History and education were top of mind for MassPort's Anthony Guerriero in today's Metro interview with Chamber CEO Paul Guzzi.

Anthony began his professional career as a legislative aide for State Senator Tom Birmingham (D-Chelsea). He became District Director in 1992 when Birmingham became Senate President, and handled all policy and constituent issues in the Senator’s district. Anthony joined Massport in 2003, and serves as the agency’s point person with the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and the community. He has also been a Senior Visiting Instructor in the History Department at Salem State College for the past ten years.

PG: What is your favorite thing about working in Boston?

AG: I love the little streets, and the overall historic theme of Boston. In addition, I believe that Boston’s great diversity is its greatest strength!  I love to people watch, and look at those that make-up our constituency in Massachusetts.  No other state can compare for what Massachusetts has to offer in the field of education, medicine, and the bio-medical industry.  Plus having the 2007 World Series Champions is a nice bonus.

PG: Favorite place to take a client for lunch?

AG: As a public employee, I am not allowed to take a client to lunch. However, I love the 21st Amendment up on Beacon Hill. A great atmosphere with terrific food!

PG: If you could have any job in Boston, other than your own, what would it be and why?

AG: Other than being the General Manager of the Red Sox, I would have to say an administrator in higher education. I am a teacher by professional incarnation and love working with students.  I was very fortunate to have had positive experiences during my years at both Salem State and UMass, and I would use my professional experience to affect change positively in an education setting.  Working with students is exciting.  It would also be exciting to work on policy that helps improve their education experience.  What is most gratifying as a teacher is witnessing a student develop both intellectually and as an adults.

PG: What reading material is on your nightstand?

AG: Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies by Jared Diamond, Eisenhower on Leadership by Alan Axelrod, and The Adams-Jefferson Letters by Lester Cappon.

PG: Tell us something we should know about you.

AG: I love to cook, but history is my passion.  I truly believe that we can learn from the past and I enjoy reading and learning about the events that have shaped our nation.  When you read a good biography about a person you admire, you slowly come to realize that they are human too, that they have struggled but have succeeded.  What I have learned is that luck might play a small part, but perseverance is the key to one’s success.

Read the full interview here.