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America's Best Leaders 2009 Get to know more about each person who made this year's list.
Ben Bernanke
Federal Reserve Chairman Since the economy tanked, Bernanke has been one of the most visible faces of monetary policy.
Cory Booker
Mayor Since Booker became mayor, the murder rate in Newark, N.J., has fallen by a third.
John Chambers
CEO The CEO of Cisco Systems has led one of the biggest comebacks of modern times.
Yvon Chouinard
Environmentalist and CEO Since 1985, Chouinard's Patagonia has donated 1 percent of sales to environmental groups.
John Doerr
Venture Capitalist Doerr is directing his power and money toward tackling global warming.
Cheryl Dorsey
Activist Dorsey helps young social entrepreneurs make their visions of change a reality.
Eve Ensler
Playwright and Activist Ensler's Vagina Monologues acts in conjunction with efforts to stop violence against women.
Norman Francis
College President The president of Xavier University of Louisiana helped his school withstand Hurricane Katrina.
Orrin Hatch
U.S. Senator Hatch works to pass bipartisan legislation without compromising his core principles.
Susan Hockfield
College President MIT's president challenges faculty and students to solve great technological challenges.
Ted Kennedy
U.S. Senator (1932-2009) Kennedy made sure compromise was more than a slogan and got others to follow suit.
Bill and Kathy Magee
Philanthropists The Magees founded Operation Smile, a group that helps children with facial deformities.
Greg Mortenson
Philanthropist Mortenson is furthering the cause of education, particularly for girls, in unstable countries.
Ray Odierno
U.S. General The commander of U.S. forces in Iraq has been key in leading troops through harm's way.
Eboo Patel
Activist Patel is the founder of a national movement promoting interfaith religious cooperation.
Sally Ride
Astronaut and Advocate The first American woman in space is inspiring girls to pursue an interest in math and science.
David Robinson
Philanthropist and Former NBA Star One of the causes that attracts the longtime philanthropist's greatest passion is education.
Judith Rodin
Foundation President The president of the Rockefeller Foundation is challenging the lines of thinking about charity.
Senior Noncommissioned Officers
Military These soldiers are taking on increasing levels of responsibility in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Jim Sinegal
CEO Pushing low prices and taking excellent care of his employees sets the Costco CEO apart.
Twyla Tharp
Choreographer and Dancer Tharp's unique style, tough work ethic, and high standards keep her in the spotlight.
PHOTO CREDITS: Ben Bernanke: Charlie Archambault for USN≀ Cory Booker: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters; John Chambers: David McNew/Getty; Yvan Chouinard: Matt Slaby/Luceo for USN≀ John Doerr: Jim Young/Reuters; Cheryl Dorsey: Tony Deifell; Eve Ensler: Ulf Andersen/Getty; Norman Francis: Bill Haber/AP; Orrin Hatch: Brett Ziegler for USN≀ Susan Hockfield: Josh Reynolds/AP; Ted Kennedy: Jim Lo Scalzo for USN≀ Bill & Kathy Magee: Jeffrey MacMillan for USN≀ Greg Mortenson: Courtesy Central Asia Institute; Ray Odierno: Charles Dharapak/AP; Eboo Patel: Nubar Alexanian; Sally Ride: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP; David Robinson: Jim Rogash/Getty; Judith Rodin: Ramin Talaie/Corbis; Senior Noncommissioned Officers: David Furst/AFP; Jim Sinegal: Jeffrey MacMillan for USN≀ Twyla Tharp: Brendan Hoffman/Getty
