Amazing people I know:
Henry McComas (Video)
Terance Tucker (Animation/Webdesign)
Samantha Larson (Illustrator)
Laurence Miller (Magician/Webdesign)
Matt Janzen (3D Modeler/Texture Artist)
Jeremy Parrish (Maya Master)
Casandra Fruge (Character Animation/ Illustration)
Linda Spain (Animation Artist)
Helen Regan (3D Modeler)
Steven Babb (Illustrator/ 3D Modeler)
Mikeal Simburger (Model/Texture Artist)
John McIntosh (3D Animator/ Motion Graphics)
David Choi (Maya Generalist)

Amazing people I'd like to know:
Kiel Figgins (3D Animator)
Scott Carroll (3D Animator)

 

Great Resources:
Animation World Network
How To Succeed In Animation
Collection of Animation Tips
Lasseter and the 12 Principles
Rigging101
Highend3D