Shelton Haynes ‘00, Hampton Alumnus & CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, discusses his journey from being a student at Hampton University to becoming a CEO. He credits his success to the strong foundation and values instilled in him at Hampton, including a commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
Alumni Highlight: Shelton Haynes ‘00 Hampton University is known for its legacy of creating top-notch leaders and culture innovators across the globe. Today, we bring you a Hampton University Alumnus making significant moves in New York as a Senior Level Executive, Shelton J. Haynes ‘00. With roots deep in HBCU culture and two parents hailing from HBCUs, there was no doubt that Haynes would attend one for college. Haynes was first introduced to Hampton when he and his older brother went on a college tour during Haynes’ freshman year in high school. “I was enamored with the rich history, the strong sense of community, the commitment to academic excellence, and its ability to produce leaders. In his career at Hampton, Haynes began his studies initially as a Mass Media major; however, due to a lack of passion for the program and the familial pull to the community, Haynes changed his major to Sociology. Haynes credits his Hampton University professors for pushing him mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically in a holistic approach.
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While studying, Haynes began his own business as an oncampus barber in Wilder and James Hall. In those barbershop conversations, Haynes developed a strong emotional intelligence and increased networking-- all the tools necessary to make a President and CEO of a major organization. “I refer back to emotional intelligence because people did not understand that value, especially in these senior leadership roles.” Right now, Haynes serves as President & CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, and he is the only second black man to hold this position in this organization’s history. Haynes shared that he feels it is a privilege and responsibility to hold his current position. “I can walk in any room and feel comfortable. I don’t change my voice, and I don’t cower. I go into each room to provide an understanding that I belong.” When we spoke with Haynes on his listing in the 2022 and 2023 Manhattan Power 100 list, he shared that he had no idea how he made the list. “I’m the first person from my corporation who has been a part of it, to be honest. And the very real answer is without tallying ourselves, the work will show. And so, for me, just paying it forward is a big deal to me. I really love to celebrate other successes. I really took hold of what was instilled in me by bringing people up and bringing people along.” Haynes adds that young black men aspiring to be CEOs and thought leaders should establish their goals, cultivate a strong work ethic, and never underestimate the power of mentorship, networking, and embracing challenges. “You’re going to have all these things going back and forth, but really staying focused on your journey, and then it works out in the end.I promise.” As a student of his craft, Haynes believes not only is it his duty to serve the community but a calling that has led to a fulfilled life.
