Shelton J. Haynes, President and CEO

Shelton J. Haynes is the CEO and President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) and has held that title full-time since March 2021. In this position, Shelton Haynes works closely with the RIOC Board of Directors to ensure that the goals and objectives of the Corporation are fulfilled, allowing the Board to function effectively as a governing body.

As is the case for all CEOs, Shelton Haynes’ main responsibility is leading RIOC toward achieving its short-term and long-term goals and ensuring the corporation stays true to its philosophy and stated mission. Mr. Haynes is also responsible for ensuring all executive and administrative functions are properly executed and that the day-to-day functions of Roosevelt Island run smoothly.

Under the leadership of Shelton Haynes, Roosevelt Island has reemerged as a hidden gem previously lost in the shadow of the Big Apple. Mr. Haynes has overseen improvements to numerous parts of Roosevelt Island, including renovating the Blackwell House, Southpoint Park Shoreline restoration, replacing the Seawall Railing, renovating the Roosevelt Island Youth Center, renovating the Sportspark Complex, dedicating the FDR Hope Memorial, completing the Tram Elevator Project, and securing funding for the Riverwalk Building 9 project, to name a few.

Mr. Haynes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Hampton University and shortly thereafter began his career in government with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development. 

Mr. Haynes is focused on projects and initiatives that directly impact the Roosevelt Island community and is focused on making Roosevelt Island one of the safest communities in New York City.

Before his time with RIOC, Mr. Haynes served as Chief Operating Officer at the Housing Authority of DeKalb County in Georgia, where he oversaw all agency operations, strategic and operational initiatives, and the executive management team.