Professional Headshot of Janet Ayers

Janet Ayers

President, Ayers Foundation Trust

Ayers has served as president of the Ayers Foundation Trust since 2007. Under her leadership, the nationally recognized Ayers Scholars Program has expanded to 33 high schools across 21 of Tennessee’s most at-risk and distressed counties. This work has helped nearly 20,000 rural students remove barriers to accessing a quality education and earning a degree or credential that can lead to a rewarding career and a more prosperous life. Ayers shifted her expertise to education and workforce development after a career in healthcare administration. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health care administration from East Tennessee State University and spent 20 years managing, leading, and providing care for some of East Tennessee’s most vulnerable patients. Ayers actively supports and helps guide numerous civic, educational, healthcare, and charitable organizations, serving on multiple boards, including for Belmont University, East Tennessee State University, SCORE, ExcelinEd, and Unicoi County Economic Development.