2. Stuart Rabinowitz
2009 Power List
Since taking control over one of Long Island’s premier educational institutions in 2000, Rabinowitz has put the school on a trajectory to be recognized nationwide. In 2008, Rabinowitz upped the ante when Hofstra hosted the final debate between Sen. John McCain and now-President Barack Obama. It was a spectacle unlike any LI has ever seen, with thousands of media representatives from every corner of the globe traveling to Hempstead Turnpike for the historic face-off. By the end of the day, Hofstra was the place where Joe the Plumber became a political pawn, and the university has already been mentioned as a possible host for a debate in 2012. When you bring that kind of juice to LI, you get the power. Rabinowitz delivered, big time. In addition, Hofstra is starting a medical school, too. These are big things for the school, and pulling the strings at every turn is Rabinowitz.