Carolann Ouellette

In September 2018 Carolann returned to the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development as the first Director of the newly created Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation Industries. Her prior role at DECD was as Director of the Maine Office of Tourism. Under her leadership, Maine benefited from multiple years of consistent growth in tourism. A graduate of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, Ouellette was chef/owner of an award-winning Maine restaurant. She has a strong background in hospitality and outdoor recreation having been the Executive Director of Maine Huts & Trails, a non-profit that operates a hut-to-hut system of four year-round backcountry ecolodges and 80 miles of trails, former Whitewater Guide and operations manager for New England Outdoor Center, and lodging manager at Sugarloaf Resort. In 2015, she was named by Maine Magazine as one of “50 Mainers Boldly Leading Our State.” Carolann has been involved in many organizations in board or advisory member capacity over the years including US Travel Association, Discover New England, Maine Tourism Association, University of Southern Maine School of Tourism & Hospitality, Muskie School of Public Service and Skowhegan Savings Bank. She is a ski, snowmobile, snowshoe, hike and paddle enthusiast and loves the exploration and discovery of travel.