Shelton Haynes is the current President and CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). RIOC is a public benefit corporation created by the New York State Legislature in 1984 to manage the daily operations of Roosevelt Island, a two-mile long island in the East River between Manhattan and Queens.
As the head of RIOC, Shelton Haynes is responsible for overseeing the administration, operations, and planning of the island’s transportation, infrastructure, and public facilities. He is also responsible for ensuring that the island’s unique character and history are preserved and enhanced.
Haynes is a highly experienced executive with a diverse background in both public and private sectors. Before joining RIOC, he served as the Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings, where he was responsible for managing the department’s regulatory and enforcement operations. Prior to that, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the New York City Housing Authority, overseeing the administration and operations of the largest public housing authority in the country.
Haynes has also held senior positions in the private sector, including as the Chief Operating Officer of several technology and financial services companies. He has a deep understanding of how to manage complex organizations and has a proven track record of driving operational excellence and achieving results.
Under Haynes’ leadership, RIOC has undertaken several major initiatives to improve the island’s infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for its residents. These include the renovation of the island’s tramway and the construction of a new ferry terminal, which has greatly improved transportation access to and from the island. RIOC has also launched several new programs and events to promote community engagement and enhance the island’s cultural offerings.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation CEO is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He has a strong commitment to public service and is dedicated to ensuring that Roosevelt Island continues to thrive as a vibrant and inclusive community.