Shelton Haynes

Shelton Haynes is the CEO and president of Roosevelt Island. He became the CEO in March 2021 after serving as interim president since June 2020. Haynes has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Hampton University. He has previously worked as the chief operating officer and manager, turning around underperforming departments. Thanks to Haynes’s transformative leadership, Roosevelt Island’s annual capital program has grown to 19.6 million from 4.5 million.

Haynes’s success in Roosevelt Island is also evident in his completion of several projects started during earlier RIOC management. These include the FDR Hope Memorial Hospital. He believes the Island is unique and presents a lucrative investment venture for small business traders.

Roosevelt Island

The Island, representing historical significance and geographical uniqueness, stretches across midtown Manhattan in New York. Its original name was Minnehannock, meaning “nice island.” It was also known by other names, including Blackwell’s Island, Mannings Island, and Welfare Island, before being named after Franklin Roosevelt to commemorate the American president.

Roosevelt Island is home to 12,000 people and has parks, open fields, restaurants, businesses, sports facilities, and iconic landmarks which attract visitors. The Island is accessible via ferry, Roosevelt Island bridge, subway, and commuter tramway.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC)

The public benefit agency was established in 1984 as a local government. The entity’s overarching goal was to plan, outline, develop, utilize and service Roosevelt Island. Since 1997, the corporation has been committed to providing innovative and eco-friendly fixes and services to enhance the lives of the Island’s residents. The corporation achieves this through reinvigorating dynamic retail, mixed-income rental, institutional housing, condominium, and open spaces.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation also oversees a Public Safety Department to ensure safety and security for visitors, traders, residents and employees. RIOC has partnered with entities like The Hudson Companies to help design and construct on the Island. New York’s history is well preserved, thanks to this agency.