Ga. Tech Head Picked to Lead Smithsonian

Cristian Samper, a biologist who was director of the National Museum of Natural History, has been serving as acting secretary. In the past year, Samper began reforming the Smithsonian's business practices and executive travel policies with the Board of Regents.

Museum curators and researchers had complained Small was too focused on money rather than the Smithsonian's educational mission. Small was to earn $915,698 last year in total compensation more than double what he earned during his first year as secretary in 2000.

An audit last year by the Smithsonian's inspector general found that Small charged the institution more than $1.1 million for agreeing to use his home for official functions. The housing expenses included $273,000 for housekeeping, $2,535 to clean a chandelier and $12,000 for service on his backyard swimming pool.

Meanwhile, as executive compensation grew under Small, the Smithsonian carried a hefty $2.5 billion backlog on facilities maintenance.

The Smithsonian is heavily dependent on taxpayer funds, receiving 70 percent of its $1.1 billion annual budget from Congress.