Barbara Raye
Barbara Raye is originally from Marion, South Carolina and serves as a Lieutenant at Paragon Systems Security at the NIH Bethesda Campus. In her role, she serves as a supervisor working to ensure that her fellow security officers have the support and leadership needed to maintain a safe and secure campus environment.
Barbara's favorite aspect of her role is being able to interact with everyone on the campus. She loves the campus visits from children and relishes in the peace of mind she experiences while in her role. For Barbara, it is fulfilling to know that she contributes to an organization that aims to improve society and introduce new elements of innovation. She initially worked during the night shift but now enjoys the day shift because it gives her an opportunity to meet more people. Getting to know visitors and employees from various backgrounds, places and experiences has been a rewarding experience for Barbara.
"I can come to work and have peace of mind. My team is great, we learn from each other every day. I don't let my title stop me from building great relationships. I work with the officers; we work together as a team."
Barbara loves her family and is most proud of her two children, her Godchildren and her niece. She also has 3 dogs.
If Barbara wasn't working at the NIH, she'd become a nurse for the Navy. Helping people and serving as a resource is what she's passionate about. In her free time, Barbara likes to relax at home, shop and cook as well as watch shark movies and anything from Animal Planet. She also enjoys listening to "Oldies but goodies" when it comes to music.
Gary Shorts
Gary Shorts works as a lead driver for the Transportation Department in the Division of Veterinary Services. He's originally from Prince George's County, Maryland and attended Morgan State University. In this role, he schedules animal transports throughout the NIH, both on and off the Bethesda campus as well as throughout the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.
What makes Gary proud in his role is the luxury of witnessing DVR Transportation evolve into the organization that it has become today.
Working with the NHLBI team has been Gary's favorite project with NIH. Getting to scan in the animals while collaborating with different vendors is the highlight of Gary's day. When it comes to ORS, it's the people that makes Gary's job enjoyable. Getting to meet and interact with many different people while working with many groups is his highlight.
Gary has an interest in computers and would be working in IT if he were to choose another career path. He also takes nighttime photography of architectural buildings as a hobby.
"I spent a lot of time in foster care as a kid and after foster care I was homeless. And so, every day that I wake up, God reminds me where I've been and where I've come and that's motivates me to become a better version of myself."
Jose Juarez
Jose Juarez is originally from El Salvador and has worked with the NIH for 20 years. In his role with Events Management, Jose supervises special events on the campus like NIH conferences. He supports with setups and makes sure event spaces are up to par.
He first learned about the NIH while working for the Secret Service.
"While in that contract I was told there was another opportunity here in NIH. I was asked if I could help, and I came to the NIH and I like it!"
His favorite project has been supporting a campus event attended by the President. To be a part of something so pivotal is a shining moment of his tenure with the NIH. His motivation comes from knowing that, at the end of each day, he's made a positive difference and he's done his job effectively.
When he has free time, he likes to enjoy it with his family and loved ones. He's also an avid supporter of St. Jude's Hospital. He believes it's up to the adults to ensure that the next generation of children are supported and in good care.
