John Rogers, Jr. Ariel Investments Chairman and CEO

Barack Obama's election in 2008 brought the center of influence in the nation's politics to Chicago. As the CEO of the most prominent black-owned mutual fund firm in Chicago, Rogers' standing had to be on the rise. It does not hurt that he also is the organizer of the president's pick-up game and is one of the few who can boast beating Michael Jordan in a game of one-on-one.

While Rogers' funds have suffered through the market collapse of 2008 and the firm is smaller than it previously was, his own influence has grown. Last month Obama tapped Rogers for advice on the best approach to protect and promote financial literacy and economic empowerment in American households. 

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