Board of Trustees chosen for National Museum of the American Latino
Secretary Bunch announced today that the Smithsonian Board of Regents has named a 19-member board of trustees for the National Museum of the American Latino. The board includes 13 citizens, the Smithsonian Secretary and Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, the chair of the Smithsonian Latino Center advisory board, one member of the Regents and two members of Congress.
The board of trustees of the National Museum of the American Latino advises the Board of Regents and makes recommendations on the location, planning, design and construction of the museum; helps with fundraising; acquires artifacts; and provides for the maintenance of the collections.
“Kevin Gover and I are excited to join such an esteemed collection of leaders on the inaugural board of the National Museum of the American Latino,” Bunch said. “Their guidance will be invaluable as we bring to life this new museum that will showcase Latino history, art, culture and scientific accomplishment to tell a deeper, more nuanced and complete story about who we are as a nation.”
The members appointed to the board of trustees are:
- Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian (ex officio)
- Kevin Gover, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Museums and Culture (ex officio)
- Margarita Paláu-Hernández,chair of the Smithsonian National Latino Board
- Franklin D. Raines, member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents
- Raul A. Anaya, president of business banking for Bank of America
- José Andrés, restaurateur, chef and owner of ThinkFoodGroup; creator of World Central Kitchen
- Emilio Estefan, Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter and TV producer; co-founder of the Gloria Estefan Foundation
- Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief food and beverage officer for Target Corp.
- Alberto Ibargüen, president and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; former publisher of the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald
- Eva Longoria, award-winning actor and producer; founder of the Eva Longoria Foundation
- Dr. J. Mario Molina, principal of JM Molina Investments; former CEO of Molina Healthcare
- Henry R. Muñoz III, chairman emeritus of Muñoz & Co.
- José Luis Prado, executive advisor partner with Wind Point Partners; former president of Quaker Oats North America
- Alfredo Rivera, president of Coca-Cola North America
- Sofía Vergara, Emmy-nominated actress, television producer, presenter and model
The members of Congress appointed to the board are:
- Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), appointed by the Congressional Hispanic Conference
- Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), appointed by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Two candidates are pending and will be announced soon.
Eduardo Díaz, director of the Smithsonian Latino Center, is serving as interim director of the National Museum of the American Latino while a nation-wide search is conducted for its founding director.
The first meeting of the trustees is planned for this fall. The board members serve without pay for one- to three-year terms and may be reappointed by the Board of Regents for a total of two terms.
A site-selection process is underway. An architectural/engineering firm will conduct the evaluations for the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, established by Congress at the same time as the Latino museum. Both museums will be located on or near the National Mall, according to the legislation creating the museums.
“It is appropriate that we are taking these next steps in the Smithsonian’s long journey as we celebrate our 175th year,” Bunch continued. “I am excited to anticipate the future as we continue our mission of collecting, reflecting and embracing the diversity of the American story.”
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Posted: 29 June 2021
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Categories:
Administrative News , News & Announcements , Volunteer Voices
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