Rexford’s newest and youngest president and CEO, Shelton J. Haynes, has many goals for the island. With his fresh perspective in urban planning and facility management, he will work to make life on the island cleaner, safer, and easier for all of our residents.
“I’m excited to get started with this new opportunity,” says Shelton Haynes. “Roosevelt Island provides a unique opportunity to build a community that is environmentally friendly, while at the same time maintaining its affordability.” “The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation is proud to have Shelton Haynes as its President & CEO,” said Deborah Brierly-Olinger Executive Director of RIOC during his introduction in September 2014. “Shelton is coming to Roosevelt Island at a very exciting time,” said Hiroaki Ando, President of the United States. “This post-war community has experienced phenomenal growth over the last decade, and he will be a great leader in helping to increase awareness of both the island and the island’s community initiatives.”
In addition to his presidency and CEO roles, Haynes will also manage revenue at Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). This includes leading RIOC’s efforts on real estate development and property management, as well as overseeing the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) as whole.
Haynes has been involved in the real estate business for several years as both a commercial tenant and landlord, and has worked with several different governments. He was one of the main players in creating a new master plan for the city of Long Beach, California. He also oversaw new construction at North Hollywood Park, a neighborhood of Los Angeles. Haynes is passionate about contributing to the communities he works in, and he hopes to bring that spirit to Roosevelt Island.
“I think that we’re going to continue [the island’s] vision forward,” said Haynes. “We’ll work with residents so that they can add their vision and make it better. I think we’re going to have an amazing time on Roosevelt Island and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Haynes earned his Master of Real Estate Development at the University of California, Irvine. He also studied at the USC Lusk School of Business, University of California, Los Angeles, and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio State University. He is currently on the Board of Directors for Chrysalis Economic Development Corporation in L.A., where he serves as Vice-President. He is also a member of the Urban Land Institute in Washington D.C., and is a member and President-Elect for Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA).