Janet Ayers

Recognized across Tennessee as a business leader and philanthropist, Ayers was named president of the Ayers Foundation Trust in 2007 and is now its chairman. Under Ayers’ leadership, the nationally recognized Ayers Scholars Program expanded across Tennessee, serving students in at-risk and distressed counties. Currently the foundation provides comprehensive services to 40 high schools and five community colleges in rural areas of West, Middle and East Tennessee. 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, health care, and charitable organizations, serving on multiple boards, including for Belmont University, East Tennessee State University, ExcelinEd, and SCORE.