11. Tom DiNapoli

In today’s political climate, the phrase “career politician” is the kiss of death—unless, of course, you’re New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Quiet, loyal and unassuming, DiNapoli has enjoyed a remarkable career as an elected official. Elected to his local school board as a teenager, DiNapoli dug in to a career in public service and never looked back. While most politicians run against the “establishment” and struggle to paint themselves as outsiders, DiNapoli assiduously goes about the business of managing the financial concerns of the state. That’s not to say he’s an “insider.” In fact, he might be the furthest thing from it where New York politics are concerned. After taking over the seat tarnished by Alan Hevesi, DiNapoli re-established a deep trust with the public by maintaining his independence. In just a few short years, he’s on his third governor and has weathered the storm from above and from within his own party.