PLATTSBURGH — The former director of legislative relations for SUNY has been appointed to the SUNY Plattsburgh University Council by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
James Campbell, a member of the SUNY Plattsburgh Class of 1976 and retired SUNY administrator, has been appointed to the council for a four-year term. His first official meeting as a member will be at the council’s annual retreat July 22 at Valcour Inn and Boathouse.
Campbell, who holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from SUNY Plattsburgh, began his career in higher education as an undergrad, serving in the Student Association as a vice president and then as president in 1975.
He was a charter member of the SUNY-wide Student Assembly and served as student representative to the College Auxiliary Services Board.
Following graduation, Campbell served as an administrative assistant to President Joseph Burke, assisting with community relations.
Campbell began his career with the state as a graduate intern with the New York State Assembly in 1978, serving as a research assistant for Assemblyman Andrew Virgilio prior to joining the staff of the State Assembly Task Force on the Disabled in 1979.
In 1980, he was appointed task force director, a position he held until 1988. He was then appointed director of legislative relations in the Office of University Relations, retiring in 2020.
Campbell had previously served on the council, having been appointed in 1985 by then-Gov. Mario Cuomo. He sat on the council until 1988 when he joined SUNY System Administration. He has received numerous civic and public service awards and has chaired local government and non-profit boards throughout his career.
A resident of Loudonville, New York, Campbell has two daughters. He was married to the late Cynthia Shenker.