America's Best Leaders 2009: Who Do YOU Think They Should Be?

"America's Best Leaders" is a collaboration between U.S.News & World Report and the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The honorees were selected by a committee of academic, government, business, community, and nonprofit leaders convened by the center.  The committee focused on three criteria:

• SETS DIRECTION (25 percent): By building a shared sense of purpose; by setting out to have a positive impact on their industry and society at large; by implementing innovative strategies and practices.
• ACHIEVES RESULTS (50 percent): Of significant depth and breadth; that have a positive social impact; that are sustainable; that exceed expectations.
• CULTIVATES A CULTURE OF GROWTH (25 percent): By communicating and embodying positive core values; by inspiring others to lead.

This year, the list was interesting, to say the least.  Twenty-one persons were chosen, and you can see a list and a slide show of all of their stories at http://www.usnews.com/listings/best-leaders.

Who do YOU think qualifies as a "Best" American leader?