Wright State University Foundation welcomes three new trustees

Jim Odenweller

The Wright State University Foundation appointed three new trustees to its board.

Jim Odenweller serves as the fleet and facilities manager for AES Ohio and AES Indiana. With more than a decade of experience in the electric utility sector, he has led major infrastructure transformation projects across Ohio and Indiana, including the Transmission and Distribution Operations Center at MacGregor Park. A U.S. Navy veteran and two-time Wright State graduate, Odenweller lives in Vandalia with his wife, Jessica, and their four children.

Iwona F. Goodrich is a graduate student at Wright State University and serves as vice president of public relations for the College of Graduate Programs and Honors Studies. She is a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board and the Health and Wellness Committee and brings a strong passion for student advocacy and leadership.

Eimaan Virani is a public health major and the vice president of Wright State Student Government. She is deeply engaged in student leadership, advocacy and strategic campus initiatives, and brings a unique undergraduate perspective to the board.

Iwona F. Goodrich

“We are honored to welcome Jim, Iwona and Eimaan to the Wright State University Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Scott Rash, president and CEO of the Wright State University Foundation. “We appreciate their willingness to serve and know they will provide tremendous support to the Foundation, the university, and our students.”

With the arrival of the new trustees, the foundation also recognizes the conclusion of Dave Deptula’s term of service. Deptula will transition to the role of emeritus trustee.

“We are incredibly thankful to Dave for his years of dedicated service,” said Rash. “His leadership and vision as chair of the foundation helped shape our strategic direction, and his championing of the Students First Fund will have a lasting impact on generations of Wright State students, faculty and staff. While Dave is stepping away from his formal board duties, he will continue to serve as a valued ambassador for the Foundation and the university as an emeritus trustee.”

Eimaan Virani

The Wright State University Foundation supports Wright State’s mission by securing and managing private support for scholarships, programs and strategic initiatives. The foundation has played a vital role in advancing student success and academic excellence through donor engagement and stewardship.

More recently, it has expanded its efforts to include major initiatives such as the Emergence Center, an innovation and workforce development hub, and University Connect, a digital platform designed to streamline engagement between industry and academic partners. These initiatives reflect the foundation’s evolving role in shaping the future of higher education and regional collaboration.