Background: A native Mainer, I am a familiar face in Augusta where I have served as chief of staff to Maine’s first female speaker of the House Elizabeth H. Mitchell and worked as chief of staff or special assistant for three speakers of the Maine House of Representatives.

Most recently I worked for Public Affairs Group, a public relations company that specializes in government relations, public relations and crisis communications.

Past work in tourism: I have organized events throughout the country, including Nashville, San Diego, Orlando, Oklahoma City and in Quebec. I have participated in gubernatorial trade missions to Hong Kong and Taiwan for Northwest Airlines.

Most looking forward to: There is a great deal of expertise and experience in the MOT staff, their contractors, the Maine Tourism Commission, as well as the industry associations like the Maine Restaurant Association, Maine Innkeepers Association and Maine Tourism Association. I am looking forward to tapping into the incredible pool of knowledge … I will be a “cheerleader” for the industry, encouraging entrepreneurialism, collaboration, and investments.

Biggest anticipated obstacle: Maine is not only competing against our neighboring states and provinces, but against tourism destinations nationally and worldwide, such as Disney World, Club Med, Vail, Europe, even Asia and Africa. We need to be out there in the marketplace with a consistent brand and message, consistently driving home the message that Maine offers an authentic vacation experience with many interesting things to see and do.

Favorite spot in Maine: Peaks Island