Dr. David Skorton led as the 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian. Dr. Skorton oversaw 19 museums and galleries, 20 libraries, the National Zoo and numerous education and research centers, including the Smithsonian Astrophysics Observatory, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and the Smithsonian Science Education Center. He was responsible for an annual budget of $1.3 billion, 6,500 employees, 6,300 volunteers, and 8,500 digital volunteers.

Under Dr. Skorton’s leadership, a new strategic plan was developed with a focus on convening critical conversations about topics of vital public interest. An example of this was the first-of-its-kind Earth Optimism Summit on Earth Day weekend 2017, which brought together scientists, thought leaders, conservationists and students to share conservation and sustainability solutions that have worked and can work on a larger scale. The strategic plan also calls for increased outreach and attention to the relevance and impact of the Smithsonian’s activities. Since Dr. Skorton took the helm in 2015, the Smithsonian exceeded its national campaign goal of $1.5 billion; opened the National Museum of African American History and Culture; and elevated the arts to a priority along with scientific, historical and cultural research and programs. Educational efforts, both onsite and through digital technology, accelerated since Skorton’s arrival.

A board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Skorton is the first physician to lead the Smithsonian. He was previously the president of Cornell University, a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City and in Cornell’s Department of Biomedical Engineering at the College of Engineering. As an ardent and nationally recognized supporter of the arts and humanities, Skorton has called for a national dialogue to emphasize the importance of funding for these disciplines. He asserts that supporting the arts and humanities is a wise investment in the future of the country.