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May 16, 2007
Another big Smithsonian departure
First on MAN: Smithsonian Business Ventures CEO Gary Beer will not return to the Smithsonian when his contract expires in September. Acting Secretary Cristian Samper made the announcement in an email to staff this afternoon. SBV is the Smithsonian unit that oversaw the Showtime deal, revenue from Smithsonian stores, cafes, the magazine (for which I have written) and so on. SBV has never been audited and its funds are unrestricted and are not overseen by Congress. Samper also said that:
"Whether the current mandate for SBV is the right one for the Institution at this time will be a major topic for discussion with the Board of Regents, the SBV board and other stakeholders inside and outside the Institution. Toward this end, I plan to appoint a committee to review SBV's charter and structure and options for the future, which I would present to the Regents later this year."
Notable: The march of Lawrence Small confidants (and hires) out of the Smithsonian continues.
Update: Washington Post story.
Posted May 16, 2007 4:53 PM
