The Big Apple has long been admired for its reputation of innovation, inclusion, and diversity, and Akeem Jamal is just the man to bring these important values to Roosevelt Island.

Akeem Jamal was appointed President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) in August 2020. With a combined background in business, public service, and politics, he was a natural fit for the role. Since joining, his mission has been to elevate Roosevelt Island as a center for innovation, creativity, and inclusion in the City of New York.

Originally from Jamaica, Jamal was raised in Brooklyn and attended Baruch College. He has worked in the field of finance as a Manager at Fidelity Investments and Vanguard Group, and he was the principal of a New York State public charter school. Most recently, he served as the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Corporation, where he was responsible for overseeing development and operations.

Upon joining the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, Akeem Jamal set a number of priority projects. These included the implementation of President Joe Biden’s climate change initiatives, such as expanding access to renewables and green energy sources, as well as instituting hiring practices to further diversity and inclusion at the organization.

He also saw the need to continue Roosevelt Island’s reputation for being a modern, tech-friendly island with the amenities and infrastructure to serve all those who come to experience it. As such, he implemented a partnership with Motorgate charging station provider for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in the south end of the island and has pushed to begin construction this year of a new pickleball court on the island, making Roosevelt Island the first home of a non-net sport court in all five New York City boroughs.

Jamal’s presence at RIOC is also beneficial to those who use the island’s services, as he has made an effort to provide quality customer service, affordability, and transparency in all RIOC operations. Furthermore, he saw the need to continue to foster local entrepreneurship and foster collaboration and modernization of services, with initiatives such as increased digital offerings of services, more online education opportunities, and new crisis response programs.

These efforts have made Jamal a leader among peers in the Manhattan power-100 and have been applauded by his predecessor as President of RIOC, Shelton J. Haynes, who appreciated the understanding and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.

As the President of RIOC, Jamal has demonstrated that he has what it takes to bring Roosevelt Island forward and to ensure that the island remains a hub of innovation, creativity, and inclusion in the City of New York.