About DECD

“Maine is at an exciting crossroads, transitioning from a traditional natural resource and manufacturing-based industries to a knowledge-based economy. DECD offers valuable tools to help your organization become part of that transition and is dedicated to positioning Maine for growth in a global economy while sustaining our way of life.”

- Commissioner George Gervais

Senior Staff

• George C. Gervais, Commissioner
• Denise Garland, Deputy Commissioner, Denise.Garland@maine.gov
• Brian Whitney, Director of Business Development and Innovation, Brian.Whitney@maine.gov
• Carolann Ouellette, Director of Tourism and Film, Carolann.Ouellette@maine.gov
• Deborah Johnson, Director of Community Development, deborah.johnson@maine.gov
• Laura Santini-Smith, Director of Tax Incentive Programs, Laura.Santini-Smith@maine.gov
• Janine Bisaillon-Cary, President of the Maine International Trade Center, jbcary@mitc.com
• Robert Martin, President of the Maine Technology Institute, bmartin@mainetechnology.org
• Drew Morris, Communications Director, Drew.Morris@maine.gov

Business Funding. Community Development. Tourism & Film. Maine Branding. International Trade.

At DECD, we are more than two dozen experts whose broad mission is to help communities and businesses prosper through a variety of programs providing everything from targeted tax relief to community block grants to tourism marketing. Whether your business wants to make a film here, bring a Maine-made product to market, expand an aquaculture project, or explore financing when moving a business to our state, our experienced staff can help.

DECD and its partners show companies how to benefit from millions of dollars in tax credits, reimbursements, R & D credits, capital loans, even direct investment. Every year, we help Maine communities attract jobs and grow their infrastructure with unique financing programs.