MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 29, 2024, 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, January 29, 2024. 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 Risa J. 

Lavizzo-Mourey 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 Gary Peters1

Representative Garret Graves

Representative Doris Matsui

Representative Adrian Smith

Ambassador Barbara M. Barrett

Ms. Toni Bush

Mr. John Fahey, Vice Chair

Mr. Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.

Dr. Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, Chair

Ms. Denise O’Leary

Mr. Franklin D. Raines

Ms. Kathryn Hall, Investment Committee Chair

Mr. Jorge Puente, Smithsonian National Board Chair

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Vice President Kamala D. Harris, Mr. Michael Govan, and Mr. Michael M. Lynton 

were unable to attend the meeting. 

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

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary

Adrián Aldaba, National Programs Manager2

Greg Bettwy, Chief of Staff to the Secretary

Monique Chism, Under Secretary for Education

Ronald Cortez, Under Secretary for Administration

Monica Didiuk, Office of Representative Smith

Robert M. Dow, Jr., Counselor to the Chief Justice

Farleigh Earhart, Acting General Counsel

Kate Forester, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Regents

Mallory Gianola, Special Assistant to the Regents 

(recorder)

Kevin Gover, Under Secretary for Museums and 

Research

Rachelle Graves, Director of the Office of Government 

Relations 

Laura Hanson, National Outreach Manager2

Carol Harsh, Associate Director of the Museum on Main 

Street and Community Engagement2

Logan de La Barre-Hays, Office of Representative 

Graves

Toni-Marie Higgins, Office of Senator Boozman

Jeremy Marcus, Office of Representative Matsui

Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for 

Communications and External Affairs and Chief 

Marketing Officer

Jennifer McIntyre, Chief Legal Officer (Incoming)

Joan Mockeridge, Acting Inspector General

Meroë Park, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating 

Officer 

Emily Porter, Manager of Early Childhood and Family 

Learning Experience2

Kim Robledo-Diga, Director of Learning and Audience 

Engagement2

Julia Smith, Museum and Early Learning Specialist2

Robert J. Spiller, Assistant Secretary for Advancement 

Caitlyn, Stephenson, Office of Senator Peters

Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research

Porter N. Wilkinson, Chief of Staff to the Regents

Josh Yearsley, Office of Senator Cortez Masto

1 Participated in the afternoon business meeting only 2 Participated in the lunch program only
2

MORNING SESSION

Executive Session: 

Advancement 

Committee Membership

Executive Session: 2024

Regent Committee

Chairmanships and

Memberships

Executive Session:

Regents’ 2023

Self-Assessment

Executive Session: 2024

Secretary

Compensation

EXECUTIVE SESSION: REGENTS ONLY

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

Lavizzo-Mourey called the meeting to order and turned to Chair of the 

Governance and Nominating Committee Roger Ferguson to lead the first 

discussion topic. The Board was asked to consider the extension of David M. 

Rubenstein’s term on the Advancement Committee in his role as an Ambassador 

for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, for a term to coincide with 

the duties and responsibilities as Ambassador for the Smithsonian Campaign. The 

extension would be an exception to the term limit of three years outlined in the

Advancement Committee Charter for Regent Emeritus members. Upon motion 

duly made and seconded, the Board voted to approve the appointment of David 

M. Rubenstein, Campaign Ambassador, to the Advancement Committee. 

See attached Actions 2024.01.01 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

The Board was then asked to approve the proposed roster of Regent committee

chairs and members for 2024. By tradition, citizen Regents typically

serve on three Regent committees and chair at least one committee, and

Congressional Regents are assigned to two committees. Mr. Ferguson noted that

members and chairs would serve in their roles through January 2025. Upon

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

committee assignments and chairs and recommended that the Chancellor make

the necessary appointments. 

See attached Actions 2024.01.02 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

The Board also reviewed the results of the fiscal year 2023 Regents’ selfassessment, which was circulated to the Board following the October meeting. 

The assessment results highlighted the need to monitor the federal budget and 

the Institution’s efforts to remain a trusted source in the current political climate 

as areas of focus for 2024. Additionally, Regents expressed the importance of 

moving Regent appointments and reappointments through Congress efficiently.

Next, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey led the Board’s review of the Secretary’s annual

performance appraisal for fiscal year 2023 and proposed 2024 compensation.

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

Compensation and Human Resources Committee’s 2024 compensation

recommendation for the Secretary. 

See attached Actions 2024.01.03 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).
3 

Executive Session: Chief 

of Staff Title Change

Executive Session: 2024 

Senior Executive

Compensation 

Executive Session: 

Annual Report on 

Workplace Culture

Welcome

Regent and Senior Staff 

Transitions 

Regents’ Public Forum

To conclude, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey led the Board’s discussion and vote on the 

proposed title change for the Chief of Staff to the Board of Regents. Upon motion 

duly made and seconded, the Board voted to approve the new title of Counselor 

and Chief of Staff to the Board of Regents to reflect more accurately the duties of 

the role. 

See attached Actions 2024.01.04 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

EXECUTIVE SESSION: REGENTS AND SECRETARY

The Board then moved into an executive session with the Secretary. Dr. LavizzoMourey led the Board’s annual discussion and review of senior executive 

compensation decisions. The proposed 2024 executive compensation was 

approved after a thorough discussion of compensation required to recruit and 

retain an experienced and capable leadership team that can handle the 

complexities inherent in managing the organization. Upon motion duly made and 

seconded, the Board voted to approve the Compensation and Human Resources 

Committee’s 2024 compensation recommendations for senior executive 

positions. 

See attached Actions 2024.01.05 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Secretary Bunch then updated the Board on the fourth annual report on 

workplace culture at the Smithsonian. The annual report on workplace culture 

was established as part of the Board’s effort to ensure that the Smithsonian is a 

leader in a diverse and inclusive workplace.

OPEN SESSION

Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey welcomed Smithsonian and Regent staff members and called 

the open session to order at 10:40 a.m.

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey began her report by introducing newly appointed Citizen 

Regent Antoinette (Toni) C. Bush and welcoming her to her first Board of Regents 

meeting. The Board also welcomed the Smithsonian’s new Chief Legal Officer 

Jennifer Brosnahan McIntyre, who will begin her tenure on March 11, 2024.

Next, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey updated the Board on the Regents’ annual public forum. 

The Board of Regents planned to host its annual public forum on December 19. 

However, the event was rescheduled to follow the Board meeting on January 29, 

2024. Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey noted the forum will be webcast live from the Oprah 

Winfrey Theater at the National Museum of African American History and Culture 

and streamed online on the Smithsonian website.
4

Executive Committee 

and Board Approvals

Consent Agenda

Questions on Written 

Committee Reports

Written Report of the 

Advancement 

Committee

Written Report of the 

Audit and Review 

Committee

To conclude, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey noted there were no motions approved by the 

Executive Committee on behalf of the full Board between the October and 

January Board meetings.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

items listed on the January 29, 2024, Agenda included: the approval of minutes 

from the October 23, 2023, meeting of the Board of Regents; appointments and 

reappointments to 13 Smithsonian Institution Advisory Boards; and amendments 

to the Bylaws of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Council. 

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 2024.01.06 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

QUESTIONS ON WRITTEN COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey 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; Finance Committee; Governance and Nominating Committee;

Investment Committee; Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee; 

Smithsonian National Board; and Office of Government Relations.

Written Report of the Advancement Committee

The Advancement Committee held a meeting on January 9, 2024. During the 

meeting, the Committee received an update on the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian 

Design Museum Campaign; reviewed Smithsonian Campaign progress and 

planning; and discussed fundraising plans for the America250 celebration. The 

Committee also reviewed notable gifts and grants and the progress of fiscal year 

2024 fundraising. As of December 31, 2023, the Smithsonian had raised 

$57.6 million towards its $300 million goal. The Advancement Committee also

performed its annual review of the Committee Charter.

Written Report of the Audit and Review Committee

The Audit and Review Committee met on January 19, 2024. During the

meeting, the Committee reviewed the audit results for the fiscal year 2023 

financial statements and was briefed on the fiscal year 2023 financial results. The

Committee also received updates on the Inspector General’s activities, the

Smithsonian’s IT Security program, implementation of Salesforce, and the 

Enterprise Risk Management program. Additionally, the Committee reviewed 
5

Written Report of the 

Compensation and 

Human Resources 

Committee

Written Report of the 

Facilities Committee

Written Report of the 

Finance Committee

Written Report of the 

Governance and 

Nominating Committee

progress on identified audit and internal control deficiencies.

Written Report of the Compensation and Human Resources

Committee

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee conducted a meeting

on October 27, 2023. As is routine for the Committee, the October meeting

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

the compensation recommendations that the Committee and the Board reviewed

in January 2024. During the meeting, the Committee voted to approve the

list of disqualified person positions for 2024, the decision-making levels for the

2024 compensation process, updated compensation philosophies for 2024, and

the methodology for determining comparable compensation for Trust executive

positions. The Committee also reviewed the preliminary investment incentive

payouts, which were brought to the Board for discussion at the January 29, 2024,

Board meeting. 

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee also met on December 7, 

2023. During the meeting the Committee received an update on the progress of 

personnel searches for vacant senior-level positions and strategic initiatives for 

the Office of Human Resources. Additionally, the Committee performed its annual 

review of the Committee Charter.

The Committee also met on January 17, 2024, to review and discuss 2024 

compensation recommendations for senior executives.

Written Report of the Facilities Committee

The Facilities Committee held a meeting on November 15, 2023. At the meeting, 

the Committee received an update on revitalization projects at the Historic Core 

and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. The Committee was also briefed 

on the Smithsonian’s federal budget and real estate.

Written Report of the Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met on January 10, 2024. At the meeting the Committee

discussed unit budget reviews and comparative operational metrics, reviewed 

financial results of Smithsonian Enterprises, and received an update on the 

Secretary’s Initiative: Quasi-Endowment draw.

Written Report of Governance and Nominating Committee

The Governance and Nominating Committee met on December 15, 2023. During 

the meeting, the Committee voted on committee chairmanship and membership 

for 2024 and discussed the Regents’ self-assessment. These motions were

presented during Executive Session. The Committee also voted on appointments 
6

Written Report of the 

Investment Committee

Written Report of the 

Strategy, Innovation, 

and Technology 

Committee

Written Report of the 

Smithsonian National 

Board

Written Report of the 

Office of Government 

Relations

Congressional Hearing

and reappointments to the Smithsonian advisory boards and reviewed proposed 

bylaw amendments to the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. 

These motions were provided under the Consent Agenda. The Committee also 

received an update on the exhibition calendar detailing the current status or 

opening information for exhibitions and was briefed on four Smithsonian 

Directive 603 reviews for one exhibition at the National Museum of African Art

and three exhibitions the National Museum of American History.

Written Report of Investment Committee

The Investment Committee met on October 11, 2023. During the meeting, the

Committee reviewed investment guidelines, the investment portfolio 

performance, and the 2024 private investment commitment budget. The 

Smithsonian Endowment’s one-year return as of June 30, 2023, was -0.5% versus 

4.2% for the policy benchmark. The Investment Committee also performed its 

annual review of the Committee Charter.

Written Report of the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology 

Committee

The Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee conducted a meeting on 

December 14, 2023. During the meeting, the Committee engaged in a discussion 

about Artificial Intelligence, the Audience and Data Strategic Initiative, and the 

Smithsonian’s Customer Relationship Management efforts. Additionally, the 

Committee performed its annual review of the Committee Charter.

Written Report of the Smithsonian National Board

The Smithsonian National Board (“SNB”) held its fall business meeting and alumni 

reunion in Washington, D.C. on October 27, 2023. The meeting explored how 

museums across the Smithsonian are Illuminating the Nation’s Past through the 

visual arts. National Board members also received reports from working group 

and committee chairs.

Written Report of the Office of Government Relations

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

currently being funded by a Continuing Resolution (“CR”) through February 2, 

2024. While Congressional leadership reached an agreement on topline funding 

levels for defense and non-defense for fiscal year 2024, agreements on

subcommittee allocations had not yet been reached for conferencing bills 

between the House and Senate.

OGR engaged in one Congressional hearing between the October and January 

Board meetings. On December 12, Secretary Bunch testified before the

Committee on House Administration for a hearing entitled “Looking Ahead Series: 
7

Congressional 

Engagement

Fiscal Year 2023 

Financial Results

Fiscal Year 2025 Federal 

Budget Request to 

Congress

Federal Budget

Revenue Generating 

Activities

Oversight of the Smithsonian Institution”. The Secretary’s testimony included 

updates on major facilities projects, progress of new museums, human remains, 

expanding the Institution’s reach, and planning for the Nation’s 250th Anniversary.

The Office of Government Relations continues its congressional engagement, 

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

engaging with Congress on nationwide education initiatives, working closely on 

legislation related to the two new museums, and coordinating with House and 

Senate Leadership on the appointment and reappointment of Congressional

Regents. 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FINANCIAL REVIEW

Chair of the Finance Committee Frank Raines briefed the Board on the 

Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2023 performance, which closed on September 30, 

2023. Mr. Raines informed the Board that the Central Trust revenue and net gain 

for the period totaled $108.7 million and $16.4 million, respectively, noting for 

the first time in four years the Central Trust ended the fiscal year with a net 

positive position. The Central Trust cumulative deficit was reduced from $32.4 

million to $6.4 million.

Next, Mr. Raines presented one action item for the Board’s consideration: 

approval of the fiscal year 2025 federal budget submission to Congress. The 

Smithsonian will submit to Congress a total budget request for fiscal year 2025 of 

$1.160.2 billion. The Smithsonian’s requested budget includes $960.2 million for 

Salaries and Expenses, and $200 million for Facilities Capital. Upon motion duly 

made and seconded, the Board approved the Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2025

federal budget request to Congress.

See attached Actions 2024.01.07 (Minutes of the Board of Regents, Appendix A).

Secretary Bunch then led a discussion on the Institution’s overall financial 

position, including federal funding, revenue-generating activities, and strategies 

to increase the Smithsonian’s trust budget, especially as the Institution prepares 

for a potential decrease in federal funding. The Secretary reminded the Board 

that the Smithsonian is currently operating under a Continuing Resolution (“CR”), 

through February 2. On January 19, 2024, the Senate and House both passed 

another fiscal year 2024 CR, and it is expected the President will sign it. The new 

CR would support the Smithsonian’s operations at fiscal year 2023 funding levels

through March 8, 2024. Smithsonian leadership is preparing for federal budget 

cuts in fiscal year 2024 and is developing plans to reduce spending levels, 

specifically focusing reductions to construction budgets and delaying major 

capital projects.

The Board also discussed the current and potential revenue generating activities

for the Institution. The Secretary highlighted that in fiscal year 2023, the 

Smithsonian saw positive financial results from enhanced cash management 
8

Report of the Secretary

Delta Dental Data 

Breach

Genomics Research

U.S. Semiquincentennial

policies and increased visitor traffic in the museums, Smithsonian Journeys (SI’s 

education travel program), and ecommerce activity. Additionally, fundraising 

continues to be strong – both the amount raised through new gifts and pledges 

and the number of donors has increased each year fiscal year from 2019 through 

2023. The Smithsonian also engaged a consultant to explore potential revenue 

generating activities, and leadership is currently vetting the opportunities through 

a due diligence process. 

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

To conclude the Board’s morning session Secretary Bunch provided an update on 

the state of the Smithsonian, including a recent data breach impacting the 

Smithsonian, the Smithsonian’s genomics research, and the Institution’s plans for 

the U.S. Semiquincentennial. 

The Secretary began by briefing the Board on an IT security incident involving 

Delta Dental, an American network of dental insurance companies that provides 

optional insurance for Smithsonian Trust employees. No Smithsonian systems 

were breached; however, some current and former Smithsonian Trust employees 

were impacted along with others at various organizations. The incident involved 

a software vulnerability that was exploited in May 2023, but Delta Dental did not 

notify the Smithsonian about the breach until December 2023. Smithsonian 

leadership is currently engaged in discussions regarding the privacy breach 

reporting process and subsequent breach investigation and mitigation activities.

The Secretary also updated the Board on the Smithsonian’s engagement with the 

Beijing Genomics Institute (“BGI”). Both BGI and the Smithsonian are part of the 

Global Genome Biodiversity Network, a global network of 92 member 

organizations from 32 countries, that fosters collaborations among biodiversity 

repositories. In March 2023, the United States added a unit of Chinese genetics 

company BGI Genomics Co Ltd. to a trade blacklist. The Smithsonian engaged with 

BGI directly on non-human genomics between 2012 – 2020, prior to the national 

security warning. The Secretary emphasized that the Institution takes national 

security responsibilities seriously, and fully complies with all appropriate practices 

and requirements before engaging with foreign entities.

Secretary Bunch concluded his report by updating the Board on the Smithsonian’s 

plans for the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding to be recognized in 

2026. The Secretary shared his vision for increasing reach and impact through 

regional hubs across the country, which would ultimately create more permanent 

networks to engage with audiences nationwide. The Secretary also shared that

technology would play a key role in the America250 celebration, accelerating the 

Institution’s digital transformation. The Secretary is continuing to meet with 

senior leadership to develop project plans, schedules, milestones, and metrics, 

and he plans to provide further details at the June Regents’ meeting.
9

Luncheon Program: 

Smithsonian Education 

Strategy

Statement on Human 

Remains at the 

Smithsonian Institution

Strategic Plan 

Implementation

Following the Report of the Secretary, Regents, staff, and invited guests

adjourned to the luncheon program at approximately 11:46 a.m.

LUNCH: CONVERSATION WITH NEW SMITHSONIAN LEADERSHIP

During lunch, Under Secretary for Education Monique Chism led a discussion on 

strengthening the Smithsonian education community and shared how 

Smithsonian staff are contributing to education and learning in a variety of roles 

across the Institution. Regents had an opportunity to hear about three panInstitutional education programs from five Smithsonian units, featuring the 

programs Museo Móvil/Museum on Wheels, Get a Head Start with the

Smithsonian, and Youth Innovation in Rural America.

AFTERNOON SESSION

Board Chair Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey called the afternoon session to order at 

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

agenda.

UPDATE ON HUMAN REMAINS TASK FORCE

To begin the afternoon session, the Secretary provided an update on

recommendations from the Human Remains Task Force and the Smithsonian’s 

intent to develop a policy on human remains. The Task Force was asked to gather 

information on the scope of human remains in the custody of Smithsonian units 

and to consider what Smithsonian policy should be on collecting, borrowing, 

lending, holding, and conducting research upon them. The Secretary reminded 

the Board that the Smithsonian placed temporary restrictions on research on 

human remains in its care and the acquisition of any additional remains while it 

formed its human remains policy. Secretary Bunch emphasized that the

Institution is committed to being an ethical leader especially as it relates to the 

collections and will continue to promote respectful engagement with 

descendants and descendant communities. Based on the recommendations of 

the Task Force, in 2024 the Smithsonian will develop a formal Institution-wide 

policy for the appropriate care, shared stewardship, or ethical return of human 

remains. A high-level committee of Smithsonian staff, led by the Under Secretary 

for Science and Research and the Under Secretary for Museums and Culture will

oversee the policy and its implementation and report regularly to the Secretary 

and the Board on their progress.

STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

To conclude the open session, the Board received an update on the Strategic Plan 

implementation. January marked the one-year anniversary of the Smithsonian’s 

Strategic Plan for 2023-2027: Our Shared Future. The Strategic Plan describes five

broad focus areas and outlines 23 pan institutional initiatives designed to extend 
10

Executive Session:

“Gatekeeper” Reports

Annual Public Forum

reach and expand content. Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Meroë 

Park reviewed the current Dashboard and status of each of the initiatives and

reported that 19 out of the 23 initiatives had been introduced or were on track 

according to plan. She also informed the Board that in the first year of 

implementation, a ground swell of collective engagement across the Institution 

and between units had been realized to achieve the greater reach, relevance, and 

impact for what the strategic plan envisions. The Board discussed major activities 

and milestones to support implementation for initiative #2: Nimble – Working 

together to build a nimble and effective Smithsonian so we can better achieve our 

mission. Over the past year, efforts on this initiative have focused on hiring, cash 

management, and purchasing. The Smithsonian will continue to target efforts 

over the plan’s remaining four years. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

The Board concluded the January 29, 2024, meeting with an opportunity to hear

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

Secretary for Administration, Acting General Counsel, and Acting Inspector 

General.

ADJOURNMENT

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

approximately 1:41 p.m.

ANNUAL PUBLIC FORUM

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

Winfrey Theater at the National Museum of African American History and

Culture. Chief of Staff to the Regents Porter Wilkinson opened the event with the 

introduction of the Secretary and the 2024 Board leadership, including Chair Risa 

J. Lavizzo-Mourey, Vice Chair Barbara M. Barrett, and third member of the 

Executive Committee Franklin D. Raines. Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey delivered a brief 

report on the Board of Regents. The Executive Committee and the Secretary 

engaged in a conversation on key matters at the Smithsonian, including the new 

museums, America250 celebration, collections space planning, and artificial 

intelligence (AI). Following the discussion, Ms. Wilkinson moderated a questionand-answer session, entertaining questions from the online audience. The event 

was open to the media and broadcast on the Smithsonian website.

Respectfully submitted,

Lonnie G. Bunch, III

Secretary
APPENDIX A: ACTIONS OF THE

JANUARY 29, 2024, MEETING OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed appointment of David M. Rubenstein 

as a member of the Advancement Committee, for a term to coincide with the duties and 

responsibilities as Ambassador for the Smithsonian Campaign, and requests that the Chancellor 

make the necessary appointments. [2024.01.01]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the proposed committee chairmanship and

member assignments for 2024 and requests that the Chancellor make the necessary 

appointments. [2024.01.02]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Compensation and Human Resources 

Committee’s 2024 compensation recommendation for the Secretary. [2024.01.03]

VOTED that the Board of Regents changes the title of the Chief of Staff to the Board of Regents 

to Counselor and Chief of Staff to the Board of Regents. [2024.01.04]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the Compensation and Human Resources 

Committee’s 2024 compensation recommendations for senior executive positions. [2024.01.05]

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

of all action items listed therein. [2024.01.06]

VOTED that the Board of Regents approves the minutes of the October 23, 2023,

meeting of the Board of Regents.

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

appointment or reappointment to 13 Smithsonian Institution Advisory Boards.

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

the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Advisory Council.

VOTED that the Board of Regents authorizes the Secretary to submit to Congress a federal 

budget request for appropriated funds for fiscal year 2025 as part of the President’s budget in 

the amount of $1,160.2 million, as negotiated with the Office of Management and Budget 

(OMB), and authorizes the Secretary to inform OMB and Congress fully about the implications 

of the President’s budget for the mission and priorities of the Smithsonian. [2024.01.07]