Another Smithsonian executive is stepping down in the aftermath of an internal audit that revealed questionable compensation for executives.
Gary Beer, head of Smithsonian Business Ventures, announced on Wednesday that he will step down in September — the end of his current three-year contract.
A former lobbyist in Washington, Beer joined the Smithsonian in 1999 to head up its business unit. The new group consolidated a number of the organization's divisions, including magazine publishing, retail sales and IMAX theatres.
Beer was also the architect of the Smithsonian expansion into the world of travel programs, as well as deals with photographic company Corbis, publisher Harper-Collins and TV network Showtime.
The latter proved controversial, drawing the wrath of historians and independent filmmakers who believed the semi-exclusive agreement could limit their access to the federally subsidized, non-profit museum complex and its resources, including a vast array of experts.
In January, the results of an audit of the Smithsonian were made public and, in addition to calls to revamp both buildings and management structures, it questioned why business executives were paid bonuses after failing to meet financial targets.
About two months later, the organization's top executive — secretary Lawrence M. Small — resigned amid criticism about his unauthorized expenses and questionable compensation.
The Smithsonian's inspector general is expected to release a new audit about the business unit's expenses soon.
Cristian Samper, a biologist and the former director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, is currently serving as the organization's acting secretary.
With files from the Associated Press
