Melanie Byrd currently holds the title of Production Manager at Scripps Networks Interactive. Over the last 16 years she has supervised a variety of studio and field productions including Chopped, Iron Chef America, Emeril Life, Next Food Network Star and 30 Minute Meals. Byrd is responsible for creating and implementing successful production strategies for dozens of projects, budget generation and tracking, vendor management, as well as overseeing all technical, location and talent needs while managing crews of up to 150. She’s passionate about creating and maintaining synergetic environments that delivery productions in a timely and cost-effective fashion.
Prior to joining Scripps Networks Interactive, Byrd worked on numerous entertainment projects and sporting events. Her career began at North East Pennsylvania (NEP) overseeing various projects for PBS, A&E, NBC and Columbia Tri-Star including Shining Time Station, The Ricki Lake Show and Sunday Night with David Sanborn. Later she worked in Las Vegas for the MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas Convention Center, Caesar’s Entertainment Corporation and Don King Productions on various projects and live events. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech and theatre and a master’s of science in television programming from the City University of New York. In her spare time, Byrd enjoys practicing Inyengar Yoga, volunteering and cooking for family and friends.