By Diana Sochor

The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton has announced that Jodi Sampey has been named the new chairwoman of the Federation’s annual Campaign, succeeding longtime Chairwoman Marilyn Bell.
“I am so grateful for the many years of hard work Marilyn Bell put into the Federation Campaign. She has honestly had a huge positive impact on our community. Her legacy will be felt for many years,” said Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Federation. “I am delighted that Jodi has agreed to be the new Campaign chair. She genuinely cares about the Jewish community and is enthusiastic and compassionate. I hope everyone will join me in welcoming her in this new role.” 
In an e-mail interview, Sampey noted, “I lived here for my first 18 years and then moved back from Niagara Falls, NY, in 1999. My daughter and I have been involved with Temple Concord since 2010. Growing up, my family were members of the JCC and always subscribed to The Reporter. I enjoy expanding my knowledge of Judaism at all the local synagogues and Chabad. I met my husband, Ilya Stein, at the Chabad Passover seder in 2014. I have always had a warm welcome throughout the Binghamton Jewish community.”
Sampey, a retired social worker, said, “I was flattered and surprised to be asked [to chair the Campaign], and will do my best to do a good job.” She said she agreed to chair the Federation’s Campaign because “I want to participate and give back to the Greater Binghamton Jewish community that has given me so much. My parents raised me to always give back and make the community better. Now that I am retired, I have the time and energy to participate in the Jewish community. I know that raising these essential funds is going to have a positive impact.”
Sampey says she feels it is important for community members to support the Federation’s Campaign, “because the Federation offers something for everybody in a variety of ways. All generations and needs. Federation is very generous to the entire community and that appeals to me. It supports the JCC, Jewish Family Service, The Reporter and all the local Jewish organizations.”