Ga. Tech Head Picked to Lead Smithsonian

Clough will become the 12th secretary of the world's largest museum and research complex on July 1, assuming control of an institution that has been in turmoil in the past year.

Clough will usher in a new era, "bringing a unique combination of academic achievement, talent, leadership skills and experience in public service, science, management and development," Smithsonian board Chairman Roger Sant said in a news release.

Clough, 66, has served as president of Georgia Tech since 1994 and has degrees in civil engineering. He is credited with transforming the Atlanta school into a top 10 public university, boosting spending on research and raising nearly $1.5 billion.

He previously held high-level posts at the University of Washington and Virginia Tech and taught at Stanford and Duke universities.

"During his remarkable career, Wayne has shown an ability to dramatically advance the institutions and constituencies he has served," said Alan Spoon, a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents and chairman of the search committee.

The Smithsonian, which includes the National Zoo and the National Air and Space Museum, is returning to its academic roots with the selection of Clough. The first 10 secretaries to lead the institution had academic backgrounds, most of them in the sciences.

The last secretary, businessman Lawrence Small, resigned a year ago amid an investigation into his spending. Several top officials followed him out the door.

The institution also has been criticized for its executive compensation and questionable business practices. The Smithsonian's business unit struck a controversial deal with Showtime Networks Inc. to form a joint TV venture.

Later, museum scientists clashed with administrators over political concerns on a climate-change exhibit, and the Smithsonian backtracked on a donation from the oil industry to fund an upcoming Ocean Hall.