What Are You Working On, Shirley Baker?

Ever wonder what exciting new projects the many employees at NARA are working on? The “What are You Working On?” blog feature aims to introduce a variety of NARA employees and highlight some of the exciting projects we are working on around the agency. Check for this blog series on Wednesdays!

Continuing our series-within-a-series on getting the George W. Bush Presidential Library up and running, we’ll turn to the library’s administrative officer, Shirley Baker, who was the first member of the library staff on site.

What is your name and title? 

Shirley Baker, Administrative Officer

Where is your job located? 

The George W. Bush Presidential Library (temporary site in Lewisville, TX)

What is your job in a nutshell? 

I handle the local budget for our library, personnel issues, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for the lease contract and the guard contract, purchasing, and a variety of other administrative duties.  I also serve as the acting facility manager for our building since we are in the process of hiring one.

What are you working on right now?  (Why is it cool/why does it matter?) 

With the new FY just beginning, I am busy with purchases for the library.  Also, we are planning our move to our permanent building (in about a year), so we are preparing for that.  It’s really neat to see the new building going up and we look forward to moving in.

How long have you been at NARA? 

Since 1999.  I have worked at the library since July 2008.

Have you worked at any other NARA location?

Yes, the Southwest FRC in Fort Worth, TX

What has changed since you started at NARA? 

At least two reorganizations, so the office symbols keep changing!

Do you have a favorite day at NARA, or a favorite discovery or accomplishment? 

I have two – the day I met First Lady Laura Bush and the day I met President Bush.

What are your passions or interests outside of work? 

Horses.  I love riding and caring for mine.  I live on a small ranch so I also have cattle, dogs, cats, ducks, a donkey, and just about any other stray that shows up!  I like photography too, so I have lots of pictures of all my animals.  I’m also a certified scuba diver.

What is the last book you read, or the last book you loved? 

Decision Points by President Bush and Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin