Gretchen Robinson is the Vice President and General Counsel of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. This is a public benefit corporation that is a political subdivision of New York State.
The RIOC Act mandated the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation to operate, develop, and maintain the infrastructure on the island. They also implement certain activities that improve the lives of the residents.
Some of their projects include offering $150,000 grants to 13 non-profits, opening a learning lab at the island’s Sportspark, and renovating public infrastructure and structures.
Gretchen Robinson was born in Arlington, VA, and grew up in Washington, DC. She attended the University of Virginia and graduated with a BA in French and a BS in Anthropology. Later, she joined the American University Washington College of Law and earned her Juris Doctor degree.
She started her law career in the Office of the Queens District Attorney. She retained her job at the office for many years and then joined the Administrative Prosecution Unit at the Civilian Complaint Review Board, where she conducted administrative trials.
In 2015, she entered the State Government and became RIOC’s Compliance and Internal Controls Officer.
In 2018, Gretchen Robinson joined the Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development at the Empire State Development Corporation as the Senior Counsel. Her job was to advise the division on proposed legislation and policy matters that would impact the MWBE program. She was the division’s defender in administrative appeals.
She was also an advisor to other public benefit corporations and agencies around the United States regarding MWBE matters.
During an interview with Cues and Views, she said her biggest leap was shifting from criminal prosecutor to civil law and general practice. She also said her most significant recent professional development was taking the Dale Carnegie managerial training course.
As someone who values ethics, she said she always tries to treat people how she would want them to treat her. When describing a perfect business relationship, she said it should have a work ethic, mutual competency appreciation, respect, honesty, and focus on the same goals.
Besides her carrier, she loves reading, traveling, entertaining, and cooking. She, however, added that she neglected her sculpting, painting, and artistic gifts. Since her job is overwhelming, she said she relieves office stress by taking long walks, spending time with her dog, and listening to Sade.