Ever binge-watched a home renovation competition on HGTV or bitten your nails over a Food Network cooking challenge? If so, you have a Vanderbilt alumna to thank. Elizabeth “Betsy” Sanner Ayala, BA’99, is the executive in charge behind many popular TV shows across the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio of networks. After joining HGTV in 2016 and advancing her career to head Food Network in 2022, she now oversees the creation, production and release of all Food Network programming and operations, while also managing the relationships with celebrity chefs such as Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay and Ina Garten.
Ayala grew up in Ohio and entered Vanderbilt as an engineering student (before transferring to the College of Arts and Science—of which she is a loyal supporter—to pursue a major in communication studies). This year marks 25 years since graduation, a milestone that is cause not only for celebration (yes, Reunion is on her calendar!), but also reflection. To assist with the latter, Ayala talked with Vanderbilt Magazine about her path to network TV prominence and her enduring appreciation for her Vanderbilt experience.
When you were a Vanderbilt student, could you have pictured where you are today?
Yes and no. I wanted a career in television from the time I was in high school, but I always thought I would be a sideline reporter. I knew Vanderbilt didn’t have a broadcast major, but when I visited, I just felt at home, and I knew I would get a great education no matter what I studied.
When I first arrived at Vanderbilt, in my opinion I was a much better math student than writer, which is one of the reasons I started in engineering. But once I transferred to A&S and started taking communication studies classes, everything changed. I credit those classes with teaching me how to write, which was the confidence boost I needed to enter this field.
“Our challenge is wanting to keep the people who love Food Network happy while standing out among the clutter to attract new audiences.”—Betsy Ayala
What’s a day in your life like? And are there any parts of the job that really challenge you?
As a mother to 11-year-old twins, my days start and end the same, as mom. Once I’m at work, the days vary. Right now, the new shows that will launch throughout the rest of the year are taking a lot of my time and attention. And I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was contributing to some stress, too, because the television industry is rapidly changing. We are in a pivotal time when revenue models and viewer habits are evolving, and we are faced with creating new series that work across multiple platforms. Our challenge is wanting to keep the people who love Food Network happy while standing out among the clutter to attract new audiences.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about your job?
I am not eating all day long. We do have a Food Network test kitchen in the building, and there’s a whole culinary team whose job it is to recipe test (and eat) all day long. I also know more about baking than I ever thought I would. It’s a shame because I don’t bake.
Looking back on your career, are there any standout moments that make you particularly proud?
Home Town Takeover is a show I helped create for HGTV. It started as a nationwide call to America looking for small towns needing help. We took on this massive project to renovate an entire town alongside Ben and Erin Napier. We knew we were going to give the town a boost, but what we didn’t know was that we were about to truly change the trajectory for the town and the people who live there. It’s rare when you work in non-scripted or reality television that you are able to walk away making a positive impact on so many people, and it’s something I will always appreciate and cherish.
What are some of the ways you enjoy staying connected to Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt was one of the most important and special times in my life—and definitely one of the most fun! College is for four years, but the friends I made there are forever. I met my best friends freshman year, and they remain my best friends today—even though we’re all spread out across the country. I think my relationship with Vanderbilt always has been strong, but it has evolved to become one of gratitude and respect. When I was at HGTV, I lived in Knoxville and had the privilege of taking my kids to Vanderbilt games. Amid so much orange, we proudly flew black and gold outside our house!
And then every chance I get to come back to campus, I take it. Although parts of campus look different today, my feeling of happiness remains the same when I walk through Sarratt or cross Alumni Lawn.
Betsy Ayala was interviewed by Lena Anthony, BS’03
