5. Michael Dowling

At a time when the future of health care is such a controversial issue across the nation, Michael Dowling has been a major player in the health care industry on Long Island. Since 1995, Dowling has been the face of North Shore-LIJ, a system that not only treats patients at more than a dozen hospitals but, as LI’s largest employer, provides thousands of local jobs. Dowling could rest on these laurels, but instead constantly ups the ante. Last year, he signed an agreement with the EPA to overhaul LIJ hospitals—including energy-conservation programs, solid-waste recycling and green landscaping, putting the LIJ system at the forefront of hospital sustainability. This year, Dowling plans to open a $110-million, free-standing emergency facility in Manhattan, the first in the state. And just last month, he cut the ribbon on the $50-million Katz Women’s Hospital, providing private patient rooms and advanced medical accommodations bedside.