20. John Adam Kanas

As head of North Fork Bancorporation, Inc., Kanas has tremendous power over thousands of employees, depositors, investors and, of course, borrowers—particularly small businesses. So far, this born-and-bred LI boy has been able to deliver: The bank’s return on equity is excellent, and he hasn’t had to lay off workers or close branches. In fact, the company is expanding aggressively into NJ and NYC. LOVE HIM for helping provide the green oil that greases the wheels of LI’s businesses. FEAR for your account at Chase.