25. Jerry Laricchiuta

The head of Nassau’s largest labor union once again proved true to his reputation as a tough-as-nails negotiator this year, as a worsening economy and $130 million-plus budget gap had Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi threatening mass layoffs for the county workforce and a 7-percent pay cut. Laricchiuta, who had already negotiated a new contract with binding arbitration and secured raises for his members (no small feat), stuck to his guns through grueling negotiations and emerged with no layoffs, no pay cuts, and fewer concessions than Suozzi had sought. Laricchiuta made history four years ago when he beat an incumbent for the presidency. The very vocal and highly visible defender of his members continues to make history.