Sarah M. Thompson is the Manager of Development for Animal Planet.

In her current role, Sarah conceptualizes and creates programs for the Animal Planet network, including series, stunts, specials and other programming initiatives. Most recently, she developed Off the Hook, which returns for a second season this summer, and Treehouse Masters, which premieres on May 31. Sarah also developed the series Confessions: Animal Hoarding which ran for three seasons and was a breakthrough hit among women aged 25-54.

Sarah helped develop the two hour film, Mermaids: The Body Found which tallied nearly 2 million viewers for its premiere last spring, making it the most-watched telecast since the Steve Irwin memorial special in September 2006.

Prior to being promoted to Manager, Sarah worked for Animal Planet as a Development Coordinator. She started her career with Discovery in the summer of 2007 as a Development Assistant, splitting her time between Animal Planet and Discovery Kids.

Sarah graduated from Lafayette College, as an English major with a Theatre Concentration and a French Minor. Originally from New Canaan, Connecticut, she currently lives in Manhattan.

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One