Carolann Ouellette

In 2018 Carolann became the Director of the newly created Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation at the Department of Economic & Community Development.  The focus of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation is to leverage Maine’s assets and outdoor recreation heritage to grow the outdoor recreation economy and build Maine’s outdoor recreation brand as part of a coordinated effort with partners from the public and private sectors.  

Previously at DECD, she served as Director of the Maine Office of Tourism. A graduate of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, she has a strong background in hospitality and outdoor recreation having been chef/owner of an award-winning Maine restaurant; the Executive Director of Maine Huts & Trails, a non-profit that operates a hut-to-hut system of 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 served as board or advisory committee member of US Travel Association, Discover New England and Maine Tourism Association; and currently serves in similar capacities with the Maine Sports Commission, University of Southern Maine’s School of Tourism & Hospitality, and the Confluence of States.  She is a ski, snowmobile, hike and paddle enthusiast who loves the exploration and discovery of travel.