About Us

Senior Staff

  • George C. Gervais, Commissioner
  • Deb Neuman, Deputy Commissioner
  • Carolann Ouellette, Director of Tourism and Film
  • Denise Garland, Deputy Commissioner

Economic and community development is defined as the process of enhancing labor, capital and technology to improve the economy and our global competitiveness.

DECD is the umbrella organization for business development, community development, tourism & film, innovation, and international trade for the state of Maine. The department is dedicated to positioning Maine for growth in a global economy, while maintaining the quality of life that Maine is known for. We do this through investments focused on our natural and intellectual assets and with accountability for how these investments are serving the citizens of Maine.

Economic development in Maine must be realized through increased productivity and competitiveness. We face challenges such as changing demographics, increasing energy costs and the diversification of our economy from one reliant on traditional natural resource and manufacturing-based industries to a knowledge-based economy where all sectors embrace innovation as a competitive advantage.

Specifically, DECD

  • Strengthens Maine’s communities by driving sustainable economic growth and creating quality jobs at the local and regional levels.
  • Supports existing and new businesses in Maine with targeted incentives and technical assistance, including innovation and international trade.
  • Promotes Maine businesses including tourism and film.