Rob Briggs  +
President, GAR Foundation
Briggs became chairman of the Knight Foundation board in March, which translates to more influence nationwide and in Akron, where the foundation is heavily invested in organizations such as the Austen BioInnovation Institute and the University Park Alliance.

Brad Whitehead  -
President, Fund for Our Economic Future 
The Cleveland Foundation’s decision to cut off grants to the future fund slashed Whitehead’s budget by a third. But he’s staying in the game by remaining visible, continuing innovative projects such as EfficientGovNow and talking up Cleveland’s network of business-support groups in Time.

Frank Sullivan  +
CEO and chairman, RPM International Inc.
After eight years as CEO and two as chairman, Sullivan’s influence stretches from Medina, RPM’s hometown, to Cleveland, where he’s on the Rock Hall and Greater Cleveland Partnership boards and vice chair of the Cleveland Foundation. He’s recognized as a leader in his industry, coatings and sealants manufacturing. People often turn to him for sound advice.

Daniel Troy  -
Lake County commissioner
Troy squeaked back into office with less than 51 percent of the vote this fall, almost upset by a challenger riding the Republican wave and needling him for taking contributions from Jimmy Dimora. But he’s still the most vocal, high-profile politician in Lake County, and the county commission’s recent 2-1 vote to join the Lake Erie wind turbine project shows Troy can still be a pivotal figure.

Jay Williams  +
mayor, Youngstown   
Williams is reportedly a candidate for the Obama administration’s auto czar job, which would give the Mahoning Valley new clout in Washington. It’s a reminder of the 39-year-old mayor’s national alliances and profile.

Anthony Cafaro Jr.  ±
co-president, The Cafaro Co.
The Cafaro shopping empire heir started the year with a promotion to company co-president. A year later, his father is fighting a corruption indictment, and his uncle has pleaded guilty to making a false statement about a campaign contribution. Now, the 35-year-old Cafaro, a respected civic leader active in the chamber of commerce, has the task of rebuilding the family name.

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