Breaking Roosevelt Island News - RIOC President Shelton Haynes & General Counsel Gretchen Robinson Placed On Paid Administrative Leave Pending Investigation Of "Several Employee Concerns About The RIOC Workplace"

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) sent out the following press release at 4:50 pm: 

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) Board of Directors received notice of several employee concerns about the RIOC workplace. The Board has determined that it is necessary to conduct a review of these concerns by way of an outside professional. During this review, Shelton Haynes (RIOC CEO) and Gretchen Robinson (RIOC General Counsel) will be placed on administrative paid leave.

During this period of review, the day-to-day operations of RIOC will be overseen by an interim leadership team that includes Dhruvika Patel Amin (RIOC’s Chief Financial Officer & Vice President) and Gerrald Ellis (RIOC’s Assistant Vice President & Deputy General Counsel). In addition, RIOC Board member and Audit Committee Chair, Howard Polivy, will serve as a dedicated Board member liaison and will provide additional support to the interim leadership. No further comments about this matter will be made by the RIOC Board until the review is completed. We thank all of our RIOC staff for your full cooperation and support during this period of time.

Shelton Haynes, Gretchen Robinson (Standing), RIOC Chair Ruthanne Visnauskas at 11/14/23 Board Meeting

NY State Senator Liz Krueger, who represents Roosevelt Island adds:

I respect the decision of the RIOC Board, which exists to look after the wellbeing of Roosevelt Island. Now, we must await the conclusion of the investigation. The Board has access to information and details to which I am not privy. However, I do know that RIOC is a public benefit corporation, and it is the responsibility of each of its employees, from top to bottom, as public servants, to act in the best interest of the community. I will continue to do all I can to assure RIOC functions as it should, particularly during this challenging time.

More info from earlier today. 

This is a developing story. Stay tune for updates.