Sprout

Sandy Wax is President and General Manager for PBS KIDS Sprout, the first 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, on demand and online for kids ages 2-5 and their parents and caregivers. Wax is responsible for Sprout's overall cross-platform programming strategy, website development and expansion, marketing and new media initiatives. Having held several senior management positions at Disney ABC Cable Networks and Discovery Communications, Wax is one of the industry's leading authorities in the children's entertainment arena.

Prior to joining PBS KIDS Sprout, Wax spent seven years at Disney ABC Cable Networks where she became the in-house expert on developmental needs, consumer trends and societal forces impacting children and families. During her tenure, she developed the Playhouse Disney curriculum which became the brand's blueprint for all programming and communications. She was instrumental in driving the company's global strategy to launch Playhouse Disney in Europe and Asia and to extend the brand into home video, retail and consumer products.

In addition to working on Disney's kids brands, Wax led efforts to evaluate the potential of new networks and initiatives at Disney. She helped launch SOAPnet in January 2000 and most recently served as Senior Vice President, Programming where she was responsible for SOAPnet's program strategy, acquisitions, scheduling and operations. Prior to Disney ABC Cable Networks, Wax spent seven years as Vice President of Corporate and New Business Research at Discovery Communications, Inc.

Honored for her achievements and influence in the cable television business, Wax was named a 2008 "Wonder Woman" by Multichannel News and Women in Cable Telecommunications, and is also one of CableWorld's "Most Powerful Women" for 2007. She also serves on the board of directors for two Philadelphia-based children's organizations: the Please Touch Museum, one of the country's leading children's museums, designed to enrich the lives of children by providing learning opportunities through play; and Cradles to Crayons, which provides essential goods and meaningful service to area children in need.

Based upon her demonstrated leadership in professional and civic activities, Wax is a member of the Greater Philadelphia region's "Forum of Executive Women" and was recently named a 2007 "Woman of Distinction" by the National Association of Women and Business Owners and the Philadelphia Business Journal. Wax holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and Masters of Business Administration from Loyola College in Baltimore. She and her husband live in Philadelphia with their two children.