Burbank, CA -- Nickelodeon has named Jill Sanford Vice President of Animation Development, Nickelodeon Group.  Sanford will be responsible for all aspects of development from concept to pilot, including all creative and production.  The announcement was made by Jenna Boyd, Senior Vice President of Animation Development, Nickelodeon Group, to whom Sanford will report.

“Jill’s creative expertise and proven track record of overseeing animated hits makes her a terrific addition to the Nickelodeon animation team,” said Jenna Boyd, Senior Vice President of Animation Development, Nickelodeon Group.  “Her keen eye for identifying unique ideas and talent will be a huge asset as we continue to grow our hit Nick animation brand.”

In her new role, Sanford will research and develop show ideas, will oversee scripts, creative, legal, casting and staffing for pilots.  Additionally, she will help oversee the comedy shorts program and partner with our short form development team to find and shepherd the next generation of animated hits.  

Prior to joining Nickelodeon, Sanford held several positions during her nine year tenure at The Walt Disney Company, where she most recently served as the Director of Original Series for Disney Television Animation.  She was the lead current series executive for Disney Channel’s animation series Phineas and Ferb, Fish Hooks and other projects in development.  Prior to moving to Disney Television Animation in 2008, Sanford worked in both development and current series for live-action and animated series for Disney Channel.  She also held positions at Fox Sports Net and commercial production company, Hungry Man.

Sanford earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Literature and Culture from the University of California Los Angeles.  She was also named to Multichannel News’ list of “40 under 40” in 2011.

Source: Nickelodeon