Heather Ouimette
Director of Sales & Catering , The Resort at Glade Springs
LORI KERSEY TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
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
Ouimette visits the iconic Oglebay Mansion Museum .
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 com -
munity 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 . •
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ?
food :
My mom ’ s chicken pot pie
animal :
Hummingbird
smell :
Lemons and lavender
car :
Volkswagen Beetle
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