Karen Montell is a Democratic state representative from Gardiner, Maine, currently serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives. She has represented Maine's 54th House District, which encompasses Farmingdale and Gardiner in Kennebec County, since being elected in November 2022 and assuming office on December 7, 2022.

Montell is a lifelong Gardiner resident and has been actively involved in her community through various civic and educational organizations. Her involvement includes service on the Gardiner Recycling Committee, as past co-president of Gardiner Elementary PTA, Project Graduation, Temple Beth El board membership, and participation in the Kennebec-Somerset Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council. She has also served as an appointee to the Governor Advisory Board for Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment.

Education

Montell attended Barbizon Modeling, where she earned her Major Modeling Diploma in 1989.

Political Experience

Before her election to the Maine House of Representatives, Montell worked as a legislative staffer, gaining experience in state government operations. She is currently a small business owner.

In the legislature, Montell serves on the Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction over matters including the Department of Transportation, motor vehicle registration and licensing, the Maine Turnpike Authority, highway safety, public transportation, aeronautics, and the State Police. She was re-elected in 2024, defeating her Republican opponent Scott Williams.

Montell is married to Donald Brown and has two children.