New Smithsonian leader to speak at luncheon, Dec. 8

David Skorton, new secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, will outline his plans for the institution at a National Press Club luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

A board-certified cardiologist, and the first physician to lead the Smithsonian Institution, Skorton previously was the president of Cornell University.

The 13th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Skorton will use his talk to explore the theme "What Do We Value," as he takes the helm of of the 169 year-old institution of museums and research programs that span the globe.

The Club luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. Skorton's talk will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session that ends at 2 p.m. The cost of luncheon admission is $23 for NPC members and $37 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation and are available here

Club members who wish to attend the pre-luncheon reception must RSVP separately to [email protected] no later than 48 hours before the event. Space may be limited. You must have a paid reservation to the luncheon to attend the VIP reception.

If you have a question for Skorton, please email it to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of the luncheon with SKORTON in the subject line.