Shelton Haynes Leads Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation to Success
Shelton Haynes is the President and CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), a state-run agency that oversees the day-to-day operations of Roosevelt Island, a unique community located in the heart of New York City’s East River. Under Haynes’ leadership, RIOC has achieved many notable successes, including the recent finalization of the Riverwalk neighborhood with developers.
Haynes is no stranger to success. With over 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors, he has a proven track record of leading organizations to achieve their goals. Before joining RIOC in 2018, Haynes served as the Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Department of Finance. He oversaw the agency’s operations and managed over $1 billion budget.
At RIOC, Haynes has focused on improving Roosevelt Island residents’ and visitors’ quality of life. He has led several initiatives to enhance the island’s infrastructure, including completing the new Cornell Tech campus and renovating the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Haynes has also worked to foster a sense of community on the island, hosting events and activities that bring residents together.
One of Haynes’ most significant achievements at RIOC has been finalizing the Riverwalk neighborhood with developers. Riverwalk is a mixed-use development that includes residential and commercial spaces and public amenities such as parks and waterfront access. The project has been in the works for over a decade, and Haynes played a key role in bringing it to fruition.
In a recent interview with City & State New York, Haynes discussed his vision for the future of Roosevelt Island. He emphasized the island’s unique character and potential to become a model for sustainable urban living. “Roosevelt Island is a hidden gem, nestled between Queens and Manhattan,” he said. “I believe it can be a showcase for how to create a sustainable, livable community in an urban environment.”
Overall, Shelton Haynes’ leadership has been instrumental in the success of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. With his focus on community-building and infrastructure improvement, he has helped to make Roosevelt Island a vibrant and thriving community. Haynes’ vision and leadership will undoubtedly play a key role in its future success as the island continues to evolve.