FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESIDENT & CEO SHELTON J. HAYNES APPOINTS AKEEM H. JAMAL AS ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS OF ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION
ROOSEVELT ISLAND, NY – October 20, 2022 – President & CEO Shelton J. Haynes today announced the appointment of Akeem H. Jamal as Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s Assistant Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs.
“Akeem has proven to be an invaluable asset to the City of Yonkers, demonstrating the necessary poise and talent we need to uplift Roosevelt Island’s public profile within the city, state, and nationwide,” said President & CEO Shelton J. Haynes. “With Akeem’s transformative ideas for the Island, it will quickly become a destination for people everywhere to come to explore and uncover the hidden gem that is Roosevelt Island. I look forward to his fresh new perspective to lead the Communications team and act as a senior advisor working alongside me to continue the historic progress already made to date.”
Jamal brings years of government experience to Roosevelt Island, most recently as Deputy Communications Director at the City of Yonkers – New York State’s third-largest City. There, Jamal oversaw a robust team and acted as a senior advisor to Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, served as a city’s spokesperson, created and led new initiatives, organized high-level events for the Office of the Mayor, worked with City, State, and County officials all while spearheading major initiatives.
“In his short time here, Akeem has proven that he has the commitment, eagerness, and necessary level of expertise needed to get the job done,” stated Vice President & General Counsel Gretchen Robinson. “Bringing his wealth of experience in local government to Roosevelt Island is a breath of fresh air. I welcome Akeem to the executive team and look forward to working with him to continue the progress we have made to make Roosevelt Island a shining star of New York State.”
“It is both an honor and a privilege to step into a new role working for the State under the Roosevelt Island Board of Directors, and of course, President & CEO Shelton J. Haynes,” said Assistant Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs Akeem H. Jamal. “I am grateful for the incredible opportunity to work with a dynamic team to elevate Roosevelt Island’s public profile to the national stage while working to achieve measurable results in increasing tourism and protecting the quality of life enjoyed by the Island residents.”
Over the years, Jamal has been a passionate public servant. He was instrumental in a number of initiatives for Mayor Spano’s Administration, including Census 2020, a campaign aimed to increase participation in the 2020 Census, highlighting the critical need to count every person. He was part of the successful team that moved Yonkers from the fourth to the third largest city in New York State. Jamal also played a critical role in Ban The Barges, an advocacy campaign opposing a proposal by the Maritime Association to establish barge anchorage sites on the Hudson River from Yonkers to Kingston. In addition, Jamal was instrumental in Mayor Spano’s agenda for the Rebuild Yonkers Schools campaign, which raised awareness of the $2 billion plan. The campaign has attracted the attention of the New York State Legislature and led to the funding of three new Public Schools.
Jamal is very much a part of the community – volunteering his time and efforts to a number of causes. Throughout his career, he acted as a strong advocate for the Muslim community, serving as the City of Yonkers’ liaison on the Muslim American Advisory Council of Yonkers. He advocated for the observance of the Muslim holidays in the Yonkers Public Schools. Jamal was
appointed to the Yonkers Police Reform Committee, which sought to build police-community relations and came up with several inclusive reforms. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at Richmond Community Services, an organization that supports children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve the highest quality of life through individualized services, life-enhancing strategies, and advocacy. Jamal is an active member of the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC), which is dedicated to advocating, promoting, and recognizing excellence in government communication.
Jamal graduated Cum Laude from Pace University Lubin School of Business holding a Master of Business Administration and is a proud graduate from Fordham University holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications & Media Studies.
About Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC): The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) was created in 1984 by the State of New York as a public benefit corporation with a mission to plan, design, develop, operate, and maintain Roosevelt Island. With a focus on innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, RIOC is committed to providing services that enhance the island's residential community. RIOC manages the two-mile-long island's roads, parks, buildings, a sports facility, and public transportation, including the iconic aerial tramway. Additionally, RIOC operates a Public Safety Department that helps maintain a safe and secure environment for residents, employees, business owners, and visitors.