Sharon Otterman
About Sharon Otterman
Sharon Otterman is a seasoned Metro Reporter at The New York Times, where she has worked since 2008. With a background in international affairs and media development, she has held various positions in journalism and has received recognition for her impactful reporting.
Work at The New York Times
Sharon Otterman has been a Metro Reporter at The New York Times since 2008. In this role, she covers various local news stories and issues affecting the metropolitan area. Her tenure at the publication spans over 16 years, during which she has contributed to significant reporting and storytelling that informs the public on critical urban matters.
Previous Experience in Journalism
Prior to her role at The New York Times, Sharon Otterman held various positions in journalism. She worked as a Reporter at The Riverdale Press from 1995 to 1998 and at The Evening Journal Association / Jersey Journal from 1997 to 1998. She served as Managing Editor at The Slovak Spectator in 1999 and as a Correspondent for United Press International from 2002 to 2003. Additionally, she was the Associate Director at the Council on Foreign Relations from 2003 to 2005.
Education and Expertise
Sharon Otterman studied at Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. She furthered her education at Columbia University, obtaining a Master's in International Affairs from the School of International and Public Affairs. Her academic background supports her expertise in journalism, particularly in international and public affairs.
Achievements in Reporting
Sharon Otterman has received recognition for her impactful reporting. In 2013, she won a Polk Award for Justice Reporting for her work that exposed a pattern of wrongful convictions in Brooklyn. Her investigative efforts led to the reopening of 70 convictions and the exoneration of several wrongfully convicted individuals. Additionally, in 2018, she conducted exclusive interviews with victims of Father Theodore E. McCarrick, contributing to significant discussions and reforms within the Roman Catholic Church.
International Experience and Contributions
Sharon Otterman has substantial international experience, having lived in Egypt as a Fulbright Scholar and Research Fellow from 2005 to 2007. During her time in Cairo, she focused on writing articles about women, Islam, and political reform. She also directed a media development program for the U.S. State Department in Kosovo, where she worked as a Media Officer for USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives in 2000.