David Skorton

WASHINGTON — The Smithsonian Board of Regents on Monday named Cornell University President Dr. David Skorton to lead the world’s largest museum and research complex in the nation’s capital.

Skorton, who is a cardiologist, will replace Secretary Wayne Clough, who plans to retire at the end of the year. Skorton is set to start in July 2015 and board members are looking at options for filling the post in the interim.

The 64-year-old Skorton will be the first physician to lead the organization and its 13th secretary since 1846. For much of its history, the Smithsonian has been led by scientists. It is made up of 19 museums based primarily on the National Mall, the National Zoo and nine research facilities around the world.

“Becoming a part of the Smithsonian is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead an institution that is at the heart of the country’s cultural, artistic, historical and scientific life,” Skorton said in a statement. “I am eager to work with the leaders of Washington’s art, science and cultural centers to emphasize the critical importance of these disciplines.”

Skorton has led Cornell since 2006. Skorton previously served as president of the University of Iowa for three years, where he was a faculty member for 26 years.

At the Smithsonian, Skorton will be paid a salary of $795,000 — far more than the current secretary. The board set the salary based on comparisons with public universities, nonprofits, museums and cultural organizations, said Smithsonian spokesman Linda St. Thomas. Clough’s current salary is $542,000.

The Smithsonian includes several of the world’s most popular museums that draw millions of visitors each year, including the National Air and Space Museum.