SHAWNEE — The Board of Directors for Avedis Foundation has elected Rev. Josh L. Trimble to lead the Foundation’s board as its chair.
Trimble joined the Avedis Foundation Board of Directors in 2018, contributing to the Foundation’s mission to improve health, wellness, and quality of life throughout Pottawatomie County and its surrounding communities.
“Josh brings a powerful combination of leadership experience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to the service of others,” said Avedis Foundation President and CEO Dr. Kathy Laster. “We’re excited to work alongside Josh as he leads the Board and helps guide the Foundation into its next chapter of impact.”
Trimble is the Vice President of Stewardship and Advancement for the Butterfield Foundation, where he oversees private equity ventures, philanthropic partnerships, and ministry opportunities. During his career, he has held leadership roles in higher education, advancement, and philanthropy, including serving as Executive Vice President and Chief of Foundation Management at Bethany Children’s Health Center and as Director of Development and Assistant Dean of Students at Oklahoma Baptist University.
An ordained Baptist minister, Trimble holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and an MBA from Southwest Baptist University. He is a graduate of Salt and Light Leadership Training (Class 20), the First United Bank Leadership Academy, and is a Leadership Oklahoma Lifetime Member (Class 37). He is actively involved in the community as a civic volunteer, youth flag football coach, and mentor. Trimble has also served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards, including Shawnee Forward Inc., Spoken Gospel, Southwest Baptist University, and Langston University’s College of Business. In 2025, he was appointed by Governor J. Kevin Stitt to serve on the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs Board of Directors.
Trimble succeeds Jill Spencer, whose two-year term as board chair concluded June 30. Like Trimble, Spencer has served on the Avedis Foundation board since 2018 and will continue serving as a member.
“Jill has led our board with wisdom and enthusiasm,” Dr. Laster said. “Her tireless leadership has helped strengthen the Foundation’s impact and expand its initiatives. We are grateful for her ongoing service on the Board.”
“I am honored by the Board’s decision to elect me to serve as board chair,” Trimble said. “I’m surrounded by an exceptional class of leaders, including outgoing board chair Jill Spencer, who embraced every opportunity to improve the lives of others in this role. My priority as board chair is to honor that legacy while leading the board in advancing Avedis’ vision and mission..”
Trimble said he hopes the Foundation continues to be known not only for the grants it awards, but also for the meaningful partnerships it builds and the innovation it encourages.
“”I believe our greatest impact is achieved when we bring people together to improve the lives of others,” he said. “Working together, we can solve complex challenges, strengthen community resources, and enhance quality of life for our neighbors, our families, and generations to come,” he said. “We will continue this important work.”
Trimble and his wife, Gretchen, have three children.
