WASHINGTON – The Smithsonian Board of Regents has named the president of Cornell University to lead the world's largest museum and research complex in the nation's capital.
The governing board announced Monday that it selected Dr. David Skorton after a closely guarded six-month search.
Skorton, who is also a cardiologist, will replace Secretary Wayne Clough (cluff), who plans to retire in October after six years. The 64-year-old will be the first physician to lead the organization and its 13th secretary since 1846. For much of its history, the Smithsonian has been led by scientists
Clough announced his retirement plans in September.
The Smithsonian includes 19 museums based primarily on the National Mall, the National Zoo and nine research facilities around the world.
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