1. Michael Dowling

Long Island’s medical mogul started humbly in County Limerick, and there’s still a touch of Irish brogue on his tongue that becomes especially noticeable when he’s talking excitedly about his expansion plans for Northwell Health, formerly North Shore-LIJ Health System, which he joined in 1995. Under his visionary leadership, it’s grown to be the 14th largest health system in the nation, and the largest private employer in New York State, with some 61,000 employees, 21 hospitals, and annual revenue of $8 billion. From his headquarters in Manhasset, Dowling oversees a vast empire that stretches from Suffolk County to Westchester, from New Jersey to Connecticut. It includes the innovative Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, the world-renowned Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, an extensive ambulance transport system, and even an affordable health insurance company. The prognosis is looking very good.