Massport of call

 

 

Anthony T. Guerriero
Title: Senior Community and Federal Relations Representative
Company: The Massachusetts Port Authority
Education: B.A. — Salem State College, M.A. — University of Massachusetts

A Revere native, 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 10 years. 

 

Four years ago, amid reports of a “Brain Drain” that was sapping the business community’s most talented workers, the Greater Boston Chamber created the Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program to identify the leaders of tomorrow and engage them in the business and civic life of our community. Every Monday, Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi has a conversation with one of the more than 200 alumni of the BFL program to introduce the region’s next generation of business leaders to Metro readers.

What is the coolest part of your job?
I truly enjoy helping people.  While my job is to help Massport advance its business mission, I am also given the opportunity to work on some great projects that have wonderful benefits in the community, such as Massport’s new 18.8 acre Bremen Street Park in East Boston.
 
If you were recruiting someone to work for you, what would be your number one selling point about the company you work for?  
Because Massport runs Logan International Airport and the Port of Boston, it is at the center of economic development in Massachusetts. So, anyone working for Massport not only can have an exciting career in transportation, the maritime industry and community partnerships, but also has a unique opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community.

What is your favorite thing about working in Boston?
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!  No other state can compare for what Massachusetts has to offer in the field of education, medicine, and the bio-medical industry.
 
Favorite place to take a client for lunch?
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!
 
If you could have any job in Boston, other than your own, what would it be and why?
I would have to say an administrator in higher education. I am a teacher by professional incarnation and love working with students. 
 
What’s the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
First, “return every call, no matter who it is.” Second, “the people you see on the way up are the same as the people you see on the way down!”  That’s very important and very real.  All you have is your reputation so you must treat everyone equally and professionally.  

How can young professionals expand their networks and increase their impact in Boston?
Get involved.  I tell my students that in life, you are either observers or participants.
 
What reading material is on your nightstand?
“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.

Tell us something we should know about you.
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.  What I have learned is that luck might play a small part, but perseverance is the key to one’s success.