REUBEN MUNGER

CEO, Bright Automotive Inc.

Chosen because: Munger, 37, is co-founder of Bright, which was formed in 2008 to bring green-tech automotive solutions to market. Its first concept vehicle is the IDEA plug-in hybrid electric van, which Bright engineers say they developed in less than 12 months. General Motors invested $5 million in Bright in 2010, which gives GM access to Bright's technology. The cash infusion was needed; in December 2008, Bright applied for a Department of Energy loan to start production of the IDEA. The loan has not come through, and start of the IDEA has been postponed until 2013.

Quote: "To achieve President Obama's economic and security goals, the Energy Department needs to become more aggressive."