BRITTA GROSS

Director of global energy systems and infrastructure commercialization, General Motors

Chosen because: The market for the Chevrolet Volt and other plug-in vehicles depends on the development of public infrastructure. At GM, that job falls to Gross, 51, who has worked with regulators, utilities and auto industry peers to develop common standards that allow for convenient charging options.

Quote: "We've got the largest partnership probably in the world of any automaker collaborating with utilities and regulators to make sure they were prepared. Our goal was: Let's eliminate every excuse and get to the point where Americans want to adopt this technology."