Shelton Haynes has been the president and CEO of RIOC since March 2021. His primary role is overseeing and directing the corporation toward attaining its mission, strategies, and objectives. The corporation’s administrative functions fall under Haynes’s purview.
Upon taking this role, Haynes studied and analyzed the island’s personality and the dynamics of managing it to ensure he delivered his best. For instance, areas such as transportation were relatively unfamiliar. Many stalled projects and priorities were angling for his attention and he prioritized them.
Luckily, he was well acquainted with the daily operations of the island, having previously served as a Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). So far, Haynes has overseen the completion of the FDR Hope Memorial. Other projects like Riverwalk 8 and Riverwalk 9 are progressing to completion. Haynes believes that the completion will be instrumental in job creation, new housing, and the general aesthetics of the island.
The East River encircles Roosevelt Island within Manhattan’s borough. The island was previously known as Blackwell Island when it hosted an asylum, smallpox hospitals, a workhouse, and a prison. At that time, the 19 acres stretch was undeveloped. The narrative changed in 1973 when the island was renamed in honor of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd US president.
Under RIOC’s stewardship, the island has been undergoing a makeover since 1997, becoming an urban hot spot. Refurbishing the island has helped exhibit the stories and experiences it presents more vividly. For instance, renovating the Blackwell House unveiled in 2020 has helped preserve the island’s treasures, archives, and records. Haynes notes that construction on the island is booming, indicating a rekindled interest.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation is a state-run agency entrusted with managing Roosevelt Island. The agency was created in 1984 and has been developing the island and managing its infrastructure, operations, logistics, transport, and safety. RIOC collaborated with Related Companies and Hudson Companies to transform this island by repainting, rebranding, and refurbishing. Bringing the island to life has boosted its economy and made it an important tourist attraction site. Shelton Haynes is committed to ensuring many New Yorkers visit the island.