Long Island Press Power List 2007

It’s never an easy process. Whenever the staff of the Press gathers to discuss the upcoming Power List, you can bet there will be fireworks.

And why not? This Island of ours is filled with power players. Some wield their swords, gavels or pens right here on LI, while others ply their trades in other regions and lay their heads on their pillows between our shores.

The names that are initially kicked around for consideration range from the obvious to the bizarre. The phones ring with publicists pitching their clients. We tell them that’s not how it’s done. Personal calls are made by people trying to get a hint of who might be named. We tell then that’s not how it’s done. After many long-winded meetings, a flurry of e-mails and one-on-one discussions, a draft is submitted and reviewed. Then the fun really begins.

Index cards with nominees names are placed on a conference table, and the project becomes more like the world’s most difficult jigsaw puzzle than anything else. From that process comes an almost-final ranking, which is again kicked around and debated until, at long last, the list is complete.

One thing is certain: while the 50 on this list no doubt are movers and shakers, it is virtually impossible to name every person that has influence on the Island. In the end, though, the Press strives to have all walks of life represented, from the dedicated teacher to the hedge fund billionaire. They are the ambassadors for their colleagues, and the people that make LI great.

Last year #43

Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA) President/
Nassau County PBA President