44. Theresa Rizzuto

Rizzuto knows what it takes to keep an airport moving. In 1992, she started her career as a baggage handler at Kennedy Airport. But her abilities helped her leapfrog through several managerial positions there. It all led to her heading to Newark Liberty International, to become the general manager and command a staff of hundreds. Now, not only is she back on LI, but she holds a serious gig. Heading up Islip MacArthur is no joke. Up to 80 flights per day come in and out of the terminals, traveling to and from destinations all over the country. The largest carrier at Islip, Southwest Airlines, is still on the grow. And with the Federal Aviation Administration hoping to divert flights from Metro New York’s already overburdened major airports, Rizutto is poised to become even more powerful in the industry as Islip MacArthur takes flight.