Shelton J. Haynes and Gretchen Robinson are no longer with RIOC. The Board thanks them and will seek new leadership, while interim management is in place.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Today, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board of Directors issued the following statement:
As of Monday, November 25th, Shelton Haynes and Gretchen Robinson are no longer employed with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. The Board thanks them for their service to the Roosevelt Island community and wishes them the very best in their future endeavors. The Board will immediately begin an executive search for new leadership. In the interim, RIOC will continue to be led by Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dhruvika Amin, Acting Chief Operating Officer Mary Cunneen, and Associate General Counsel Lada Stasko until replacements for the CEO and General Counsel positions are secured.
Removing Haynes and Robinson
Sources tell us that RIOC‘s board have reached an agreement removing Haynes and Robinson from their executive positions. We have confirmed that this move has not changed the status of their civil lawsuit charging RIOC and New York State with racial discrimination.
Both individuals have been on paid suspension for the past year. Board member Howard Polivy collected a number of employee grievances over six months in 2023. He convinced the full board that the pair had created a hostile work environment. There are no known other official complaints against either party.
Lawsuits and employee dismissals preceded the suspensions. However, these were not credible enough to justify firing either Haynes or Robinson. RIOC being a shadow operation controlled by Governor Hochul’s Executive Chamber, the full story will not likely ever become public.
Potential Replacements
Several people connected with RIOC are now considered viable candidates for Chief Executive Officer.
- Gerrald Ellis served admirably as the leading member of the initial “interim leadership,” following Haynes’s suspension. Well liked and a real estate lawyer by trade, Ellis would be well-received by the community. He left RIOC for other employment in July but has been openly interested in returning.
- Before running into conflicts with Haynes, CFO John O’Reilly oversaw large chunks of RIOC’s management responsibilities. He brought in millions by retooling finances during his tenure. Like Ellis, he was well-liked by the community and could slip easily into the boss’s chair.
- Rumors swirled that Howard Polivy himself wanted the job. That, though, would draw ethical questions. Any leadership qualities for such an assignment are unknown.
For Chief Counsel
- Associate General Counsel Lada Stasko has impressed with handling a vastly increased workload. She’s smart and decidedly ethical.
- If not CEO, Gerrald Ellis has every credential for the job. He previously served as Deputy Chief Counsel. He possesses the necessary talent and skill. He showed it during his time with RIOC. Plus, he’s a local guy who lives in Astoria and has a thorough grounding in and admiration for Roosevelt Island.
- Arthur Eliav also presents a viable option. He served as a longtime Associate Counsel with RIOC. He served well until he ran into conflicts with Haynes and Robinson.
This is a breaking story. We will share details as they arise.
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