17. Alfonse D’Amato

With a long history of public service in Nassau County and a distinguished, 18-year career under his belt as a member of the U.S. Senate, Alfonse D’Amato has built a vast network of local, state, national and international movers and shakers to call upon, who represent a wide and diverse range of industries and interests. As founder and managing director of powerhouse lobbying firm Park Strategies, the lifelong Republican utilizes these relationships to get things done for a wealth of clients spanning the telecommunications, transportation, healthcare, finance, defense, energy, real estate and tech sectors, among many others. He’s not afraid to cross party lines, or stand up for what he believes in, either—whether with cameo appearances at Nassau GOP election night galas to rail against the local media, or his headline-grabbing attempt this January to lead passengers in a walkout on a long-delayed JetBlue flight. (He was unceremoniously escorted off.) Respected, sought after, and in some circles, revered—D’Amato, through Park Strategies, continues to wield significant influence, in both politics and business, and always speaks his mind.