total withdrawals shall not to exceed $30 million over a five-year period, 

(ii) draws will take place only as needed, generally on a semi-annual basis, and 

(iii) funds would be used to support 11 secretarial priorities focused primarily in 

three categories: digital transformation, resourcing investment opportunities, and 

accelerating the Secretary’s strategic priorities. Upon motion duly made and 

seconded, the Board voted to approve the withdrawal from the Central Trust 

unrestricted quasi-endowment.

See attached Actions 2022.10.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A)

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

The Board moved into a Regents-only executive session at approximately 10:02

a.m. to discuss 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 presented potential candidates with expertise and 

characteristics that will complement the current Board.

The Board then reviewed the Governance and Nominating Committee’s

recommendation to renominate Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. and Michael Govan to 

serve second terms as Citizen Regents on the Board of Regents. Both of their first 

terms will expire on May 6, 2023. As proposed candidates for reappointment, Mr. 

Ferguson and Mr. Govan recused themselves from the discussion and vote. Upon 

motion duly made and seconded, the reappointments were approved. 

See attached Actions 2022.10.05 and 2022.10.06 (Minutes of the Board of 

Regents, Appendix A).
7

Executive Session: Fiscal

Year 2022 Regents’ SelfAssessment 

Executive Session: 2022

Board Leadership

Elections 

Executive Session:

Regents and Secretary

Luncheon Program:

Conversation with New

Smithsonian Directors

Governance and Nominating Committee Chair Barbara Barrett led the Board’s

review of the Regents’ fiscal year 2022 self-assessment. It was determined that

the current format is effective in helping the Board to evaluate its performance

and identify priorities for the year ahead, and the self-assessment will be

distributed to the Regents following the October meeting.

The Board then reviewed the Governance and Nominating Committee’s

recommendations for the 2023 Board leadership. The Board discussed

the election of Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey as Chair, John Fahey as Vice Chair, and 

Barbara Barrett as a member of the Executive Committee. As candidates under

consideration, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey, Mr. Fahey, and Ambassador Barrett recused 

themselves from the discussion and votes. Upon motions duly made and 

seconded, the Board voted to elect the proposed Chair, Vice Chair, and third 

member of the Executive Committee.

See attached Actions 2022.10.07, 2022.10.08, and 2022.10.09 (Minutes of the

Board of Regents, Appendix A).

The Board then moved into an executive session with the Secretary to 

discuss business and personnel matters, including an update on matters related 

to Smithsonian advisory boards and personnel searches.

Following the executive session with the Secretary, the Board held a roundtable 

discussion on potential future opportunities and challenges facing the 

Smithsonian. Regents, staff, and invited guests adjourned to the luncheon 

program at approximately 11:34 a.m.

LUNCH: CONVERSATION WITH NEW SMITHSONIAN DIRECTORS

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

Smithsonian’s new directors: Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty, Director of the 

Smithsonian Libraries and Archives; Maria Nicanor, Director of the Cooper Hewitt, 

Smithsonian Design Museum; Brandie Smith, Director of the Smithsonian's 

National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute; and Jorge Zamanillo, Director of 

the National Museum of the American Latino. 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

The Chancellor called the afternoon session to order at approximately 1:00 p.m.

and reviewed the remainder of the Board’s business agenda. 
8

Strategic Discussion on 

New Smithsonian 

Museums

Smithsonian Institution 

Five-Year Strategic Plan

STRATEGIC DISCUSSION ON NEW SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS

The Board moved directly into an executive session to discuss site selection for 

the two new Smithsonian museums. The Secretary updated the Board on the

progress of site selection for the National Museum of the American Latino 

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

The founding legislation calls for the Board of Regents to determine the locations 

for the two museums no later than two years after enactment of the bill –

December 2022. The Board discussed updates to the authorizing legislation, 

which might be necessary before final site selections can be determined. The 

Regents also reviewed the Smithsonian Two New Museums Site Evaluation Study

and provided input on identifying two “optimal” sites for the Latino Museum and 

Women’s Museum. The Board is expected to continue its discussion on site 

selection in December, prior to the legislative deadline.

The executive session adjourned at 1:42 p.m.

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

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

Secretary Bunch presented the Smithsonian’s new strategic plan for the Board’s

review and consideration. Mr. Lynton noted that the current Strategic Plan, which 

was launched in 2017, outlines the direction and priorities for the Smithsonian 

through 2022. Over the course of the last year, the Secretary has worked with his 

leadership team and colleagues around the Institution to identify five strategic 

focus areas, which are rooted in the Institution’s Strategic Plan that expires this 

year and provide a roadmap for the future. These focus areas are: Digital, Nimble, 

Trusted Source, Science, and Education. Mr. Lynton reminded the Board that 

these focus areas are being implemented and measured through 23 panInstitutional initiatives. The Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Strategic Plan 

Implementation Team (StratTeam) are using the 23 initiatives to support,

measure, and track progress on the overarching goal to shape Our Shared

Future inside and outside the Smithsonian. Using this foundation, the Secretary

and his team developed Smithsonian 2027: Our Shared Future, the Institution’s 

five-year Strategic Plan, which he outlined for the Board. The Secretary 

highlighted that Smithsonian 2027: Our Shared Future builds upon the existing 

strategic plan, amplifies the themes and messages of the strategic focus areas, 

complements the Campaign timeframe, and will formally coordinate the

implementation process across the Smithsonian to ensure tangible progress. 

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

plan with the launch of the new plan anticipated at the end of 2022. 

See attached Actions 2022.10.10 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).
9

Strategic Report of the 

Secretary

STRATEGIC REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

Secretary Bunch then updated the Board on the state of the Smithsonian. The 

update focused on the Smithsonian Channel agreement with Paramount and the 

Institution’s involvement in the United States Semiquincentennial celebration in 

2026. The Secretary first briefed the Board on efforts to increase its public 

programming with Paramount, which will include short form videos and public 

programs on Smithsonian-controlled social media and digital platforms, as well as 

projects with PBS. The Secretary recognized President of Smithsonian Enterprises 

Carol LeBlanc for advancing these media efforts and enhancing the Smithsonian 

Channel, which is available in over 55 million households globally on all cable, 

satellite, and streaming platforms.

Next, the Secretary updated the Board on the Smithsonian’s planning efforts for 

the nation’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of 

Independence in 2026. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, federal 

agencies, state history organizations, and individual museums throughout the 

country are preparing for the America 250 commemoration. The Secretary shared 

that the Smithsonian has formed an internal working group to clarify themes 

around celebration, commemoration, and contemplation, with a specific focus on 

looking back on the nation’s history and planning its path forward. In addition to 

revitalization of the Smithsonian Castle and public programming on the National 

Mall, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival will host a major event, akin to its launch in 

1976, bringing together all of the museums and research centers to create a gift 

to the nation on the National Mall. The 250th celebration will be a focus of the 

Board’s strategic meeting in April.

To conclude his report, Secretary Bunch updated the Board on the Smithsonian’s 

ethical returns policy. On April 29, the Smithsonian adopted an ethical returns 

policy as part of the Institution’s overall policy on collections management. The 

new policy authorizes each Smithsonian museum to return collections, in 

appropriate circumstances, based on ethical considerations. The Secretary 

emphasized that ethical norms and best practices in collecting have changed, 

particularly with respect to collecting cultural heritage from individuals and 

communities, and that the Smithsonian has collections it would not have acquired 

under present-day standards. At its meeting on June 13, the Board of Regents 

voted to deaccession 29 Benin bronzes held in the National Museum of African 

Art’s collection to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments. 

The return of the Benin Bronzes was the first return under the Smithsonian’s new 

ethical returns policy. The Secretary informed the Board that the transfer of 

ownership was formalized at a ceremony at the National Museum of African Art 

on October 11. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the National Gallery 

of Art, which also returned the Benin bronze from its collection. Secretary Bunch 

also reminded the Board that in addition to the National Museum of African Art’s 

collection, the National Museum of Natural History has a collection of Benin 

bronzes obtained during the 1897 expedition. Research for that collection is 

currently underway and it is expected that the Board of Regents will be asked to 

consider a request to deaccession and return the bronzes to Nigeria.
10

Executive Session: 

“Gatekeeper” Reports

Adjournment

EXECUTIVE SESSION: “GATEKEEPER” REPORTS

The Board then conducted an executive session with 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 2:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lonnie G. Bunch, III

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

OCTOBER 24, 2022, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. and 

Annette LaPorte Nazareth to the Anacostia Community Museum and names the Anacostia 

Community Museum director position the Roger Ferguson and Annette Nazareth Director. 

[2022.10.01]

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

of all action items listed therein. [2022.10.02]

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

Vernon Simms, Director of the Office of Government Relations, an esteemed colleague, 

and true friend of the Smithsonian Institution, and extends its heartfelt sympathies to 

his wife Linda; his children Erin, Candice, and Kyle; his four grandchildren, and extended 

family.

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the June 13, 2022, meeting 

of the Board of Regents.

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

appointment or reappointment to six (6) Smithsonian Institution Advisory Boards.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of Adrienne Arsht to the 

Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative and accepts the gift.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of the Thomas W. Haas

Foundation to the National Air and Space Museum and accepts the gift.

VOTED that the Board of Regents recognizes the generosity of The Boeing Company and

accepts the terms of the sponsorship agreement.

VOTED that the Board of Regents reappoints Magdalene (“Maggie”) Johnson Obaji as Chair of 

the National Museum of African Art Advisory Board for a second one-year extension of 

leadership service, effective immediately. [2022.10.03]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves a withdrawal not to exceed $30.0 million from the 

Smithsonian’s unrestricted Central Trust quasi-endowment over five years, beginning October 

2022, to fund 11 Secretarial priorities in the areas of digital transformation, resourcing 

opportunities, and accelerating strategic priorities. The individual payouts to be made over the 

five years will be approved by the Under Secretary for Administration. [2022.10.04]
2

VOTED that the Board of Regents renominates Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. for a second term as a 

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

support legislation leading to his reappointment, following approval by the Board of Regents.

[2022.10.05]

VOTED that the Board of Regents renominates Michael Govan for a second term as a Citizen 

Regent on the Board of Regents. The Congressional Regents are asked to introduce and support 

legislation leading to his reappointment, following approval by the Board of Regents.

[2022.10.06]

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

Institution’s Board of Regents for a one-year term effective January 31, 2023. [2022.10.07]

VOTED that the Board of Regents elects John Fahey as Vice Chair of the Smithsonian 

Institution’s Board of Regents for a one-year term effective January 31, 2023. [2022.10.08]

VOTED that the Board of Regents elects Barbara Barrett as a member of the Smithsonian Board 

of Regents’ Executive Committee for a one-year term effective January 31, 2023. [2022.10.9]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed public document that supports 

Smithsonian 2027: Our Shared Future, the Institution’s five-year Strategic Plan. [2022.10.10]