Shelton Haynes is the CEO of Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, which manages Roosevelt Island’s many borough-operated institutions and oversees the island’s efforts to promote tourism, sustainability, and quality of life.
In addition to his role with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, Shelton is a member of the board of directors for New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC), and year-round charter school PS 70.
Before joining RIC, Shelton Haynes served as special assistant to Rudy Washington, the deputy director for the Obama White House field operations. He was responsible for developing and overseeing intergovernmental strategies and outreach efforts nationwide with federal, state, and local governments.
Recent work includes promoting Roosevelt Island as a destination for international conferences and delegations. He worked with Governor Cuomo’s office on developing New York State’s first new library in nearly three decades – The Queens Library at The Queens Museum of Art – a project that will bring thousands of jobs to Roosevelt Island.
Shelton Haynes is a Harvard Kennedy School of Government graduate with a BA in Public Policy with a concentration in International Affairs from Brandeis University.
In 2015, Shelton received President Obama’s highest honor as an appointee to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.
Before joining RIC, Shelton served as special assistant to Rudy Washington, the deputy director for field operations in the Obama White House. He was responsible for developing and overseeing intergovernmental strategies and outreach efforts nationwide with federal, state, and local governments.
While at the White House, Shelton worked on several projects, including coordinating international meetings and travel with the National Security Council, developing and implementing a public-private partnership with healthcare industries, and working with local government officials to develop strategies to revitalize neighborhoods around the country.
Shelton also served as deputy director of programs during his stint at the White House. He oversaw all intergovernmental affairs, community outreach, and constituent services in this capacity. During his tenure, Shelton and his colleagues raised over $4 billion through fund-raising programs for various initiatives, including the President’s Challenge, the White House Youth Summit, and AmeriCorps.
Shelton worked as a political analyst for CNN from 2001 to 2003. He served as an intern at the United States Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs from 1990-1991 and as a clerk at the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces from 1991 to 1992.