Like other residents of New York, Gretchen Robinson loves Roosevelt Island due to its charming environment. This hidden gem gives her a calm place away from the busy and noisy city, allowing her to relax and breathe the natural air. However, for Ms. Robinson, Roosevelt is also her workplace, and therefore she always enjoys the place.
Attorney Robinson began her career in the Queens District Attorney Office, where she worked for many years before advancing to the administrative prosecution unit. From there, she advanced to working for the state, where she joined the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). She started as the compliance and internal controls officer in 2015 and became senior counsel in 2018.
In her position, Gretchen Robinson advised on policy matters affecting Minority and Women’s Business Development (MWBD). Through her efforts, she helped increase investment in the affected sectors by inviting public benefit corporations. Part of RIOC’s mandate is to oversee the island’s growth, and with Robinson’s position, she takes the frontline in most projects.
Gretchen Robinson and her colleagues always beam with pride when they see their impact on that society. Maintaining the beauty and authenticity of Roosevelt while improving its economic status is not a small job. Over the past years, RIOC has implemented projects to build recreational facilities and upgrade existing buildings to enhance their aesthetic value. One major project was the $7 million railway transport improvement that focused on upgrading Manhattan Aerial Tramway for more safety and comfort.
Thanks to Robinson’s law career, she offers excellent assistance to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation board and especially to the CEO, Shelton Haynes. Her problem-solving skills and case handling make her everyday work more efficient and keep the whole team moving. As the general counsel, she works with her deputy and all departments to ensure RIOC adheres to the laws. All the 121 staff members get impacted by her decisions and rely on her legal expertise.
Apart from the physical building constructions and renovations, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation is also working to improve the island’s technological standards. The team received $100 million in funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies to help with the construction of the Cornell Tech Campus. With these steps, Roosevelt will continually make its mark on the map.