Sharon Otterman
This program focuses on bringing successful alumni of our communications program to campus for a three-day residency. During this time, they visit or lecture in classes, teach master classes, provide a public lecture, and participate in various social functions involving students, faculty, and staff.
Sharon Otterman '91
Vice President, Media Strategist
ESPN
February 7-9, 2005
Sharon Otterman joined ESPN in May 2003 as the company's first-ever media strategist. In her role as vice president of media strategy, Otterman focuses her skills and experience in media research, strategy, and planning to further develop ESPN's ability to evaluate the efficacy of the media -- owned and bought. She is responsible for broadcast promotions, media planning, and return on marketing investment for ESPN and its networks.
Prior to joining ESPN, Otterman was vice president and director of media for Modem Media, where she helped Fortune 500 clients plan and execute digital marketing programs and partnerships. For more than seven years Otterman's innovative approach to developing marketing strategies helped Modem's clients attain first-mover status. Some examples of her out-of-the-box thinking include buying the first advertisement online, assisting in the first Russian newspaper online, and developing the first industry contracts. Otterman's method for developing new media vehicles has been recognized in industry publications. Also, as chairperson of the American Association of Advertising Agencies, she has helped set new industry standards.
Prior to joining Modem, Otterman was with Ogilvy and Mather, where she was one of the original members of Ogilvy's nontraditional media department. During her four-year tenure at Ogilvy, Otterman helped develop the first interactive marketing programs for IBM, lead the AT&T Out of Home Agency of Record, and created sports marketing programs for American Express and Sears.
Otterman currently serves on the board of the Traffic Audit Bureau. She graduated cum laude from Ithaca College with a bachelor of science degree and is also a 2002 graduate of the Executive MBA Program at New York University.