Her passion for the outdoors is what drew Carolann Ouellette to Maine, where hiking trails, canoe trips, and campsites abound. Now Ouellette is the director of the Maine Office of Tourism and her job is to inspire others to follow in her footsteps, whether for a visit or to live. “The work I do is a natural extension of why I live here—telling the story to others, expressing the deep sense of being that is Maine—its uniqueness and the special people and places that make it such a great state,” says Ouellette. Ouellette has always been an active participant in her community. She has served on numerous boards throughout the state, including Kennebec Valley Tourism Council, Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, and U.S. Travel Association, and is the former chair of the Maine Tourism Association Board. She is currently the board chair of Discover New England. Ouellette clearly understands what it means to build a healthy tourism environment; in 2014 the industry had an impact of $8 billion in the state. In 2004, Ouellette was presented with the Maine Tourism Association Hall of Fame Award.