Aida Morales is the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Chief of Staff. She attended the City University of New York-Herbert H. Lehman College and graduated with a BBA.
Before her time at RIOC, she worked at Bilingual Care Inc as an Administrative Assistant from September 2011 to June 2018. She joined RIOC in September 2021, where she first worked as an Executive Assistant until November 2018. She then became the Chief of Staff in September 2021, a position she holds till now.
Throughout her time at Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, Aida Morales has participated in numerous projects to improve and maintain the island’s infrastructure and the residents’ quality of life.
One of the main projects Aida Morales has been involved in is renovating an 18th-century home on the island, which they completed in 2020. Built in 1976, the Blackwell House is historic and the oldest building on the island. After the renovations, the house was converted into a museum, holding the island’s essential archives, records, and historical artifacts.
The $2.9 million renovations included installing new stairs, doors, trimmings, ceilings, HVAC systems, plus an ADA-compliant access ramp.
In addition to RIOC, the City of New York and City Council member Ben Kallos’ office contributed to the project’s funding. They hope the renovations will increase the revival of the island’s urban core.
In 2021, RIOC also opened a rapid Covid-19 testing center at 524 Main Street, previously a branch of the New York Public Library.
The testing center was dedicated to offering free Covid-19 tests to residents, offering results between 15 minutes and 24 hours, depending on the patient volume. The tests also didn’t require insurance, and residents could walk in for tests or sign up in advance.
The testing center ran in collaboration with Swift Energy Care testing and developer Hudson Companies.
Another important project involving Aida Morales was restoring the iconic lighthouse tower. Designed by James Renwick and constructed in 1872, the lighthouse has been an essential historical feature on Roosevelt Island.
However, it deteriorated over time, destroying its beauty and becoming a danger to people who visited it. Even after initial restoration attempts in the 1940s, it was still not in the best condition.
The exterior and interior restorations done by RIOC in 2022 included railing restoration, spiral staircase replacement, masonry restoration, concrete platform, and bracket repairs.