On Saturday, multiple sources confirmed that 15-year employee Erica Spencer-EL is no longer working for the state agency. Initial reports say she was fired, but that is not confirmed.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Erica Spencer-EL and RIOC Divorce
A prominent figure at RIOC through several administrations, Spencer-EL was instrumental in numerous public initiatives. Most recently, she led the reorganization of the Youth Center. But before that, she was engaged in art projects, including Fall for Arts and Motorgate Gallery where she teamed with RIVAA.
Spencer-EL has served as Director of Programing and Partnerships, responsible for community relations and more. She set up a diverse online presence and formulated a concept for branding and marketing the state agency.
Why?
We seldom learn why anyone leaves – or is hired by, for that matter – RIOC. But controversy has swirled in the past year as a string of high-profile departures rocked the agency. In Spencer-EL’s case, it was rumored that she, along with others, fell out of favor with President/CEO Shelton J. Haynes as he consolidated support of loyalists. The divisions and power struggles within RIOC sharpened.
In a photo taken at RIOC’s September 11th ceremony, last year, the body language told a story. Haynes arrived, walking past Spencer-EL without acknowledging her.
There is more to this story than meets the eye, but full details may never come out. We will be watching though. With RIOC in a chaotic state of change, more departures and arrivals are likely.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Roosevelt Island Weekly Recap: Community Life, Local News, and Everyday ConnectionsOur Roosevelt Island weekly recap covers local news, community events, and the threads of daily life connecting neighbors on and off the island.
- Queens News Highlights and Roosevelt Island Community ConnectionsExplore the week’s Queens news highlights and Roosevelt Island community connections, from public safety to housing, historic places, and local events.
- How Queens News Shapes Life on Roosevelt Island This WeekExplore how Queens news shapes life on Roosevelt Island, from major fire responses to local court cases and housing initiatives, reflecting the rhythms and routines of our shared city life.
- Queens Community Updates: Transit Projects, Public Safety, and Neighborhood EffortsQueens community updates including transit projects, public safety developments, and neighborhood efforts, with special relevance for Roosevelt Island residents.
- How Roosevelt Island Responds to Change and Challenge Across the East RiverExplore how Roosevelt Island responds to change and challenge across the East River, reflecting on community adaptation, safety, transit, civic life, and neighborhood rhythms.
A Different Kind of Bet
For years, Roosevelt Island did not behave like a system constrained by limits. Internally, the budget was often treated less as a boundary and more as a reservoir to be used.
5 COMMENTS