Heather Ouimette

Heather Ouimette was just a child when she discovered her drive to compete and win. As the only girl among the group of kids in her neighborhood outside Mullens, WV, she played just as hard and knew she was just as good at sports as the boys.

“I always wanted to win,” says Ouimette, director of sales and catering at The Resort at Glade Springs. “Even though I didn’t every time, I was confident that I could.”

That drive and determination is part of what Ouimette credits to a successful 21-year career at the resort.

Long before her tenure began at Glade Springs, Ouimette’s first job was working as a lifeguard, first for her local YMCA and then at Lake Stephens in Raleigh County. The role deeply resonated with her. Her firm rule enforcement at the lake earned her the nickname Judge Judy—something she embraced.

“Those swimmers really disliked it when I was at the top of the slide, but safety was first and I took my job seriously,” she says.

Within the first year of working as a server and bartender at the resort while studying at Concord University, Ouimette switched her major from political science to recreation tourism management. After seven years as a server, Ouimette landed a job as retreat coordinator for Glade Springs.

“The best part of this job was that it provided me the opportunity to showcase our beautiful resort and create experiences for visitors far and wide, not only for Glade Springs, but for the state of West Virginia,” she says.

In her current role as the director of sales and catering, she has been given the opportunity to be a leader not just for the resort, but also for her dedicated team members within the sales and catering departments. Ouimette also gets to be an advocate for her community as The Resort at Glade Springs embraces and encourages community leadership and development.

“My career is a testament to the profound impact the tourism industry can have on one’s life. Over the course of two decades, I have had the privilege to immerse myself in the charm of the hospitality and tourism industry,” she says. “From creating memorable guest experiences to arranging details behind the scenes, I’ve had the privilege to contribute to Glade Springs’ legacy.”

In addition to her professional role, Ouimette volunteers for several com­munity organizations, including her current positions as a member of the boards for the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, AWAY and the West Virginia Nonprofit Association. She is also chairperson for the Governmental Affairs Committee for the Beckley-Raleigh Chamber and is a member of the tourism working group for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Her love of service is deeply rooted in her beliefs about what makes a good community and a vibrant West Virginia.

“I have a firm belief that by fostering unity and a dedicated spirit of service, we can empower our West Virginia communities to grow and prosper,” she says. “I am committed to taking the lead to ensure my generation paves a way for future generations to possess a community-focused mindset for the future of West Virginia.”

For Ouimette, West Virginia isn’t just her home, it’s her identity, spirit and heritage.

“Being a part of West Virginia’s tourism industry is what inspires me at work and it’s why I choose to live and work in West Virginia,” she says.