Jane Swift

Town: Williamstown

Age: 37

Birthplace: North Adams

Occupation: Governor, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

How I would describe myself: Optimistic, intense, committed, caring, organized.

Current volunteerism, board memberships, etc.: Many honorary posts; I am looking forward to having more time to commit to non-profit causes next year.

Family: Husband, Charles Hunt; children, Elizabeth, age 4; twins Lauren and Sarah, age 1; and parents, Jack and Jean Swift

Education: Drury High School, 1983; BA, Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.; and several honorary doctorates.

Personal hero/role model: My mother.

Why is this person a hero/role model to you? I hope I will raise my children to feel as loved as hers do.

Personal achievement(s) of which you are most proud: My first election to the state Senate in 1990.

Personal quote/trademark expression: Lately, “No.”

The best advice you can give someone: Be true to yourself.

Most recent book read and author’s name: “A Hope in the Unseen,” by Ron Suskind (I highly recommend it); the book I’m reading right now: “How Jane Won,” Dr. Sylvia Rimm.

Favorite TV/radio show: We don’t watch much television; I probably watch “Monday Night Football” as much as anything (although not much past half-time), and my favorite children’s television show is a tie between “Sesame Street” and “Dora the Explorer.”

Pet peeve: Tardiness

Hobbies/Interests: Running (for distance, not speed) and reading