[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PROVIDING FOR APPOINTMENT OF JOHN W. McCARTER AS A CITIZEN REGENT OF 
          THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2008

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the 
appointment of John McCarter to serve on the Smithsonian Institution's 
Board of Regents.
  The Board of Regents is responsible for a variety of issues related 
to the Smithsonian Institution, including budgets, planning documents, 
proposed programs and construction, appointments to Smithsonian 
advisory boards, and legislative initiatives. Given the variety and 
importance of the Board's responsibilities in managing the public's 
most cherished cultural institutions, and given the recent 
controversies regarding Smithsonian leadership, we must support the 
appointment of members to the Board of Regents who will ensure that the 
Smithsonian Institution will fulfill its critical mission in 
perpetuity. That is why I am pleased to support John McCarter's 
appointment.
  John McCarter has an accomplished history of service in both the 
public and private sector. Currently, he serves as President and Chief 
Executive Officer of The Field Museum, a jewel in the crown of cultural 
attractions in Chicago, and one of the greatest natural history museums 
in the world. The Field Museum attracts over 1 million visitors each 
year; its collection includes over 23 million specimens, a number which 
continues to grow due to its ongoing expeditions and research in 94 
countries around the world; and its staff includes 72 Ph.D.s.
  Under John's leadership, the Field Museum has undertaken a series of 
projects to rebuild and restore the museum. During his tenure the 
Museum has created several new permanent and traveling exhibits, 
including the ``Tutankhamen and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs'' 
exhibit in 2006, which has toured to Philadelphia, London, and soon 
Dallas, to sold out crowds. The museum has also expanded its 
educational role in the community, establishing partnerships with 
science teachers in the community and organizing activities for inner-
city schools.
  A native Chicagoan, John previously was Senior Vice President of Booz 
Allen & Hamilton, Inc. Earlier in his career, he served as President of 
DeKalb Corporation, and was Budget Director of the State of Illinois 
under Governor Richard B. Ogilvie. John was also a White House Fellow 
during the administration of Lyndon B. Johnson, and is currently a 
trustee of the University of Chicago and a board member and former 
Chairman of Chicago's Public Television Station Channel 11. McCarter is 
a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Business School, and 
also attended the London School of Economics.
  It is my honor to support the appointment of John McCarter to the 
Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents. John's service to the Field 
Museum, to the City of Chicago, to Illinois, and to the country, will 
make him an invaluable addition to the Board.

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